Ernst-Erich Hirschfeld

Ernst-Erich Hirschfeld (25 August 1918 – 28 July 1944) was a German Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. On 28 July 1944, Ernst-Erich Hirschfeld died after his parachute failed to open after he bailed out from his damaged Messerschmitt Bf 109. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 24 October 1944. During his career he was credited with 24 aerial victories, 23 on the Western Front and 1 on the Eastern Front.

Awards

 * Aviator badge
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (15 April 1944)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (10 September 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 24 October 1944 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 5./Jagdgeschwader 300