Günther Wegmann
Günther Wegmann was a former German Luftwaffe fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 14 aerial victories including eight while flying the Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter.[Note 1] Wegmann a former, Zerstörer pilot with 8./Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 26), received the German Cross in Gold on 31 August 1943.[1] Wegmann was the designated wingman of Major Walter Nowotny on 8 November 1944. Nowotny initially failed to get airborne due to engine problems. After the engine problem was fixed Nowotny took off alone and was killed in action in this mission.[2]
Wegmann's right leg had to be amputated when on 18 March 1945 he was wounded by the return fire of a B-17. His leg had a hole big enough to put a fist through. Wegmann broke off the attack and bailed out when his right engine went up in flames.[3]
Notes
- ↑ For a list of Luftwaffe Jet aces see List of German World War II jet aces
References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- Boehme, Manfred (1992), JG 7 The World's First Jet Fighter Unit 1944/1945, Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, ISBN 0-88740-395-6.
- Morgan, Hugh; Weal, John (1998), German Jet Aces of World War 2, London: Orsprey Publishing Limited, ISBN 1-85532-634-5.
- Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001), Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 - 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II, Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, ISBN 3-931533-45-X.