Anton Lindner (12 April 1917 – 17 February 1994) was a 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. Lindner joined the postwar German Air Force, at the time named the Bundesluftwaffe, in 1956 and retired in 1972 as an Oberstleutnant (colonel). During his career he was credited with 73 aerial victories, one on the Western Front and 72 on the Eastern Front, claimed in 650 combat missions. Summary of career Aerial victory claims Lindner was credited with 73 victories, 72 of which on the Eastern Front and one on the Western Front, claimed in 650 combat mission. Mathews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and found records for 72 aerial victory claims on the Eastern Front, plus one further unconfirmed claim on the Western Front. Awards Aviator badge Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class 1st Class German Cross in Gold on 27 May 1942 as Oberfeldwebel in the I./Jagdgeschwader 51 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 April 1944 as Leutnant and pilot in the Stabsstaffel/Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders" Notes References Citations Bibliography External links 1917 births 1994 deaths People from Amberg-Sulzbach Luftwaffe pilots German World War II flying aces Recipients of the Gold German Cross Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross People from the Kingdom of Bavaria German Air Force personnel Military personnel from Bavaria