Paul Claas

Paul Claas (12 December 1908 – 20 June 1943) was a highly decorated Major 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. Paul Claas was killed on 20 June 1943 after a water landing in the Sea of Azov.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
 * in Bronze
 * in Silver
 * in Gold
 * in Gold with Pennant
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (22 May 1941)
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class (9 September 1940)
 * 1st Class (28 September 1940)
 * German Cross in Gold on 24 November 1941 as Hauptmann in the 2./Kampfgeschwader 28
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 March 1943 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 100