1. Heinrich Gontermann was a German fighter ace credited with 39 victories during the First World War.
18 Facts About Heinrich Gontermann
1. 2.
Heinrich Gontermann abstained from smoking and was only a social drinker.
3.
Heinrich Gontermann had a reputation for being aloof, but during his time with the Uhlans he displayed leadership abilities.
4.
Heinrich Gontermann was slightly wounded in September 1914, and he was promoted to Feldwebel.
5.
Heinrich Gontermann applied for aviation training at Jastaschule and a transfer to a fighter unit.
6.
Heinrich Gontermann was accepted and on 11 November 1916 joined Jasta 5.
7.
Heinrich Gontermann shot down 4 others within the month, including a double victory on the 16th.
8.
On 26 April 1917, Heinrich Gontermann brought his victory total to 17 victories.
9.
Heinrich Gontermann was promoted to Staffelfuhrer of Prussian Jagdstaffel 15 four days later.
10.
Heinrich Gontermann replaced Max Reinhold, who was killed in action.
11.
Heinrich Gontermann was considered the premier marksman of his unit, as well as a skilled aerobaticist.
12.
On 6 May 1917, Heinrich Gontermann was awarded the Knight's Cross with Swords of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern.
13.
Heinrich Gontermann scored his 19th triumph, over five-victory ace Didier Lecour Grandmaison, on 10 May 1917.
14.
Heinrich Gontermann shot down a Spad in the morning, while at 1923 hours, he took out an observation balloon south of Aisne-Tal; three others were destroyed in as many minutes.
15.
Heinrich Gontermann was credited with defeating 21 enemy aircraft and 18 balloons, plus an unconfirmed balloon shot down.
16.
Heinrich Gontermann pulled out of the second loop and dived into a left turn.
17.
Heinrich Gontermann was pulled from the wreck alive, though with severe head injuries after slamming into the machine gun breeches.
18.
Heinrich Gontermann was taken to the Jasta's medical bay, where he died from his injuries several hours later.