Unit 6./JG 5 | Years of service 1939–45 | |
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Born 24 March 1916Sonneberg, Germany ( 1916-03-24 ) Battles/wars World War IIEastern FrontOperation Barbarossa Battles and wars | ||
Hans Döbrich (24 March 1916 – 6 April 1984) was a former Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Hans Döbrich was credited with 65 victories. All his victories were recorded over the Eastern Front.
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Career
Döbrich, as a member of 6./Jagdgeschwader 5 (JG 5), participated in battles on the northern flank of the Eastern Front in the Soviet Arctic. On 19 July 1942 he was forced to bail out 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Murmashi Russia from his Bf 109 F-4 (Werknummer 10169—factory number) "Yellow 9" after his radiator was hit by fire from a Yak-1. Döbrich made a good forced landing and then spent the next seven days walking back to the Staffel. On 16 July 1943, whilst flying Bf 109 G-6, Döebrich was wounded by enemy fighters after downing two aircraft and was forced to bail out into Petsamo Fjord, Finland. His combat career ended after a serious third wound to the face. His total victory tally was at least 65 victories achieved in 248 missions, an additional 19 victories were unconfirmed. All his victories were recorded over the Eastern Front.