Franz Dörr

Franz Dörr (10 February 1913 – 13 October 1972) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 128 aerial victories achieved in 437 combat missions, becoming an "ace-in-a-day" on nine separate occasions. All of his aerial victories were claimed on the Eastern Front.

Born in Mannheim, Dörr grew up in the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. Following flight training, he served as a reconnaissance pilot in the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France. In late 1941, he served with ''Jagdgeschwader'' 5 (JG 5—5th Fighter Wing) which was moved near the Arctic Ocean in the northern sector of the Eastern Front. He claimed his first aerial victory on 9 May 1942. In September 1943, Dörr was appointed squadron leader of 7. ''Staffel'' (7th squadron) of JG 5 and in August 1944, he was given command of III. ''Gruppe'' (3rd group) of JG 5. Dörr was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 August 1944 after 95 aerial victories claimed. Following the loss of the German battleship ''Tirpitz'' on 12 November 1944, Dörr was court-martialled but was acquitted from all charges. He died on 13 October 1972 in Konstanz. Provided by Wikipedia