The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Helmut Rüffler was credited with 88 victories in 690 missions, a further 10 victories were claimed but not confirmed. "Udet" Bibliography.
Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (15 June 1942) Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class 1st Class Wound Badge (1939) in Black German Cross in Gold on 3 December 1942 as Feldwebel in the I./Jagdgeschwader 3 Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 December 1942 as Oberfeldwebel and pilot in the 4./Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet".
