Herbert Schramm

Herbert Schramm (13 October 1913 – 1 December 1943) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator during World War II, a fighter ace credited with 42 aerial victories claimed in 480 combat missions. He claimed 28 aerial victories on the Eastern Front and further 14 victories over the Western Allies.

Born in Wetzlar, Schramm was a pilot and flight instructor prior to joining the Luftwaffe. Posted to ''Jagdgeschwader'' 53 (JG 53—53rd Fighter Wing), he claimed his first aerial victory on 14 May 1940 during the Battle of France. He then fought in the Battle of Britain and Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. Following 25 aerial victories claimed, Schramm was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in August 1941. In early 1942, his unit fought in the Mediterranean theater. In April 1942, Schramm served as a fighter pilot instructor. On 13 August 1943, Schramm was appointed ''Staffelkapitän'' (squadron leader) of 5. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 27 (JG 27—27th Fighter Wing). On 1 December 1943, he was killed in action near Eupen during aerial combat with United States Army Air Forces fighters. Posthumously, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Provided by Wikipedia