The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Claas was killed on 20 June 1943 after a water landing in the Sea of Azov. with Pennant German Cross on 24 November 1941 as Hauptmann in the 2. Bibliography.
Flugzeugführerabzeichen Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Bronze in Silver in Gold in Gold with Pennant Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (22 May 1941) Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (9 September 1940) 1st Class (28 September 1940) German Cross in Gold on 24 November 1941 as Hauptmann in the 2./Kampfgeschwader 28 Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 March 1943 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Kampfgeschwader 100.
