This decoration recognised extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career Gänsler participated in 115 missions as an flight engineer or aerial gunner, some with Ludwig Becker. He participated in 98 of Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer"s victories.
Bibliography.
Aviator badge Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class 1st Class German Cross in Gold on 16 January 1944 as Unteroffizier in the 12./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe on 17 January 1944 as Unteroffizier and Bordschütze (air gunner) Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze (air gunner) in Stabsstaffel IV./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1.
