| Hans von Freden | |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 March 1892 Berlin, Germany |
| Died | 30 October 1919 Stettin, Pomerania, present day Poland |
| Allegiance | Germany |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Leutnant |
| Unit | FFA 48, FA 10, Jasta 72, Jasta 1 |
| Commands held | Jasta 50 |
| Awards | Iron Cross |
Leutnant Hans von Freden was a World War I flying ace credited with 20 aerial victories.[1]
Freden began his string of aerial victories while assigned to Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 1. He shot down an observation balloon at Spresiano on 29 January 1918. He furthered his career as a balloon buster by downing two more, on 31 January and 5 February respectively. He rounded out his career with Jasta 1 with his fourth win, over a Spad fighter, on 9 June 1918.[1]
Later that month, he assumed command of Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 50.[2] He scored four times in July, but skipped August. Sometime during his run of six victories in September, he upgraded to a Fokker D.VII, which he emblazoned with his family coat of arms. He scored his last victory, the one that qualified him for the Pour le Merite, on November 10, the day before the war ended. His final tally was nine observation balloons and eleven enemy airplanes downed.[1][3]
Freden did not long survive the war. He died of influenza less than a year later, on 30 October 1919.[2]