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Erich Handke
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Erich Handke (2 November 1920 - 11 November 1987) was a highly decorated Oberfeldwebel 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. During his career he participated in 129 missions as a radio operator. He served as a radio operator with Feldwebel Georg Kraft, Oberleutnant Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, and Major Martin Drewes all who were decorated with the Oak Leaves or higher. With Kraft, who was shot down and killed in action by Wing Commander Bob Braham on the night of 17/18 August 1943, he had claimed 14 aerial victories. Awards and decorations * Aviator badge * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold * Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe) on 17 January 1944 as Unteroffizier and radio operator * Iron Cross (1939) ** 2nd Class ** 1st Class * German Cross in Gold on 29 March 1944 as Unteroffizier in the 12./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel and Bordfunker (radio operator) in the IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 
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