Willy Jähde (18 January 1908 – 25 April 2002) was a highly decorated Major 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. Willy Jähde was captured by American troops in May 1945. He was later transferred to Soviet custody, but escaped.