By the end of 1942, Lent had 56 victories and was the top German night-fighter ace. He was promoted to "Major" on 1 January 1943 and appointed "Geschwaderkommodore" of "Nachtjagdgeschwader" 3 (NJG 3) on 1 August 1943 at Geschwader Headquarters at Stade, west of Hamburg. After 73 kills, of which 65 were claimed at night, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords () on 2 August 1943 and notified by telegram on 4 August. The Swords were presented to him at the "Führerhauptquartier" at Rastenburg on 10/11 August 1943.