Career
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The Knight"s Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Joachim Kirschner joined the military service in the Luftwaffe on 26 August 1939.
On 27 April 1943, Kirschner was credited with his 100th aerial victory.
He claimed his 150th aerial victory on 5 Juli 1943. On 17 December 1943 his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 (Werknummer 20618—factory number) was shot down by a Republic P-47D Thunderbolt of the 57th Fighter Group over Croatia.
He bailed out safely and landed on his parachute between villages Bjelojevići and Donje Hrasno. He was killed by a firing squad from the 29.
Hercegovačka udarna divizjia (29th Herzegovina Striking Division) at Metković.
"Udet" "Udet" Bibliography.
