| Otto Schulz | |
|---|---|
Otto Schulz |
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| Nickname | Eins-Zwei-Drei Schulz |
| Born | 11 February 1911 Treptow an der Rega (Now in Poland) |
| Died | 17 June 1942 (aged 31) Sidi Rezegh |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Service/branch | Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | 1934-1942 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant |
| Unit | Jagdgeschwader 27 |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | German Cross(14 February 1942) Knight's Cross (22 February 1942) |
Oberleutnant Otto Schulz (born 11 February 1911 in Treptow an der Rega – died 17 June 1942 in Sidi Rezegh) was a German World War II Luftwaffe fighter ace. He scored 48 of his victories against the Western Allies and three victories over the Eastern Front in over 450 combat missions whilst flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
Otto Schulz joined the Luftwaffe in 1934 and served as an instructor until January 1940, when he was posted 4./JG 27. He participated in the French Campaign and Battle of Britain scoring his first victory on 31 August 1940. By the end of 1940, he had four victories to his credit. Schulz also participated in the Balkan Campaign scoring two victories. Transferring to the Eastern Front during June he scored three victories during his unit's brief participation in Operation Barbarossa.
Schulz was transferred to the Mediterranean theater in September 1941. He enjoyed much success in North Africa. On 6 October 1941, 20 October and 28 November, he recorded three victories on each day. On 30 November, his 23rd and 24th victims were aces Sergeant Alan Cameron (6.5 victories) and Pilot Officer Neville Duke (27). He claimed another 'ace' on 15 December (30), when he shot down and killed Pilot Officer Geoffrey Ranger (5 victories) of No.250 Sqn. He also shot down a P-40 flown by Australian ace Flying Officer “Nicky” Barr (11 victories) of No. 3 Sqn, RAAF, who crash-landed, wounded on 11 January.
Schulz received his nickname Eins-Zwei-Drei Schulz (One Two Three Schulz) in January 1942 when he took off in an emergency scramble at 7.01, shot down two bombers at 7.02 and landed again at 7.03.[1] On 15 February 1942, he shot down five P-40 fighters in ten minutes, including the 15-victory RAF ace Ernest “Imshi” Mason. He was promoted to Leutnant in April. On 31 May, Schulz shot down another P-40 flown by South African ace Major Andrew Duncan (5.5 victories) of No. 5 Sqn, SAAF, who was killed.
On 17 June 1942, after claiming his 51st and last kill (Canadian ace Flight Lieutenant Walter “Wally” Conrad (6.5 victories) of 274 Sqn who was wounded), Schulz was shot down and killed by RAF Kittyhawks. Research suggests the victory should be credited to Canadian ace James "Stocky" Edwards of No. 260 Squadron RAF.
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