1. Reinhold Knacke was a German Luftwaffe military aviator during World War II, a night fighter ace credited with 44 aerial victories, plus one unconfirmed claim by day, achieved in approximately 160 combat missions making him one of the more successful night fighter pilots in the Luftwaffe.
Reinhold Knacke joined the Luftwaffe in 1937 and was trained as a pilot.
Reinhold Knacke served with Zerstorergeschwader 1, flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter, at the start of World War II.
Reinhold Knacke claimed his first aerial victory during the Battle of France which was not confirmed.
In June 1940, the Luftwaffe created its first night fighter wing, Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, and Reinhold Knacke transferred to this unit.
Posthumously, Reinhold Knacke was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on 5 February 1943.
Reinhold Knacke was born on 1 January 1919 in Strelitz, now Strelitz-Alt, a borough of Neustrelitz, at the time in the Free State of Mecklenburg-Strelitz of the Weimar Republic.
Reinhold Knacke was the son of an employee of the Deutsche Reichsbahn.
Reinhold Knacke volunteered for military service in the Luftwaffe on 1 November 1937 and was trained as a pilot.
Reinhold Knacke received the German Cross in Gold on 14 April 1942, after his 18th claim.
That night, Reinhold Knacke, assisted by his radio operator Unteroffizier Gunther Heu, claimed three aerial victories.
Three nights later, Reinhold Knacke became the first German night fighter pilot to claim a de Havilland Mosquito destroyed.
Reinhold Knacke, shot down five bombers that night, which made him an "ace-in-a-day".
Reinhold Knacke was promoted to Hauptmann on 1 January 1943.
Reinhold Knacke then attacked a Halifax bomber near Achterveld which he shot down but his aircraft was hit by one of the bomber air gunners.
Reinhold Knacke was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves on 5 February 1943.
Reinhold Knacke was the 190th member of the German armed forces to be so honored.