Joachim Blechschmidt

Joachim Blechschmidt (28 December 1912 – 13 July 1943) 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 13 July 1943, Blechschmidt was last seen exiting his aircraft after being shot down near Orel behind enemy lines. He was posthumously promoted to Oberstleutnant

Awards

 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (4 February 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 17 March 1943 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of I./Zerstörergeschwader 1