Heinrich Hoffmann

Who was Heinrich Hoffmann?

Oberfeldwebel Heinrich Hoffmann was a German World War II Luftwaffe Flying ace. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. Hoffmann is credited with 63 aerial victories in 261 combat missions and was the first non-commissioned officer and first soldier of the Wehrmacht to be awarded posthumously the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.