Hans-Joachim Brand

Who was Hans-Joachim Brand?

Hans-Joachim Brand was a highly decorated Hauptmann and ground attack pilot 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.

Hans-Joachim Brand was shot down by Soviet flak on 18 April 1945 near Cottbus while flying a ground-attack mission. His Focke Wulf Fw 190F was hit by anti-aircraft fire at a height of 1,600 feet and he fatally crashed near Alteno/Luckau in the Spreewald. His body was never recovered. During his career he flew 964 missions and he had been nominated for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, which was never approved.