Hans Strelow
German flying ace
Died when: 20 years 57 days (241 months)Star Sign: Aries
Hans Strelow (26 March 1922 – 22 May 1942) was a Luftwaffe military aviator during World War II, a fighter ace credited with 68 enemy aircraft shot down in over 200 combat missions, all of which claimed over the Eastern Front.
Born in Berlin, Strelow volunteered for military service in the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany in 1939.Following flight training, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 51 (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing) in 1941 and participated in Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
He claimed his first aerial victory on 25 June 1941.In February 1942, Strelow was appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of the 5.Staffel (5th squadron) of JG 51.
Following his 52nd aerial victory, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 18 March 1942.Six days and 14 aerial victories later, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves making him the youngest recipient of the Oak Leaves.
Following a forced landing behind enemy lines, Strelow committed suicide on 22 May 1942 to avoid capture by Soviet forces.
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