Fritz Lüddecke (23 February 1920 - 10 August 1944) was a Luftwaffe (German air force) fighter ace during the Second World war. He scored 51 victories in over 600 missions, including 150 fighter-bomber missions, all over the Eastern front. On 10 August 1944 Lüddecke was shot down near Wilkowischken, and killed when his aircraft exploded as he was attempting an emergency landing. Oberfeldwebel Lüddecke was posthumously awarded 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.