Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Sergeant)

Unit:

2. Staffel, Kampfgruppe zur besonderen Verwendung 9, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

February 13th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)

Unit:

Flugzeugführer, 2. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Transportgeschwader 3, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1944

The following press article from June 1944 describes why Hengst would be awarded the Knight’s Cross…

“Another Saxonian Knight’s Cross Holder:

The Führer has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross to Oberfeldwebel Max Hengst. Born as the son of a master baker on the 28.03.1913 in Kirchbach, and a baker himself, he has achieved a total of over 500 sorties as an exceptionally capable transport flyer. Over the course of the war he has served in Norway, Holland, Africa and the Eastern front. Thanks to his outstanding piloting skills he has been able to complete his assigned missions with total success despite the frequently difficult flying conditions. In doing so he has been of great aid to both encircled friendly troops and forward Panzer spearheads by delivering all manner of supplies.”