Helmut Lipfert
Helmut Lipfert | |
---|---|
![]() Helmut Lipfert | |
Born | Lippelsdorf, Saxe-Meiningen, German Empire | 6 August 1916
Died | 10 August 1990 Einbeck, West Germany | (aged 74)
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | Army (1937–41) Luftwaffe (1941–45) |
Years of service | 1937–45 |
Rank | Hauptmann (Captain) |
Unit | 1st Panzer Division JG 52, JG 53 |
Commands | 4./JG 52, 6./JG 52, I./JG 53 |
Battles/wars | See battles |
Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
Other work | school teacher |
Helmut Lipfert (6 August 1916 – 10 August 1990) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Lipfert ranks as the world's thirteenth fighter ace.[1] Lipfert was credited with 203 victories achieved in 687 combat missions. All his victories were claimed over the Eastern Front and included a P-51 Mustang, 41 Yakovlev Yak-1, 41 Yakovlev Yak-9 fighters, two four-engine bombers and 39 Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft. He was shot down fifteen times, without being injured.
Early life and career
Lipfert was born on 6 August 1916 in Lippelsdorf, present-day a borough of Gräfenthal, at the time in Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, as part of the German Empire. Following the compulsory labour service (Reichsarbeitsdienst), Lipfert joined the military service with Nachrichten-Abteilung 37 (37th Signals Battalion), a unit of 1st Panzer Division on 3 November 1937.[2]
World War II
World War II in Europe had begun on Friday, 1 September 1939, when German forces invaded Poland. Lipfert, who held the rank of Unteroffizier (sergeant), participated in the Invasion of Poland and in the Battle of France as a member of the 1st Panzer Division. In early 1941, he transferred to the Luftwaffe where he trained as a fighter pilot.[Note 1] He was promoted to Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel (officer cadet) on 16 June 1942 and to Leutnant (second lientenant) on 1 August 1942.[2]
Lipfert was then posted to the Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost (Supplementary Fighter Group, East) based at Saint-Jean-d'Angély, France and then via the Frontleitstelle Krakau, front dispatch center based at Krakau, to 6. Staffel (6th squadron) of Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing) on 16 December 1942.[Note 2] At the time, JG 52 was based on the southern sector of the Eastern Front in the vicinity of Stalingrad.[2]
Eastern Front
He is remembered by contemporaries as a consistent, professional pilot and leader. He withdrew often from squadron mates into long periods of contemplation.[1] He claimed his first aerial victory over a Lavochkin La-5, a radial engined fighter aircraft, on the 30 January 1943, in Malaya-Balabinka (Southern Russia).
On 20 March 1943, Lipfert was appointed acting Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 4. Staffel (4th squadron) of JG 52. He replaced Leutnant Wolf-Dieter von Coester in this capacity who had been killed in action that day. Following the death of Oberleutnant Karl Ritzenberger on 24 May, Lipfert was transferred to take command of 6. Staffel (4th squadron) of JG 52. He was succeeded by Leutnant Heinrich Sturm as commander of 4. Staffel.[3]
On 8 October, he shot down five Russian aircraft (kills 30 to 34). Four more are shot down on 5 December and his score raises to 72. By the end of 1943 his victories total had reached 80. On 5 April 1944, his 90th air victory had won him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Six days later, 11 April 1944, an "all-white Sturmovik" provided him with his 100th aerial victory.[4][5] He was the 69th Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.[6]
The last Germans had to evacuate from Crimea in May, retiring to Kherson. There, the Luftwaffe Gruppen were subjected to near-constant Soviet bombing raids, and Lipfert's 6./JG 52, in particular, lost a number of aircraft.[4] On 11 June 1944 he destroyed his first American four engined bomber, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in the sky of Tateroi (victory number 127). Two weeks later, on the 24 of June, he downed a Consolidated B-24 Liberator over Ştefăneşti in the historical Romanian region of Moldavia ("victim" number 128). His 150th claim came on 24 October 1944: a Yakovlev Yak-7 over Feherto, Hungary. Lipfert was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of I./JG 53 (based in Hungary) on 15 February 1945.[7]
Lipfert claimed his 200th aerial victory in the vicinity of Hainburg an der Donau, west of Bratislava, on 8 April 1945. He flew his last and 687th combat mission on 16 April, claiming a Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter shot down, taking his total to 203 aerial victories. The next day, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub). He was the 837th member of the German armed forces to be so honored. The presentation was made by Generalleutnant Paul Deichmann on 17 April.[8]
After the dissolution of I./JG 53, Lipfert was transferred to 7./JG 52, until the end of the conflict. He claimed 27 unconfirmed victories. After the end of the war he was not turned over to the Soviet forces (unlike Erich Hartmann).
Later life
After the war, Lipfert became a school teacher, and was seldom seen by his war comrades. He died on 10 August 1990 in Einbeck.[8]
Summary of career
Aerial victory claims
Matthews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and found records for 200 aerial victory claims, plus six further unconfirmed claims. This figure of confirmed claims includes 198 aerial victories on the Eastern Front and two on the Western Front, including one four-engined bomber.[9]
Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = Planquadrat), for example "PQ 08693". The Luftwaffe grid map (Jägermeldenetz) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude, an area of about 360 square miles (930 km2). These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area 3 × 4 km in size.[10]
Chronicle of aerial victories | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This and the ♠ (Ace of spades) indicates those aerial victories which made Lipfert an "ace-in-a-day", a term which designates a fighter pilot who has shot down five or more airplanes in a single day. | |||||||||
Claim | Date | Time | Type | Location | Claim | Date | Time | Type | Location |
– 6. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52 –[11] | |||||||||
1 | 30 January 1943 | 12:47 | La-5 | PQ 08693, 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Malaya-Balabinka[12] | 91 | 7 April 1944 | 07:27 | Yak-7 | 15 km (9.3 mi) north-northeast of Tschumak |
2 | 25 February 1943 | 14:58 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 86763, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Fedorowskaja[13] | 92 | 8 April 1944 | 14:22 | Il-2 | 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Tschigary |
3 | 28 February 1943 | 13:15 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 75433, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Novorossijsk[13] | 93 | 8 April 1944 | 14:32 | R-5 | 14 km (8.7 mi) southeast of Iwanoka |
4 | 7 March 1943 | 08:20 | R-5 | 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Popowitschewskaja[13] | 94 | 9 April 1944 | 14:40 | Yak-7 | 6 km (3.7 mi) east of Tomascheske |
5 | 7 March 1943 | 08:23 | R-5 | PQ 34 Ost 86731, Iwanowskaja[13] | 95 | 9 April 1944 | 15:58 | Pe-2 | 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Gramatikovo |
6 | 14 March 1943 | 06:56 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 75431, 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Novorossijsk[14] | 96 | 10 April 1944 | 08:16 | Yak-7 | 12 km (7.5 mi) east of Tomascheske |
7?[Note 3] | 30 March 1943 | 06:26 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 86571, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Slawjanskaja[14] | 97 | 10 April 1944 | 12:12 | Il-2 | southeast of Negasinka |
8?[Note 3] | 30 March 1943 | 15:15 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76651, 5 km (3.1 mi) northwest of Anastasiewskaja[14] | 98 | 11 April 1944 | 07:02 | Yak-7 | 18 km (11 mi) west-northwest of Dahankoj |
9?[Note 3] | 20 April 1943 | 06:30 | MiG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 85114, 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Abinskaya[14] | 99 | 11 April 1944 | 09:25 | Il-2 | 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Dahankoj |
10 | 25 June 1943 | 16:13 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76694, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of Anastasiewskaja[16] | 100 | 15 April 1944 | 10:44 | Il-2 | 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Sevastopol |
11 | 25 June 1943 | 16:23 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76692, 1 km (0.62 mi) southwest of Deschi[16] | 101 | 17 April 1944 | 15:49 | Yak-7 | 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Duwankoj |
12 | 16 July 1943 | 05:45 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 86232, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Krymskaja[16] | 102 | 19 April 1944 | 14:21 | P-40 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Sevastopol |
13 | 19 July 1943 | 13:55 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75263, 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Bakanskaja[16] | 103 | 19 April 1944 | 17:05 | Il-2 | 12 km (7.5 mi) southeast of Sevastopol |
14 | 21 July 1943 | 09:37 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 76831, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Anastasiewskaja[16] | 104 | 22 April 1944 | 09:40 | Boston | 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Sevastopol |
15 | 21 July 1943 | 16:43 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75741, 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of Cape Utrish[16] | 105 | 27 April 1944 | 10:50 | Yak-7 | 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of Kadykowka |
16 | 23 July 1943 | 05:54 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 76894, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Kijewskoje[16] | 106 | 3 May 1944 | 18:35 | Yak-7 | 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Belobeck |
17 | 23 July 1943 | 17:33 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 75264, 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Krymskaja[17] | 107 | 4 May 1944 | 06:44 | Yak-7 | 10 km (6.2 mi) west of Saki |
18 | 3 September 1943 | 10:41 | La-5 | PQ 35 Ost 40262, 8 km (5.0 mi) south of Kotelwa[18] | 108 | 4 May 1944 | 09:10 | Yak-7 | 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Belobeck |
19 | 4 September 1943 | 17:17 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 35 Ost 41574, 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Jurewka[18] | 109 | 5 May 1944 | 10:38 | Yak-7 | 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Balaklawa |
20 | 5 September 1943 | 10:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 35 Ost 60343, 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Taranowka[18] | 110 | 5 May 1944 | 10:50 | Yak-7 | 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Laspi Bay |
21 | 21 September 1943 | 07:16 | Yak-1 | PQ 35 Ost 11142, Kozelets[19] | 111 | 5 May 1944 | 14:05 | Il-2 | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Belobeck |
22 | 24 September 1943 | 13:55 | P-40 | PQ 35 Ost 11751, 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Jerkowzy[19] | 112 | 6 May 1944 | 07:30 | Yak-1 | 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Belobeck |
23 | 24 September 1943 | 16:40 | La-5 | PQ 35 Ost 11714, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Jerkowzy[19] | 113 | 6 May 1944 | 07:40 | U-2 | 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Belobeck |
24 | 25 September 1943 | 17:35 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 35 Ost 11782, 9 km (5.6 mi) west of Perejasslaw[20] | 114 | 7 May 1944 | 09:40 | Yak-1 | 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Balaklawa |
25 | 28 September 1943 | 17:35 | R-5 | PQ 35 Ost 11714, 13 km (8.1 mi) west of Perejasslaw[20] | 115 | 7 May 1944 | 09:45 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) east-southeast of Sevastopol |
26 | 1 October 1943 | 16:13 | Yak-9 | PQ 35 Ost 58163, 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Barbosta[20] | 116 | 7 May 1944 | 09:49 | Yak-1 | 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of Sevastopol |
27 | 7 October 1943 | 06:57 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 39432, west of Annowka[20] | 117 | 30 May 1944 | 16:01 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Iași |
28 | 7 October 1943 | 11:07 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 49774, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Orlik[20] | 118 | 30 May 1944 | 16:04 | Yak-11 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Iași |
29 | 7 October 1943 | 11:28 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 49153, 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Orlik[20] | 119 | 31 May 1944 | 08:04 | Pe-2 | 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Busila |
30♠ | 8 October 1943 | 07:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 34 Ost 66692, 9 km (5.6 mi) west of Achtanisowskaja[20] | 120 | 31 May 1944 | 14:32 | Il-2 | 7 km (4.3 mi) northeast of Iași |
31♠ | 8 October 1943 | 08:23 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 66624, 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Jljitsch[20] | 121 | 4 June 1944 | 18:56 | Yak-1 | 3 km (1.9 mi) east-southeast of Souleni |
32♠ | 8 October 1943 | 08:35 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75543, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Fischerei[20] | 122 | 5 June 1944 | 07:58 | P-39 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Zahorne |
33♠ | 8 October 1943 | 15:33 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 6669, 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Taman[20] | 123 | 5 June 1944 | 08:01 | Yak-7 | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Zahorne |
34♠ | 8 October 1943 | 15:42 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66692, 12 km (7.5 mi) west of Achtanisowskaja[20] | 124 | 5 June 1944 | 11:35 | Yak-7 | 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Carpiti |
35 | 10 October 1943 | 13:05 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39291, 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Mishorin-Rog[20] | —
|
5 June 1944 | 11:45 | Boston | 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Românești |
36 | 10 October 1943 | 13:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 49312, 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Borodajewka[20] | —
|
11 June 1944 | 09:45 | B-17 | 7 km (4.3 mi) north-northwest of Tataturi |
37 | 20 October 1943 | 07:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39453, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Popelnastoje[20] | 125 | 24 June 1944 | 09:42 | B-24 | 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Ștefănești |
38 | 21 October 1943 | 05:55 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39482, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Pjatichatki[21] | 126 | 27 June 1944 | 10:34 | Il-2 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Jasaki |
39 | 21 October 1943 | 06:08 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 49372, 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Werchnedjeprowsk[21] | 127 | 14 July 1944 | 07:55 | P-39 | 18 km (11 mi) northwest of Szozurowice |
40 | 21 October 1943 | 12:30 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 39612, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Pjatichatki[21] | 128 | 15 July 1944 | 15:20 | Yak-7 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Norochow |
41 | 26 October 1943 | 07:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 57123, 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Melitopol[21] | 129 | 16 July 1944 | 13:23 | Yak-7 | southern edge of Plowa |
42 | 26 October 1943 | 07:17 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 57152, 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Melitopol[21] | 130 | 16 July 1944 | 13:27 | Yak-7 | 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Stojanow |
43 | 29 October 1943 | 07:00 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 47331, 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Agaiman[21] | 131 | 18 July 1944 | 15:12 | La-5 | 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Zaczerneczo |
44 | 2 November 1943 | 09:25 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 3767, 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Tschaplinka[21] | 132 | 18 July 1944 | 18:12 | Yak-7 | 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Turce |
45 | 5 November 1943 | 10:20 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66734, 20 km (12 mi) south of Kerch[22] | 133 | 19 July 1944 | 16:40 | P-39 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Liuboml |
46 | 6 November 1943 | 11:55 | Yak-7 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 500 m (550 yd) southeast of Eltigen[22] | 134 | 19 July 1944 | 16:41 | P-39 | northern edge of Liuboml |
47 | 11 November 1943 | 13:45 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 34 Ost 66871, 2 km (1.2 mi) east of Katerles[22] | 135 | 19 July 1944 | 16:45 | Il-2 | 17 km (11 mi) southeast of Liuboml |
48 | 11 November 1943 | 13:50 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66533, 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Bagerowo[22] | 136 | 20 July 1944 | 11:10 | Yak-9 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Liuboml |
49 | 12 November 1943 | 08:51 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66871, 1 km (0.62 mi) east of Kerch[22] | 137 | 21 July 1944 | 06:25 | Yak-7 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Busk |
50 | 12 November 1943 | 10:47 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 34 Ost 6664, 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Bakssy[22] | —
|
22 July 1944 | —
|
Boston | vicinity of Strij |
51 | 13 November 1943 | 05:43 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66562, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Bulganak[22] | 138 | 24 July 1944 | 18:41 | Yak-9 | 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Tuczana |
52 | 13 November 1943 | 05:47 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66642, 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Majak[22] | —
|
2 August 1944 | —
|
unknown | |
53 | 14 November 1943 | 09:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Eltigen[22] | 139 | 14 August 1944 | 17:14 | P-39 | 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Sobotke |
54 | 14 November 1943 | 13:50 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 34 Ost 66531, 6 km (3.7 mi) west-northwest of Katerles[22] | 140 | 16 August 1944 | 16:35 | Yak-11 | 12 km (7.5 mi) east-southeast of Opatow |
55 | 15 November 1943 | 06:15 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66643, Kolonka[22] | 141 | 23 August 1944 | 17:25 | Yak-7 | 1.5 km (0.93 mi) southeast of Gaidar |
56 | 19 November 1943 | 06:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66821, 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Taman[22] | —
|
23 August 1944 | —
|
Yak | vicinity of Galatz |
57 | 20 November 1943 | 06:40 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66623, 3 km (1.9 mi) west of Jlitsch[22] | 142 | 31 August 1944 | 10:20 | P-51 | 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Lövér |
58 | 21 November 1943 | 07:00 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | PQ 34 Ost 66712, 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Eltigen[22] | 143 | 17 October 1944 | 10:38 | Yak-11 | 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Hosszu-Palyj |
59 | 21 November 1943 | 07:05 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66814, 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Taman[22] | 144 | 21 October 1944 | 10:52 | La-5 | 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Ócsa |
60 | 27 November 1943 | 09:48 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 47771, 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Gromowka[23] | 145 | 23 October 1944 | 15:31 | Il-2 | 1 km (0.62 mi) southeast of Szolnok |
61 | 27 November 1943 | 14:40 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Eltigen[23] | 146 | 23 October 1944 | 15:32 | Il-2 | 1 km (0.62 mi) northeast of Szolnok |
62 | 29 November 1943 | 14:21 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66734, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Eltigen[23] | 147 | 24 October 1944 | 09:22 | Yak-7 | 1 km (0.62 mi) northwest of Feherto |
63 | 30 November 1943 | 06:10 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66792, 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Cape Takyl[23] | 148 | 27 October 1944 | 12:17 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Bűdszentmihály |
64 | 30 November 1943 | 13:45 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66733, 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Eltigen[23] | 149 | 27 October 1944 | 12:21 | Yak-7 | 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Bűdszentmihály |
65 | 1 December 1943 | 11:47 | Yak-1 | 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Taman[23] | 150 | 13 November 1944 | 12:45 | Yak-3 | 9 km (5.6 mi) southeast of Jászberény |
66 | 2 December 1943 | 06:39 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Cape Takyl[23] | 151 | 16 November 1944 | 12:39 | Yak-11 | 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Tura |
67 | 2 December 1943 | 06:48 | LaGG-3 | 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Feodosja[23] | 152 | 17 November 1944 | 11:05 | Il-2 | 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Jászberény |
68 | 2 December 1943 | 06:55 | LaGG-3 | 500 m (550 yd) south of Cape Takyl[23] | 153 | 17 November 1944 | 11:10 | Il-2 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Jászberény |
69 | 5 December 1943 | 07:25 | Yak-7 | 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Kossa Tusla[24] | 154 | 17 November 1944 | 13:20 | Yak-7 | 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Jászberény |
70 | 5 December 1943 | 07:32 | Yak-1 | 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Taman[24] | 155 | 23 November 1944 | 10:40 | Yak-9 | 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Atkar |
71 | 5 December 1943 | 10:23 | P-39 | Kossa Tusla[24] | 156 | 5 December 1944 | 10:30 | Yak-9 | 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Hatvan |
72 | 5 December 1943 | 13:55 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Kossa Tusla[24] | 157 | 9 December 1944 | 15:05 | Il-2 | 2 km (1.2 mi) southwest of Csajag |
73 | 8 December 1943 | 07:58 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 4] | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Katerles[24] | 158 | 11 December 1944 | 14:53 | Pe-2 | 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Lake Balaton |
74 | 9 December 1943 | 11:15 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Taman[24] | 159 | 22 December 1944 | 09:37 | Il-2 | 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Stuhlweissenburg |
75 | 11 December 1943 | 11:37 | Yak-7 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northeast of Majak[24] | 160 | 23 December 1944 | 10:48 | Yak-9 | 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Enying |
76 | 17 December 1943 | 06:43 | Pe-2 | 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Starotitarowskaja[24] | 161 | 24 December 1944 | 14:25 | Il-2 | 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Seregelyes |
77 | 27 December 1943 | 12:08 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 66642, 2 km (1.2 mi) northeast of Majak[24] | 162 | 25 December 1944 | 12:08 | Yak-9 | 9 km (5.6 mi) northwest of Stuhlweissenburg |
78 | 28 December 1943 | 07:16 | R-5 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Majak[24] | 163 | 25 December 1944 | 12:15 | Yak-9 | 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Mor |
79 | 29 December 1943 | 07:12 | Yak-1 | 1 km (0.62 mi) west of Malikut[25] | 164 | 2 January 1945 | 11:15 | La-5 | eastern edge of Bodmer |
80 | 29 December 1943 | 10:05 | Boston | 500 m (550 yd) southwest of Majak[25] | 165 | 2 January 1945 | 11:45 | Yak-9 | 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Vereb |
81 | 11 January 1944 | 11:27 | P-39 | 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Cape Tarchan | 166 | 4 January 1945 | 08:26 | Il-2 | 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Tarjan |
82 | 17 January 1944 | 06:46 | LaGG-3 | 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Bulganak | 167 | 4 January 1945 | 08:28 | Il-2 | 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Tarjan |
83 | 21 January 1944 | 11:53 | Il-2 | 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Tschurubasch | 168 | 4 January 1945 | 10:41 | Yak-9 | 6 km (3.7 mi) northwest of Bicske |
84 | 23 January 1944 | 07:08 | Yak-7 | Kerch harbor | 169 | 4 January 1945 | 11:12 | La-5 | 1 km (0.62 mi) southeast of Tardos |
85 | 23 January 1944 | 12:08 | Yak-7 | Kerch harbor | 170 | 8 January 1945 | 14:13 | Boston | 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Stuhlweissenburg |
86 | 24 January 1944 | 06:30 | P-39 | northern edge of Kerch | 171 | 8 January 1945 | 14:18 | Boston | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Stuhlweissenburg |
87 | 25 January 1944 | 12:27 | Yak-1 | 2 km (1.2 mi) east of Bulganak | 172 | 14 January 1945 | 12:11 | Yak-3 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Mužla |
88 | 25 January 1944 | 12:40 | Boston | 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of Kossa Tusla | 173 | 14 January 1945 | 14:36 | Yak-3 | 1 km (0.62 mi) southwest of Mužla |
—
|
1 April 1944 | 09:25 | LaGG-3 | 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Feodosia | 174 | 16 January 1945 | 12:17 | La-5 | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Budaörs |
89 | 1 April 1944 | 09:33 | LaGG-3 | 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of Feodosia | 175 | 22 January 1945 | 13:24 | La-5 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Stuhlweissenburg |
90 | 7 April 1944 | 07:19 | Yak-7 | 20 km (12 mi) north of Teganaja | 176 | 27 January 1945 | 14:45 | Il-2 | 7 km (4.3 mi) northwest of Adony |
– Stab I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 53 –[26] | |||||||||
177 | 22 February 1945 | 14:00 | La-5[27] | Bart | 189 | 21 March 1945 | 11:58 | La-5[27] | vicinity of Lake Balaton |
178 | 22 February 1945 | 16:25 | Yak-3[27] | Bina | 190 | 21 March 1945 | 15:30 | Yak-5[27] | 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Felsőgalla |
179 | 25 February 1945 | 10:53 | Yak-9[27] | 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Altsohl | 191 | 27 March 1945 | 14:15 | Yak-9[27] | 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi) southeast of Nitra |
180 | 8 March 1945 | 14:10 | Il-2[27] | 6 km (3.7 mi) west of Szapolsc | 192 | 27 March 1945 | 14:18 | Il-2[27] | 6–8 km (3.7–5.0 mi) south of Nitra |
181 | 11 March 1945 | 10:35 | Yak-3[27] | 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Saborgard | 193 | 27 March 1945 | 16:55 | Yak-9[27] | 20–25 km (12–16 mi) southeast of Nitra |
182 | 11 March 1945 | 14:05 | Yak-3[27] | 9–10 km (5.6–6.2 mi) south of Siofok | 194 | 28 March 1945 | 17:12 | Yak-3[27] | 20 km (12 mi) south of Nitra |
183 | 13 March 1945 | 10:13 | Yak-7[27] | 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Pákozd | 195 | 1 April 1945 | 16:05 | La-7[28] | 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Nemetdiszeg |
184 | 14 March 1945 | 12:07 | La-5[27] | 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Stuhlweissenburg | 196 | 5 April 1945 | 09:45 | La-7[28] | 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Gairing |
185 | 14 March 1945 | 12:11 | Il-2[27] | 1 km (0.62 mi) west of Pakozd | 197 | 8 April 1945 | 15:54 | La-7[28] | 1–3 km (0.62–1.86 mi) east of Hainburg |
186 | 17 March 1945 | 16:15 | Il-2[27] | Lake Velence | 198 | 9 April 1945 | 17:20 | La-7[28] | 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of Lundenburg |
187 | 20 March 1945 | 15:33 | Il-2[27] | 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) southeast of Stuhlweissenburg | 199 | 14 April 1945 | 15:00 | Yak-9[28] | Stockerau |
188 | 20 March 1945 | 15:41 | Il-2[27] | 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) southwest of Várpalota | 200 | 16 April 1945 | 11:20 | Yak-9[28] | 20 km (12 mi) north-northwest of Göding |
Awards
- Iron Cross (1939)
- Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for fighter pilots in Gold (26 April 1943)[29]
- Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe on 13 December 1943 as Leutnant and pilot[31][Note 5]
- German Cross in Gold on 28 January 1944 as Leutnant in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 52[33]
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross on 5 April 1944 as Leutnant of the Reserves and Staffelführer of the 6./Jagdgeschwader 52[34][Note 6]
- 837th Oak Leaves on 17 April 1945 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 53[36][Note 7]
Notes
- ^ Flight training in the Luftwaffe progressed through the levels A1, A2 and B1, B2, referred to as A/B flight training. A training included theoretical and practical training in aerobatics, navigation, long-distance flights and dead-stick landings. The B courses included high-altitude flights, instrument flights, night landings and training to handle the aircraft in difficult situations.
- ^ For an explanation of Luftwaffe unit designations, see Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II.
- ^ a b c According to Matthews and Foreman claimed with 4. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52.[15]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j The "m.H." refers to a Ilyushin Il-2 with rear gunner (mit Heckschütze).
- ^ According to Obermaier on 14 November 1943.[32]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Leutnant (war officer).[35]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Hauptmann (war officer).[35]
Publications
- Lipfert, Helmut; Girbig, Werner (1993). The War Diary of Hauptmann Helmut Lipfert – JG 52 on the Russian Front 1943-1945. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-88740-446-7.
References
Citations
- ^ a b Toliver & Constable 1996, p. 250.
- ^ a b c Stockert 2011, p. 98.
- ^ Prien et al. 2012, pp. 374.
- ^ a b Weal 2002, p. 83.
- ^ Bergström 2008, p. 48.
- ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 243.
- ^ Shores 1983, p. 107.
- ^ a b Stockert 2011, p. 100.
- ^ Matthews & Foreman 2015, pp. 758–762.
- ^ Planquadrat.
- ^ Matthews & Foreman 2015, pp. 758–761.
- ^ Prien et al. 2006, p. 498.
- ^ a b c d Prien et al. 2012, p. 379.
- ^ a b c d Prien et al. 2012, p. 380.
- ^ Matthews & Foreman 2015, p. 758.
- ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2012, p. 385.
- ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 386.
- ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 388.
- ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 389.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Prien et al. 2012, p. 390.
- ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2012, p. 391.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Prien et al. 2012, p. 392.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Prien et al. 2012, p. 393.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Prien et al. 2012, p. 394.
- ^ a b Prien et al. 2012, p. 395.
- ^ Matthews & Foreman 2015, pp. 761–762.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Prien 1991, p. 1682.
- ^ a b c d e f Prien 1991, p. 1683.
- ^ a b c MacLean 2007, p. 220.
- ^ a b Thomas 1998, p. 30.
- ^ Patzwall 2008, p. 136.
- ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 76.
- ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 281.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 293, 496.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 509.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 102.
Bibliography
- Bergström, Christer (2008). Bagration to Berlin—The Final Air Battles in the East: 1944–1945. Burgess Hill: Classic Publications. ISBN 978-1-903223-91-8.
{{cite book}}
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(help) - Bergström, Christer. "Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website". Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat. Archived from the original on 22 December 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - MacLean, French L (2007). Luftwaffe Efficiency & Promotion Reports: For the Knight's Cross Winners. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7643-2657-8.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Matthews, Andrew Johannes; Foreman, John (2015). Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 2 G–L. Walton on Thames: Red Kite. ISBN 978-1-906592-19-6.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Obermaier, Ernst (1989). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945 [The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Luftwaffe Fighter Force 1939 – 1945] (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 978-3-87341-065-7.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II [The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Patzwall, Klaus D. (2008). Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg [The Honor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement in the Air War] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-08-3.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Prien, Jochen (1991). Pik-As: Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 53 — 3 — Das Ende in Italien 1944, Rumänien, Ungarn 1944/45, Einsatz zur Verteidigung des Reiches 1943–1945 [Ace of Spades: History of the Fighter Wing 53 — 3 — The End in Italy 1944, Romania, Hungary 1944/45, Defense of the Reich 1943–1945] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-16-8.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2006). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 9/II—Vom Sommerfeldzug 1942 bis zur Niederlage von Stalingrad—1.5.1942 bis 3.2.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 9/II—From the 1942 Summer Campaign to the Defeat at Stalingrad—1 May 1942 to 3 February 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-77-9.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2012). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 12/II—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/II—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Buchverlag Rogge. ISBN 978-3-942943-05-5.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Militaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Shores, Christopher (1983). Air Aces. Greenwich, CT: Bison Books. ISBN 978-0-86124-104-0.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Stockert, Peter (2011). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 9 [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 9] (in German). Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. OCLC 76072662.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Thomas, Franz (1998). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2: L–Z [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 2: L–Z] (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2300-9.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Toliver, Raymond F.; Constable, Trevor J. (1996). Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-88740-909-7.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help) - Weal, John (2002). German Aces of the Russian Front. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-620-1.
{{cite book}}
: Invalid|ref=harv
(help)