Rudolf Schmidt (Major)

Rudolf "Rudi" Schmidt (15 March 1914 – 23 February 2000) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Despite being half Jewish, or Mischling under the Nuremberg Laws, Schmidt enlisted in the Luftwaffe and served with distinction.

Awards and decorations

 * Flugzeugführerabzeichen
 * Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold (13 August 1942)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 March 1945 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the II./Kampfgeschwader 26