Allegiance Nazi Germany Years of service 1939–44 Unit JG 52 | Service/branch Luftwaffe Rank Hauptmann Name Otto Fonnekold | |
Born 15 February 1920
Hamburg ( 1920-02-15 ) Died 31 August 1944(1944-08-31) (aged 24)
Ssas-Budak, Siebenburgen | ||
Otto Fonnekold (15 February 1920 – 31 August 1944) was a Luftwaffe flying ace of World War II. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Fonnekold 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.
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Career
Fonnekold 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, Fonnekold was credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 62nd Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.
Fonnekold claimed three United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) P-51 Mustang's on 31 August 1944. He was bounced on his landing approach at Ssas-Budak by P-51 Mustang's. 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.