Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk
| Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 25, 1893 Siegerdorf, Bunzlau, Silesia |
| Died | January 30, 1946 (aged 52) Lager Ketschendorf |
| Allegiance | Germany |
| Service/branch | Grenadiers Air Service Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | 1912–20 1934–43 |
| Rank | Generalmajor |
| Unit | Koenig Friederich III Grenadier Regiment, Kampfstaffel 19, Kampfstaffel 32, Jagdstaffel 4 |
| Commands held | Jagdstaffel 21, Jagdgeschwader II |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards | Pour le Merite, Albert Order Second Class, Saxe-Ernestine House Order Second Class, Order of Saint John, Iron Cross First and Second Class |
| Other work | Generalmajor in Luftwaffe during World War II |
Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk (25 August 1893 – 30 January 1946) was a German Generalmajor, he began his military career during World War I as a fighter ace credited with 26 victories. He survived the war, served in the post-war revolution, and eventually rose to the rank of Generalmajor in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
Oskar von Boenigk was born on 25 August 1893 in Siegerdorf, Bunzlau, Silesia, the son of an army officer. He began his military career as an 11-year-old cadet, which led to his being commissioned into the 11th Grenadier Regiment on 22 March 1912.
When World War I began, he was immediately assigned as a platoon leader until suffering a severe chest wound in October 1914 during the Battle of Longwy. His valor won him an Iron Cross Class, awarded 23 September 1914.
On 24 October 1914, he was promoted to company commander while carrying the simultaneous position of Ordnance Officer. He remained in these posts until 19 December 1915, when he transferred to aviation training. During this time, he fought in the battles of Loretto Heights and Arras. He was wounded again during 1915.
Boenigk trained with the 7th Flying Replacement Battalion from 20 December 1915 through 29 February 1916. Upon graduation from this observer training, he was assigned to Royal Bavarian Jagdstaffel 32. He flew as an observer originally, later transferring to Jastaschule.. His duty with Jasta 32 lasted from 1 March 1916 through 6 April 1917. This tour ended when he returned to the 7th Flying Replacement Battalion for training as a fighter pilot.
Jastaschule lasted from 7 April 1917 until 23 June 1917. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 4, which was becoming part of Germany's first fighter wing, Jagdgeschwader II. His arrival in Jasta 4 was coincidental with that of his commanding officer, Oberleutnant Kurt-Bertram von Döring. The two of them would serve under Germany's ace of aces, Manfred von Richthofen, who would be appointed to command the newly formed JG II on 26 July.
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