Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel

Unit:

Flugzeugführer Wettererkundungsstaffel 26

Awarded on:

October 3rd, 1944

Citation:
"During a nighttime reconnaissence flight over the Tyrhenian Sea on 25th May 1944, suddenly the left wing engine of the plane flown by Feldwebel Karl Merkle, Wettererkundigungsstaffel 26, started burning. When the plane started to descend with fast speed, Feldwebel Merkle ordered his men to jump out of theplane ove La Spezia, this way giving them a chance to survive. He himself, out of duty to the service and unselfishness, not being able to leave the plane on time, died in the crash."

39th Entry.