* 26.5.1916 Weipert, district of Kaaden/Sudetenland     + 19.5.2001

KC 29.2.1944, GC 30.8.1943, HC 9.9.1943

He further became an expert in low-level attacks and destroyed around 100 motorisied and towed vehicles. Additionally he destroyed 30 landingcraft and assault boots and two gun boats. 

Posted to 5.7JG 52 he scored his 37th kill on the 5/5/1943. One month later on the 6/6/43 he had to belly land his 109 (Bf 109 G-4, 19257) behind russian lines and came back after four days of hiding and walking. He had to recover in the hospital of Nikolajew.

On the 15/8/1943 he rammed an I-153 fighter but maneged to bring his badly damaged machine home safely. During September he was posted to 6./JG 52 and enjoyed his most successfull day on the 25/9/1943, downing one Jak-1 and three Il-2 in a matter of minutes (53rd - 56th kill). 

On the 1/10/1943 he received a direct hit from German AA and was badly wounded (Bf 109 G-6, 15851 "yellow 3"). In hospital the doctors had no choice but to amputate his left arm and a toe. He had to stay in hospital up to May 1944 and was awarded the Knightscross for 60 kills on the 29th February 1944. After recovering he served in the Scientific Institute of the Luftwaffe. His constant pleas and making use of good contacts enabled him to be posted to the staff JG 52 on the 22/7/1944, although on non-flying duty. 

On the 24th September 1944 he made a few flights on a two-seater Me 109 G-12 to prove his full flying capability. Convincing the instructors he was allowed to return to full flying duty.  

On the 7/1/1945 he even took over command of 10./JG 52. Depsite flying with an artificial limb he succeeded in scoring four victories during March 1945.

Between the 31/3/45 and the 10/4/1945 he was posted to JG 7, to be trained on Me 262. Nonetheless he returned to the Staff JG 52 on the 11/4/1945, flying his last mission on the 5/5/1945. Despite surrendering to American troops he was handed over to the Russians. Due to his wounds he was released after three months.

After the war he settled in the German Democratic Republic. 

All people who had the pleasure to know him will not forget his very cheerful, warm and friendly character. Sadly he passed away in May 2001.

440 missions

64 victories, all at the Eastern-front

His victory list includes: