Hans-Henning Freiherr von Beust

Hans-Henning Freiherr von Beust (17 April 1913 – 27 March 1991)  was a highly decorated Oberst 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. Hans-Henning Freiherr von Beust was captured by American troops in May 1945 and was released in June 1947. He later joined the Bundeswehr in 1957 and retired in 1971.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords (6 June 1939)
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (16 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (23 June 1940)
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (24 October 1940)
 * German Cross in Gold (10 May 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 17 September 1941 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of III. / Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke"
 * 336th Oak Leaves on 25 November 1943 as Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 27 "Boelcke"