Erhard Milch (30 March 1892 – 25 January 1972) was a German field marshal who oversaw the development of the Luftwaffe as part of the re-armament of Germany following World War I, and served as founding Director of Deutsche Luft Hansa. He was one of the few high ranking Mischling ("crossbreed") in the Wehrmacht. He achieved high rank despite a partial Jewish background.