Carl Menckhoff
German flying ace
Died when: 65 years 272 days (788 months)Star Sign: Aries
Carl Menckhoff (14 April 1883 – 11 January 1949) was a German First World War fighter ace.He was credited with 39 confirmed victories, the majority over opposing fighter aces.
Already in his 30s when he learned to fly in February 1915, he was one of the oldest pilots in the Luftstreitkräfte (Air Force).
After being severely wounded in infantry service, Menckhoff transferred to Jagdstaffel 3 (Hunting Team 3) as a vizefeldwebel (staff sergeant), afterwards being commissioned as an officer.
He won the German Empire's most prestigious decoration, the Pour le Mérite ("Blue Max"), and was given command of Jagdstaffel 72 (Hunting Team 72).
After being shot down and taken prisoner on 25 July 1918, he remained incarcerated until August 1919 when he escaped into Switzerland.He returned to Germany, where he succeeded in business, but where he was arrested in 1938 for currency infringements.
Following his purchased release from Nazi custody he moved to Switzerland, where he remained until his death in 1949.
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