Boelcke, Oswald, 1891-1916
Dates
- Existence: 1891-05-19 - 1916-10-28
Biography
Oswald Boelcke was a German flying ace of the First World War credited with 40 victories; he was one of the most influential patrol leaders and tacticians of the early years of air combat. Boelcke is honored as the father of the German fighter air force, as well as considered the "Father of Air Fighting Tactics."
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Oswald Bölcke WWI Imperial Pilot Ace Death Card, 1916-10-28
WWI Imperial German pilot ace card by Hofphot J. Muller, Dessau. The image was taken shortly before his death and clearly shows the strain of combat exhibited in his face. He is dressed in his service uniform and wearing his Order Pour le Mérite (The Blue Max). Through the second button hole are his ribbons for the House Order of Hohenzollern and the Iron Cross and the Iron Cross. An Iron Cross first class is pinned on he lower left breast.