Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II who is credited with 44 aerial victories, which were achieved during 260 combat missions.
15 Facts About Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann joined the military service in the Luftwaffe and was trained as a fighter pilot.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann's unit redeployed to the Western Front in June 1943.
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On 26 March 1945, Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann was killed in action by friendly fire.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann was born on 24 March 1921 in Reichelsheim, in the People's State of Hesse.
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In defense of this attack, Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann claimed his first aerial victory, a No 64 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire fighter shot down 5 kilometres west of Cassel.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized for many months.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann shot down one of the Spitfires which crashed near Rue.
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On 28 January 1944, Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann shot down a RAF No 2 Squadron P-51 tactical reconnaissance aircraft near Abbeville.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann retained sight but lost the ability to focus.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross two days later.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann claimed his 44th and last aerial victory on 26 March 1945.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann's opponent was Warrant Officer C A Ligtenstein flying a Hawker Tempest from No 33 Squadron.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann managed to bail out, the altitude was too low for his parachute to fully deploy and he fell to his death.
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Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann was succeeded by Oberleutnant Alfred Heckmann as commander of 5.