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Schmitz, Wilfried

Date of birth:
January 11th, 1920 (Bielefeld/Province of Westphalia/Kingdom of Prussia, Germany)
Date of death:
February 4th, 1945 (Near Ziebingen/Weststerburg (Neumark), Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Flew a total of more than 350 sorties.

Promotions:
07.11.1938: Fahnenjunker;
01.05.1939: Fahnenjunker-Gefreiter;
01.07.1939: Fahnenjunker-Unteroffizier;
01.10.1939: Fähnrich;
01.12.1939: Oberfähnrich;
01.04.1940: Leutnant (RDA) (698);
01.04.1941: Oberleutnant (541);
01.07.1943: Hauptmann.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 16th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 24th, 1940
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 7th, 1941
Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant)
Unit:
Flugzeugführer
Awarded on:
December 8th, 1941
Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Leutnant (Pilot Officer)
Unit:
I./Kampfgeschwader 4
Awarded on:
April 14th, 1942

According to the Personalakte the awarding date is 28-4-1942.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)
Unit:
Flugzeugführer I. / Kampfgeschwader 4 "General Wever"
Awarded on:
August 21st, 1942
Awarded in recognition of his career as a bomber pilot, which at the time of his award amounted to a total of 242 sorties flown. He particularly distinguished himself by participating in two raids on the Saratov ball bearing factory on 24/25.06.1942, during which he scored several direct hits.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo