Hans Kolbow

Who was Hans Kolbow?

Hans Kolbow was a German Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. On 17 July 1941 Hans Kolbow was hit by Soviet flak near Stara Bychow. He managed to bale out, but was to low for his parachute and plunged to his death. During his career he was credited with 27 victories, 14 on the Eastern Front and 13 on the Western Front. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 27 July 1941.