Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant

Unit:

2./Nachtjagd-Geschwader 1

Awarded on:

April 14th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Flight Lieutenant)

Unit:

Staffelkapitän, 3. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

February 7th, 1943

The following newspaper article (dated 08.02.1943) describes why Knacke received the Knight’s Cross…

“Oakleaves for a fallen night hunter — Hauptmann Knacke achieved 44 night victories:

… Hauptmann Knacke always demonstrated courage and aggressive spirit while serving as one of our most successful night fighter pilots. On the night of the 30./31.05.1942 he destroyed 3 enemy bombers, and on the 05.06.1942 he reported his 30th night victory. For this he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on the 01.07.1942. A few weeks later he once again succeeded in shooting down 3 British bombers within a half hour. During the last hours of the year 1942 he achieved his 40th night victory by shooting down a four-engined bomber over western Germany. During his last aerial battle he destroyed 2 British bombers and thereby brought his total of destroyed aircraft to 44.”

190th Award.
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)

Unit:

3./NJG 1

Awarded on:

July 1st, 1942

Awarded after 30 night victories.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 15th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)