Gerhard Sch%C3%B6pfel
Gerhard Schpfel was a German World War II Luftwaffe 45victory flying ace and recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross . The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He held the position of Geschwaderkommodore of fighter wing Jagdgeschwader 26.
Gerhard Gerd Schpfel was born onDecember 1912 at Erfurt in Thringen. He was originally a member of the police force but transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1936. Following completion of his flying training, Schpfel was initially assigned to I.Jagdgeschwader 233 . However, in June 1938 he was transferred to the Stab flight of I.Jagdgeschwader 334 , which became I.Jagdgeschwader 132 and, ultimately, I.Jagdgeschwader. Oberleutnant Schpfel took command of 9.JG on its formation onSeptember 1939.
Source: Wikipedia