Emil Badorrek

Emil Badorrek (6 May 1910 – 26 December 1944) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Emil Badorrek was shot down on 26 December 1944 over Kraków, Poland.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (22 December 1941)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (4 May 1941)
 * 1st Class (18 July 1941)
 * German Cross in Gold on 14 April 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 4.(F)/Aufklärungsgruppe 11
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 22 November 1943 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 4./Fernaufklärungsgruppe 11
 * 652nd Oak Leaves on 18 November 1944 as Major and Staffelkapitän of the 4./Fernaufklärungsgruppe 11