Quick Facts
Biography
Otto Fönnekold (15 February 1920 – 31 August 1944) was a pilot in the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. A flying ace, Fönnekold was credited with 136 aerial victories—that is, 136 aerial combat encounters resulting in the destruction of the enemy aircraft. All but three of his victories were claimed over the Soviet Air Forces in about 600 combat missions.
Fönnekold was born on 15 February 1920 in Hamburg of the Weimar Republic. He claimed his first aerial victory on 1 December 1942. He often flew as wingman of Wilhelm Batz. On 19 January 1944, Fönnekold was credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 62nd Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.
Fönnekold claimed three United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) P-51 Mustang's on 31 August 1944. He was bounced on his landing approach at Ssaß-Budak by P-51 Mustang's. One of the .50 caliber projectiles penetrated his heart. Nevertheless, he landed his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 (Werknnummer 441931—factory number) "black 9" before succumbing to his injury.
Awards
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (9 August 1943)
- German Cross in Gold on 16 August 1943 as Feldwebel in the 5./JG 52
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 26 March 1944 as Leutnant and pilot in the II./JG 52
- Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 118.
- Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 183, 490.
- Scherzer 2007, p. 313.