Ulrich Wernitz
Ulrich Wernitz
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File:Ulrich Wernitz.jpg
Ulrich Wernitz
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Nickname(s) | Pipifax |
Born | Schweinitz/Herzberg |
21 January 1921
Died | Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist. Fürstenfeldbruck |
Allegiance | Nazi Germany (to 1945) West Germany |
Service/ |
Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht) Luftwaffe (Bundeswehr) |
Rank | Leutnant Oberstleutnant |
Unit | JG 54 |
Commands held | 3./JG 54 |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Ulrich Wernitz (21 January 1921 – 23 December 1980) was a Luftwaffe flying ace of World War II. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat.[1] Wernitz was credited with 101 aerial victories—that is, 101 aerial combat encounters resulting in the destruction of the enemy aircraft—claimed in roughly 240 combat missions.[2] He served in the post World War II German Air Force of the Federal Republic of Germany, retiring with the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).
Career
Wernitz was born in Schweinitz/Herzberg in the district of Wittenberg, a Province of Saxony, on 21 January 1921. Feldwebel Wernitz, who frequently flew as wingman to Otto Kittel, was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) for his 82nd aerial victory, a Petlyakov Pe-2 shot down on 28 August 1944.[3] The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. He was given command of the 3./Jagdgeschwader 54 in Courland in February 1945. On 26 March 1945, Wernitz was credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 100th Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.[4]
Awards
- Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (17 April 1944)[5]
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 29 October 1944 as pilot and Feldwebel in the 4./Jagdgeschwader 54[6][Note 1][Note 2]
- German Cross in Gold on 1 January 1945 as Feldwebel in the 3./Jagdgeschwader 54[9]
Notes
References
Citations
Bibliography
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External links
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