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 was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Fönnekold was credited with 136 aerial victories—that is, 136 aerial combat encounters resulting in the destruction of the enemy aircraft.
All but three of his victories were claimed over the Soviet Air Forces in about 600 combat missions.
Fönnekold was born on 15 February 1920 in Hamburg of the Weimar Republic. He claimed his first aerial victory on 1 December 1942.
He often flew as wingman of Wilhelm Batz. On 19 January 1944, Fönnekold was credited with his 100th aerial victory.
Fönnekold claimed three United States Army Air Forces (United States Army Air Force) P-51 Mustang"s on 31 August 1944.
He was bounced on his landing approach at Ssaß-Budak by P-51 Mustang"son One of the.50 caliber projectiles penetrated his heart. Nevertheless he landed his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 (Werknnummer 441931—factory number) "black 9" before succumbing to his injury.
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