Emil Eitel (6 June 1915 – 14 September 1944) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Luftwaffe 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. Emil Eitel was killed on 14 September 1944 near Riga, Latvia during the Riga Offensive (1944).