Wilhelm Gänsler

Updated on Jan 03, 2024

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Allegiance Nazi Germany Rank Oberfeldwebel		Years of service 1938–45 Service/branch Luftwaffe

Battles/wars World War II Defense of the Reich Awards Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Other work worked for the Schnaufer-Schlossbergkellerei Died 22 November 1985, Calw, Germany Award Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Battles and wars World War II, Defence of the Reich Units Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, Nachtjagdgeschwader 4

Wilhelm Gänsler (22 May 1919 – 22 November 1985) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel in the Luftwaffe during World War II, a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. This decoration recognised extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career Gänsler participated in 115 missions as a flight engineer or aerial gunner, some with Ludwig Becker. He participated in 98 of Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer's victories. He received the Knight's Cross after 80 aerial victories participations and was recommended for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on 8 March 1945.

Awards and decorations

Aviator badge

Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold

Iron Cross (1939)

2nd Class

1st Class

German Cross in Gold on 16 January 1944 as Unteroffizier in the 12./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1

Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe on 17 January 1944 as Unteroffizier and Bordschütze (air gunner)

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze (air gunner) in Stabsstaffel IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1

References

Wilhelm Gänsler Wikipedia

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