Hubertus von Bonin
| Hubertus von Bonin | |
|---|---|
Hubertus von Bonin in the Second World War
|
|
| Born |
3 August 1911 Potsdam |
| Died | 15 December 1943 (aged 32) near Haradok |
| Allegiance |
 Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch |
 Luftwaffe
|
| Years of service | 1938–43 |
| Rank | Oberstleutnant |
| Unit | JG 51, JG 52 , JG 54 |
| Commands held | III./JG 52, JG 54 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II |
| Awards |
Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
| Relations | Eckart-Wilhelm von Bonin |
Hubertus von Bonin (born 3 August 1911, Potsdam – 15 December 1943) was a German Second World War fighter ace who served in the Luftwaffe. A flying or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. Bonin is credited with shooting down 77 enemy aircraft. The majority of his victories were claimed over the Eastern Front. He also claimed four victories in Spain during the civil war. His commands included Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—54th Fighter Wing).
Bonin transferred to the Condor Legion in the fall of 1938, replacing Werner Mölders as Staffelkapitän (Squadron Leader) of the 3./Jagdgruppe 88 on 5 December 1938. During the course of the Spanish Civil War he claimed four republican fighter aircraft shot down, for which he was awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords. After his return from Spain, Bonin took command of the 5./Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26) and was made Gruppenkommandeur (Group Commander) of the I./Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54). He claimed his first aerial victory of the Second World War on 11 May 1940. By mid September 1940 he had claimed eight British fighter aircraft and bombers. For three months, from 1 July 1941, he served with Jagdfliegerschule 4 (fighter pilot training school Nr. 4). He then took command of the III./Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) on the Eastern Front. He claimed his thirtieth aerial victory on 17 November 1942 and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross after 51 aerial victories. He was appointed Geschwaderkommodore of JG 54 on 6 July 1943.
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