Robert Olejnik (9 March 1911 – 29 October 1988) was a Luftwaffe flying ace of World War II. He was credited with 41 aerial victories claimed in some 680 combat missions. 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. Awards Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (17 September 1940) 1st Class (21 September 1940) Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (18 July 1941) Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for fighter pilots in Gold (5 May 1941) Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1941 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 4./JG 1 Notes References Citations Bibliography 1911 births 1988 deaths Military personnel from Essen Luftwaffe pilots German World War II flying aces Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross People from the Rhine Province