Allegiance Nazi Germany Name Erich Handke Rank Oberfeldwebel | Years of service ?–1945 Service/branch Luftwaffe Unit Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 | |
Battles/wars World War II
Defense of the Reich Died November 11, 1987, Neckargemund, Germany Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Battles and wars Defence of the Reich, World War II | ||
Erich Handke (2 November 1920 – 11 November 1987) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career he participated in 129 missions as a radio operator. He served as a radio operator with Feldwebel Georg Kraft, Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, and Major Martin Drewes all who were decorated with the Oak Leaves or higher. With Kraft, who was shot down and killed in action by Wing Commander Bob Braham on the night of 17/18 August 1943, he had claimed 14 aerial victories.