Helmut Mahlke

Helmut Mahlke (27 August 1913 – 26 December 1998) was a highly decorated Oberstleutnant in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen (19 December 1936)
 * Sudetenland Medal (20 August 1939)
 * Memel Medal (19 December 1939)
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (16 April 1940)
 * 1st Class (21 June 1940)
 * Wound Badge (1939)
 * in Silver
 * Eastern Front Medal (15 June 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 16 July 1941 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1
 * German Cross in Gold on 31 March 1944 as Major im Generalstab (in the General Staff) in Luftflotte 6