Heinz Golinski

Who was Heinz Golinski?

Heinz "Figaro" Golinski was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II.

Golinski was born on 11 July 1919 in Nordstemmen and was posted as a Unteroffizier to 3. JG 53 in the autumn of 1941, operating over the German Bight and over Malta. He then served as a test pilot with Messerschmitt. In August 1942 Golinski joined I./JG 53 on the Eastern front. He claimed his first victory on 28 July 1942, a R-5 biplane. During August he claimed 17 victories. Golinski claimed 27 victories in September. In late September, I./JG 53 transferred to the Mediterranean.

On 16 October 1942, Golinski shot down a Spitfire. However, another Spitfire then attacked him and his Bf 109 G-2 crashed and Golinski was killed. It is thought Golinski was the victim of Canadian ace F/L HW “Wally” McLeod of No. 1435 Squadron. Golinski was posthumously awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 5 November, and the Ritterkreuz on 30 December. “Figaro” Golinski was credited with 47 victories. He recorded 46 victories over the Eastern front, including 13 Sturmoviks.