Wilhelm Stähler

Heinrich Wilhelm "Willi" Stähler (23 September 1923 – 27 August 1978) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant 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. During his career he flew 1100 missions.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "1100"
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (20 March 1943)
 * 1st Class (12 May 1943)
 * German Cross in Gold on 12 December 1943 as Leutnant in the 9./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 20 July 1944 as Leutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 7./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"
 * 812th Oak Leaves on 28 March 1945 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 7./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"