The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. On 9 January 1943, Heinrich Schweickhardt failed to return from a mission and was listed as missing in action over the Mediterranean Sea. He was posthumously promoted to Major.
Flugzeugführerabzeichen Bibliography.
Flugzeugführerabzeichen Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (22 September 1939) 1st Class (12 July 1940) Eastern Front Medal German Cross in Gold as 13 January 1942 as Oberleutnant in the 8./Kampfgeschwader 76 Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight"s Cross on 4 February 1942 as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän of the 8./Kampfgeschwader 76 138th Oak Leaves on 30 October 1942 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän of the 8./Kampfgeschwader 76.
