Hendrik Stahl

Hendrik Stahl (24 July 1921 – 25 January 2004) 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. Hendrik Stahl was captured by British troops in May 1945. In 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr, serving until 1959. During his career he flew 1200+ missions and was credited with the destruction of 100+ tanks and armoured vehicles. Within 18 months he destroyed 66 tanks, 74 trucks, 25 anti-aircraft and artillery positions, 4 volley guns and 4 bridges.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "1200"
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (20 October 1941)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (8 May 1941)
 * 1st Class (31 July 1941)
 * German Cross in Gold (2 December 1941)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
 * Knight's Cross on 16 November 1942 as Hauptmann and pilot in the 8. / Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 “Immelmann”
 * 506th Oak Leaves on 24 June 1944 as Major and Staffelkapitän of the 8./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"