Willi Gabriel

Who was Willi Gabriel?

Vizefeldwebel Willi Gabriel was a World War I flying ace credited with eleven aerial victories.

Gabriel built his own airplanes prior to World War I. He was called up for military service when the war began. Early in 1915, he began a series of assignments to artillery cooperation units, often in company with his twin brother. Willi Gabriel was eventually stationed in Schutzstaffel 15, where he and his observer shot down a Spad on 22 March 1918. Wilhelm Reinhard then requested Gabriel's assignment to Jagdgruppe 1, and Gabriel was posted to Jasta 11 on 15 April. He scored on 19 May, then six times in June, including two balloons. Hermann Göring then came to command JG 1, much to Gabriel's displeasure. On 18 July 1918, Gabriel flew a solo mission without permission and shot down three French airplanes. Upon his return, he was ordered to remain on the ground. However, he disobeyed Göring's orders, took off, and shot down a fourth Frenchman. Upon his return from this sortie, he was banished from combat despite his success.

In 1938, he flew Fokker Dr.Is in two movies, DIII 88 and Pour le Merite. He returned to duty during World War II, rising to the rank of Hauptmann.