Career
The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. After service with I./ZG 76, he became Adjunct of World War II/SKG 10 in 1943, before transferring to II/SG 4. As Kommandeur I./SG 4 on 18 May 1944 he was shot down by British Spitfires over Rieti, Italy.
After downing one Spitfire, he was shot down, but during his bail out struck the tailfin, thus his chute did not open.
He was posthumously promoted to Major in September 1944. Bibliography.