Eduard Ritter von Schleich

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Eduard Ritter von Schleich (August 9, 1888 - November 15, 1947), neé Eduard-Maria Joseph Schleich was a high scoring Bavarian flying ace of World War I. He was credited with 35 aerial victories at the end of the war.

Contents 1 Early life 2 His flying career in WWI 3 Decorations 4 References

[edit] Early life

Born in Munich, Bavaria to an artist his family soon moved to the romantic spa city of Bad Tölz around 50 kilometers south of Munich at the shores of the Isar river. After he finished school Schleich decided to enroll to a cadet programm in the Bavarian Army and eventually earned a commission with the 11th Bavarian Infantry Regiment in 1910. Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Schleich was plagued with medical problems and released from active duty. He volunteered again and was badly wounded in the Battle of Lorraine.

[edit] His flying career in WWI

While he was recovering from his wounds he decided to volunteer in the Royal Bavarian Air Service, and was accepted as an observer in a two seater unit.

[edit] Decorations

• Iron Cross
• Order of Max-Joseph
• Order Pour le Mérite, Patent from Dec 05 1917

[edit] References

^[1]http://www.rittervonschleich.com

Military offices
Preceded by none	Commander of Jagdgeschwader 26 Schlageter November 1, 1938 – December 9, 1939	Succeeded by Major Hans Hugo Witt
Preceded by none	Commanding General of the Luftwaffe in Denmark June 12, 1941 – May 1, 1944	Succeeded by Generalmajor Andreas Nielsen
Preceded by General Josef Kammhuber	Commanding General of the Luftwaffe in Norway October 10, 1944 – November 15, 1944	Succeeded by Generalleutnant Ernst-August Roth