Johann Schmid

Johann Schmid (13 January 1911 – 6 November 1941) was an Austrian-born Luftwaffe military aviator during the World War II, a fighter ace listed with 45 enemy aircraft shot down. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. All of his aerial victories were claimed over Western Front of World War II.

Born in Gainfarn, Schmid joined the Austrian Air Force in 1933 and subsequently transferred to the Luftwaffe following the ''Anschluss'' in 1938. He then served with "Condor Legion" in the latter stages of the Spanish Civil War. Following his return, he was posted "Richthofen" (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing). Flying with this unit, Schmid claimed his first aerial victory on 14 May 1940 during the Battle of France. Later that year, he served as an instructor and was then posted to "Schlageter" (JG 26—26th Fighter Wing) in July 1940. Following his 24th aerial victory claimed, Schmid was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 21 August 1941 and appointed (squadron leader) of 8. of JG 26. He was killed in action on 6 November 1941 when he was shot down over the English Channel. Posthumously, he was promoted to ''Major'' (major). Provided by Wikipedia