Erwin Fischer

Erwin Fischer (14 August 1912 – 10 December 1996) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Erwin Fischer was captured by British troops in May 1945 and was released in August 1945.

Awards and decorations

 * Aviator badge
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (18 September 1939)
 * 1st Class (23 July 1940)
 * German Cross in Gold on 26 February 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 1.(F)/Aufklärungs-Gruppe 121
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 21 April 1941 as Oberleutnant and pilot in the 1.(F)/Aufklärungs-Gruppe 121
 * 191st Oak Leaves on 8 February 1943 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 1./Fernaufklärungs-Gruppe 121