Wilhelm Gansler

Updated on Oct 01, 2024

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

Died 22 November 1985(1985-11-22) (aged 66) Calw, Germany Unit Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, Nachtjagdgeschwader 4

Wilhelm Gansler (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 Gansler participated in 115 missions as an 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 Bordschutze (air gunner)

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

References

Wilhelm Gansler Wikipedia

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