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.[Notes 1]
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1Knight's Cross with StG 2, Oak Leaves with SG 2. 2Knight's Cross with StG 1. 3Oak Leaves with SG 3. 4Swords with SG 1. 5Knight's Cross, Oak Leaves and Swords with StG 2, Diamonds and Golden Oak Leaves with SG 2. 6Knight's Cross with SG 1.
Nazi Germany