Hendrik Stahl

Updated on Oct 12, 2024

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Years of service 1939–45 1956–59 Died January 25, 2004		Name Hendrik Stahl Service/branch Luftwaffe

Allegiance Nazi Germany West Germany Rank Hauptmann (Wehrmacht) Major (Bundeswehr) Battles/wars World War II Battle of Britain Invasion of Yugoslavia Battle of Crete Operation Barbarossa Battle of Moscow Battle of Stalingrad Battle of Kursk Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Battles and wars Battle of Britain, Invasion of Yugoslavia Unit Sturzkampfgeschwader 2, Schlachtgeschwader 2

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

Flugzeugfuhrerabzeichen

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 on 2 December 1941 as Leutnant in the 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2

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 Staffelkapitan of the 8./Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann"

References

Hendrik Stahl Wikipedia

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