Reinhold Hoffmann
Reinhold Hoffmann was a Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and its variants were the highest awards in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. On 24 May 1944, Hoffmann attempted an emergency landing at Friesack following aerial combat. His Focke-Wulf Fw 190 crashed, killing him instantly. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross on 28 January 1945. During his career he was credited with 67 aerial victories, 3 on the Western Front and 64 on the Eastern Front.
Summary of career
Aerial victory claims
According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Hoffmann was credited with 67 aerial victories.Awards
- Aviator badge
- Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe
- Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class
- German Cross in Gold on 14 November 1943 as Feldwebel in the II./Jagdgeschwader 54
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 January 1945 as Leutnant and pilot in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 54