Hans Kolbow

Hans Kolbow (8 January 1914 – 17 July 1941) 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 17 July 1941 Hans Kolbow was hit by Soviet flak near Stara Bychow. He managed to bale out, but was to low for his parachute and plunged to his death. During his career he was credited with 27 victories, 14 on the Eastern Front and 13 on the Western Front. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 27 July 1941.

Awards

 * Aviator badge
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1941 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 6./Jagdgeschwader 51