Joachim Müncheberg

Who was Joachim Müncheberg?

Joachim Müncheberg was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace 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. He is credited with 135 enemy aircraft shot down claimed in over 500 combat missions. The majority of his victories were claimed over the Western front with 33 claims over the Eastern Front. Of his 102 aerial victories achieved over the Western Allies are 46 Supermarine Spitfire fighters.

Born in Friedrichsdorf, Müncheberg volunteered for military service in the Wehrmacht of the Third Reich in 1936. Initially serving in the Heer, he transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1938. Following flight training, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 234 in October 1938. He was transferred to Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schageter" a year later and was appointed Adjutant of the III. Gruppe. He fought in the Battle of France and received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross following his 20th aerial victory in total and during the Battle of Britain. Serving as a Staffelkapitän he fought in the aerial battles during the siege of Malta and Balkans Campaign. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Italian Gold Medal of Military Valor after 43 aerial victories.