1. Heinz Vinke was a German Luftwaffe military aviator during World War II, a night fighter ace credited with 54 aerial victories claimed in approximately 150 combat missions making him the eighteenth most successful night fighter pilot in the history of aerial warfare.
Heinz Vinke then served with Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighter.
Heinz Vinke was posthumously bestowed with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
Heinz Vinke was born on 22 May 1920 in Barby, in the Province of Saxony, a Free State of Prussia.
Heinz Vinke was the son of merchant Heinrich Vinke and his wife Martha, nee Rehse.
At the time, Heinz Vinke was based at Stargard on the Fliegerhorst Klutzow, present-day Kluczewo Airfield, where he received his flight training which he completed in 1940.
Heinz Vinke instructed his radio operator to bail out, the parachute failed to open and Schlein fell to his death.
Heinz Vinke made a forced landing in a corn field near De Cocksdorp, Texel, injuring his back.
Heinz Vinke was first treated at a hospital in Den Burg and later at Heiloo.
On 29 March 1943, Heinz Vinke was awarded the Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe and the Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for Night Fighters.
Heinz Vinke observed the demise of Kraft and attempted to attack the Beaufighter in the same way, from below and to starboard.
Heinz Vinke was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 September 1943, the nomination had been submitted for 25 aerial victories claimed earlier.
Just four days later, Heinz Vinke shot down Lancaster DV201 for his 29th victory.
Heinz Vinke made the Stirling claim in the same area and time.
Heinz Vinke claimed two other victories that day, earning him the title of "ace-in-a-day".
Oberfeldwebel Heinz Vinke was shot down and killed while flying Messerschmitt Bf 110 G-4 of 11.
Heinz Vinke was credited with 54 aerial victories, all of them at night, claimed in approximately 150 combat missions operations.