Hans Beißwenger

Who was Hans Beißwenger?

Hans Beißwenger was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves during World War II. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. In 500 combat missions, Beißwenger was credited with 152 victories, making him the 34th highest-scoring Luftwaffe fighter pilot of World War II. He was Ace in a Day twice, shooting down five aircraft on a single day. He claimed all but one of his victories over the Eastern front. He was reported missing in action in March 1943.