Career
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. 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. He served in the post World World War II German Air Force of the Federal Republic of Germany, retiring with the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).
Wernitz was born in Schweinitz/Herzberg in the district of Wittenberg, a Province of Saxony, on 21 January 1921.
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. in Courland in February 1945.
On 26 March 1945, Wernitz was credited with his 100th aerial victory. Bibliography.
