Helmut Lipfert

Helmut Lipfert (6 August 1916 – 10 August 1990) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator during World War II. Lipfert ranks as the world's thirteenth fighter ace. Lipfert was credited with 203 victories achieved in 687 combat missions. All his victories were claimed over the Eastern Front and included a P-51 Mustang, 41 Yakovlev Yak-1, 41 Yakovlev Yak-9 fighters, two four-engine bombers and 39 Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft. He was shot down fifteen times, without being injured.

Born in Lippelsdorf, Lipfert joined the military service in 1937, at first serving with the 1st Panzer Division before he transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1941. Trained as a fighter pilot, Lipfert was posted to ''Jagdgeschwader'' 52 (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing) in late 1942. He claimed his first aerial victory in January 1943. In March 1943, Lipfert was appointed acting ''Staffelkapitän'' (squadron leader) of 4. ''Staffel'' (4th squadron) of JG 52. Following his 90th aerial victory claimed, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in April 1944. In February 1945, Lipfert was appointed ''Gruppenkommandeur'' (group commander) of I. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 53 (JG 53—53rd Fighter Wing). In April 1945, he claimed his 200th aerial victory and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.

Following World War II, Lipfert became a school teacher. He died on 10 August 1990 in Einbeck, West Germany. Provided by Wikipedia