title: Ludwig Häfner
text: # Ludwig Häfner
  
  Ludwig Häfner (17 February 1921 – 10 November 1942) 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 10 November 1942, Ludwig Häfner was killed north of Stalingrad after he was attacked by a large number of Yak fighters. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 21 December 1942. During his career he was credited with 52 aerial victories, all on the Eastern Front.
  
  ## Awards
  
  * Aviator badge
  * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
  * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (21 September 1942)
  * Iron Cross (1939)
     * 2nd Class
     * 1st Class
  * German Cross in Gold on 25 September 1942 as Leutnant in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 3
  * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 21 December 1942 as Leutnant and pilot in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 3
  