15 Facts About Karl Thom

Leutnant Karl Thom, was a German World War I flying ace credited with 27 victories.

Karl Thom was decorated with both his nation's highest decorations for valor, the Military Merit Cross as an enlisted soldier, and the Pour le Merite after he was commissioned as an officer.

Karl Thom was one of only four German aces of World War I to achieve this double award.

Karl Thom began his military service by enlisting in 1911 with Hussar Regiment Number 5.

Karl Thom was serving with Mounted Rifle Regiment Number 10 when World War I began.

Karl Thom was wounded for the first time in November 1914.

Karl Thom patrolled in the vicinity of Vosges until he was injured in a crash in May 1916.

Karl Thom was awarded the Iron Cross First Class for his subsequent escape.

Karl Thom returned to duty for a brief tour with FFA 234 before transferring again.

Karl Thom marked his Albatros airplane's fuselage with a large black capital block 'T' with pronounced serifs to identify himself in the air.

Karl Thom had previously been awarded the Member's class of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern.

Karl Thom took a bullet in the leg while undertaking the usually hazardous duty of attacking an observation balloon.

Karl Thom was not successful in his assault, nor would he ever shoot down one of the gasbags.

Karl Thom returned to the Luftwaffe to serve during World War II.

Karl Thom disappeared under obscure circumstances, on 3 March 1945 in Pillau, East Prussia.