Hans-Joachim Weißflog (23[citation needed] February 1923 – 11 August 1995) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant in the Wehrmacht during World War II and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Hans-Joachim Weißflog was captured by American troops at the end of the war. He was transferred to Soviet custody, but later released because of the severity of his wounds.