 This gave the attacking fighters the best chance of avoiding the massed firepower of the bombers' guns.On 14 February 1943, Mayer claimed three RAF Hawker Typhoons, claiming his 60th to 62nd victories.Following his 63rd victory he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves () on 16 April 1943, the 232nd officer or soldier of the Wehrmacht so honored.