German Ace Fighter Pilot. Holder of the 21st (of 27 awarded) Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. A scourge during the air battles over occupied Europe, during 164 night missions, he downed a confirmed total of 121 bombers, mostly British. He became a prize target for British gunners and aircraft known to them as "The Night Ghost". He was captured by advancing British forces in Schleswig-Holstein in May 1945. His plane was displayed in London's Hyde Park after the war. The tail with 121 victory markings can still be seen today in the Imperial War Museum. He was released by the British in 1945 and returned to Germany where he operated a wine store. Five years after his release from captivity, death, which eluded him miraculously during years of uninterrupted combat claimed him at last. Just 28 years of age, while on business in Southern France, a car accident near Bordeaux took his life. His remains were taken back to his hometown and buried in the family plot in Calw, Germany.
German Ace Fighter Pilot. Holder of the 21st (of 27 awarded) Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. A scourge during the air battles over occupied Europe, during 164 night missions, he downed a confirmed total of 121 bombers, mostly British. He became a prize target for British gunners and aircraft known to them as "The Night Ghost". He was captured by advancing British forces in Schleswig-Holstein in May 1945. His plane was displayed in London's Hyde Park after the war. The tail with 121 victory markings can still be seen today in the Imperial War Museum. He was released by the British in 1945 and returned to Germany where he operated a wine store. Five years after his release from captivity, death, which eluded him miraculously during years of uninterrupted combat claimed him at last. Just 28 years of age, while on business in Southern France, a car accident near Bordeaux took his life. His remains were taken back to his hometown and buried in the family plot in Calw, Germany.
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
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