Günther Wegmann

Günther Wegmann was a former German Luftwaffe fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 14 aerial victories including eight while flying the Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter.[Note 1] Wegmann a former, Zerstörer pilot with 8./Zerstörergeschwader 76 (ZG 26), received the German Cross in Gold on 31 August 1943.[1] Wegmann was the designated wingman of Major Walter Nowotny on 8 November 1944. Major Walter Nowotny initially failed to get airborne due to engine problems. After the engine problem was fixed Nowotny took off alone and was killed in action in this mission.[2]

Oberleutnant Wegmann's right leg had to be amputated when on 18 March 1945 he was wounded by the return fire of a B-17. His leg had a hole big enough to put a fist through. Wegmann broke off the attack and bailed out when his right engine went up in flames.[3]

Notes

  1. ↑ For a list of Luftwaffe Jet aces see List of German World War II jet aces

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 500
  2. ↑ Morgan & Weal 1998, p. 27.
  3. ↑ Boehme 1992, p. 117.
Bibliography
  • Boehme, Manfred (1992), JG 7 The World's First Jet Fighter Unit 1944/1945, Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd, ISBN 0-88740-395-6.
  • Morgan, Hugh; Weal, John (1998), German Jet Aces of World War 2, London: Orsprey Publishing Limited, ISBN 1-85532-634-5.
  • Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001), Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 - 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II, Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, ISBN 3-931533-45-X.