TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Josten, Günther

Date of birth:
November 7th, 1921 (Rhynern-Hamm/Westfalen, Germany)
Date of death:
July 7th, 2004 (Aurich/Lower Saxony, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Achieved a total of 178 aerial victories (including over 60 Il-2s) during 420 sorties in WWII.
Served in the Bundeswehr with the final rank of Colonel.

Promotions:
?: Unteroffizier;
July 1st, 1943: Feldwebel/Offiziersanwärter;
?: Oberfeldwebel;
?: Leutnant (RDA January 1st, 1944);
November 1st, 1944: Oberleutnant;
?: Oberst (Bundeswehr).

Career:
?: Internat Schulpforta;
October 1st, 1940: Luftwaffe;
November 1st, 1941: Jagdgruppe Drontheim;
September 1942: I. / Jagdgeschwader 51;
July 1944: Staffelführer 3. / Jagdgeschwader 51;
September 18th, 1944: Staffelkapitän 3. / Jagdgeschwader 51;
April 18th, 1945: Gruppenkommandeur IV. / Jagdgeschwader 51;
May 30th, 1962 - April 1st, 1967: Kommodore Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen" (Bundeswehr);
March 31st, 1981: Retirement.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 4th, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 12th, 1943
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 31st, 1943
Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Feldwebel (Sergeant)
Unit:
1. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders", Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
October 17th, 1943

Award 25/269.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)
Unit:
Flugzeugführer, 3. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders", Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
February 5th, 1944
Awarded after 84 aerial victories.

997th Luftwaffe Award.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)
Unit:
Staffelkapitän, 3. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders", Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
March 28th, 1945
Awarded after 161 aerial victories.

810th Award.
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub

Sources

Photo