Oskar Hennrich
Encyclopedia
Vizefeldwebel Oskar Hennrich was a World War I flying ace
credited with 20 aerial victories. He was a notable balloon buster
, as thirteen of his wins were destructions of observation balloons. He was the leading ace of his squadron.
Hennrich's first assignment was as an aerial gunner with KG II, from 20 April 1916 through 20 February 1917. He then took pilot's training, and was assigned to FA(A) 273 on 10 October 1917. He moved on to Jasta 46 on 6 May 1918. He scored his first win there on 14 May 1918, when he used his Fokker D.VII
to shoot down a balloon west of Albert. He continued to score, mostly balloons, right through 1 October 1918; on 24 September, for instance, he shot down three gasbags. He was awarded the Military Merit Cross
on 3 November 1918.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 20 aerial victories. He was a notable balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
, as thirteen of his wins were destructions of observation balloons. He was the leading ace of his squadron.
Hennrich's first assignment was as an aerial gunner with KG II, from 20 April 1916 through 20 February 1917. He then took pilot's training, and was assigned to FA(A) 273 on 10 October 1917. He moved on to Jasta 46 on 6 May 1918. He scored his first win there on 14 May 1918, when he used his Fokker D.VII
Fokker D.VII
The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz of the Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. Germany produced around 3,300 D.VII aircraft in the summer and autumn of 1918. In service, the D.VII quickly proved itself to be a formidable aircraft...
to shoot down a balloon west of Albert. He continued to score, mostly balloons, right through 1 October 1918; on 24 September, for instance, he shot down three gasbags. He was awarded the Military Merit Cross
Military Merit Cross (Prussia)
The Military Merit Cross was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers. It was also known as the Golden Military Merit Cross to distinguish it from the Military Decoration 1st Class The Military Merit Cross (Militär-Verdienstkreuz)...
on 3 November 1918.