Alwin Boerst

Who was Alwin Boerst?

Major Alwin Boerst was a German World War II Luftwaffe Stuka ace. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves and Swords was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Boerst participated in the Battle of Crete and assisted in the sinking of British destroyers Kelly and Kashmir.

Together with his radio operator and gunner, Ernst Filius, he took off on 30 March 1944 for the first time flying a Ju 87G-1. They were shot down and killed during this mission north of Iaşi by ground fire. Oberfeldwebel Filius was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 May 1944. Boerst was posthumous honoured with the Swords to his Knight's Cross on 6 April 1944. Boerst flew 1060 combat missions.