Wilhelm Messer

Wilhelm Messer (19 April 1917 – 5 April 2008) was a highly decorated Leutnant 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

 * Aviator badge
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (20 April 1942)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (28 January 1943)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 12 March 1945 as Leutnant and pilot and in 11./Transportgeschwader 2