Jagdstaffel 19

Jasta 19
Fokker Dr. I of Leutnant Pippart, Jasta 19.
Active	1916–1918
Country	German Empire
Branch	Luftstreitkräfte
Type	Fighter squadron
Part of	Jagdgeschwader II
Engagements	World War I

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 19 was a World War I "hunting group" (i.e., fighter squadron) of the Luftstreitkräfte, the air arm of the Imperial German Army during World War I. As one of the original German fighter squadrons, the unit would score 92 verified aerial victories, including ten wins over enemy observation balloons.

In turn, their casualties for the war would amount to eleven pilots killed in action, four wounded in action, and one taken prisoner of war.

Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 19 was founded on 25 October 1916. It flew its first combat patrols five days before Christmas, 1916. The new Jasta drew first blood on 6 April 1917, credit being given to Leutnant Walter Böning. On 2 February 1918, Jasta 19 was detailed into Jagdgeschwader II along with Jasta 12, Jasta 13, and Jasta 15.

Two of the members of Jasta 19 were holders of the Pour le Mérite ("Blue Max"); both of them commanded the unit at some point. They were:

One of Germany's pioneer pilots checked into the Jasta already bearing the Military Order of Saint Henry:

Four other aces in Jasta 19 won both the Hohenzollern Order and Iron Cross:

Other aces in the squadron were awarded the Iron Cross:

And there were aces who went unrewarded by medals, such as Rudolf Rienau and Hans Körner.

Jasta 19 was founded with Albatros D.II fighters from its inception in December 1916. The Fokker Dr.I fighter came on line in August 1917; the unit was supplied with the triplane, although this re-equipment date is unknown. The Fokker D.VII fighter was supplied to combat units beginning in March or April 1918; the squadron also received them at an unknown date.