Werner Dörnbrack (29 February 1916 – 16 March 1981) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. 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. Werner Dörnbrack was captured by American troops in May 1945, he was later turned over to Soviet forces before escaping. During his career he flew 1118 missions.