Alexander Preinfalk (6 February 1920 – 12 December 1944) 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. Alexander Preinfalk was shot down on 12 December 1944 by an American P-47 over Bruchsal, Germany and died after he bailed out. He was credited with between 78 and 85+ aerial victories. Summary of military career Aerial victory claims According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Preinfalk was credited with 85 aerial victories. Awards Flugzeugführerabzeichen Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (13 September 1942) Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class German Cross in Gold on 3 October 1942 as Unteroffizier in the II./Jagdgeschwader 77 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 October 1942 as Unteroffizier and pilot in the 5./Jagdgeschwader 77 References Citations Bibliography External links Luftwaffe 1939–1945 History TracesOfWar.com 1920 births 1944 deaths Military personnel from Baku German World War II flying aces Recipients of the Gold German Cross Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Luftwaffe personnel killed in World War II Aviators killed by being shot down Russian people of German descent