Friedrich Obleser
| Friedrich Obleser | |
|---|---|
Generalleutnant Friedrich Obleser
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| Born |
21 February 1923 Pottenstein, Austria |
| Died | 5 June 2004 (aged 81) Neunkirchen, Austria |
| Allegiance | |
| Service/branch | |
| Years of service | 1940–45, 1956–83 |
| Rank | |
| Unit | JG 52 |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | |
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Friedrich-Erich Obleser (21 February 1923 – 5 June 2004) was a German fighter ace in the Luftwaffe during World War II, who claimed 127 aerial victories achieved in 500 combat missions. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, awarded by Nazi Germany to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. For his post-war service in the German Air Force, he received the Grand Cross with Star of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Obleser at one point questioned the aerial claims made by Erich Hartmann. Hartmann asked Günther Rall to have Obleser transferred to be Hartmann's wingman for a while. Obleser became a witness on some of Hartmann's claims and no longer questioned Hartmann's claims. In August 1944, Obleser was credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 87th Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.
After Obleser was released from US captivity, he worked as a commissioner of a recycling company, which predominantly had to dismantle and dispose of four-engine bombers. He then became head of an industrial application department in the private industry, where he played a decisive role in changing production to new materials and manufacturing processes. In 1956, Obleser continued his military career, joining the German Air Force of West Germany. Following multiple assignments to various fighter units, Obleser was appointed Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of Jagdgeschwader 72 in Leck, later known as Jagdbombergeschwader 43, and then Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdbombergeschwader 31 "Boelcke".
From 1 October 1978 until his retirement on 31 March 1983, he held the position of Inspector of the Air Force in the Bundeswehr, achieving the rank of Generalleutnant.
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