Paul Billik
| Paul Billik | |
|---|---|
| Born |
27 March 1891 Haatsch, Silesia, Germany (now Czech Republic) |
| Died | 8 March 1926 (aged 34) Berlin, Germany |
| Buried at | Unknown |
| Allegiance | Germany |
| Service/branch | Infantry, Air Service |
| Years of service | 1911 - 1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 157th Infantry Regt, FEA 4, Schusta 4, Jagdstaffel 12, Jagdstaffel 7, Jadgstaffel 52 |
| Commands held | Jadgstaffel 52 |
| Awards | House Order of Hohenzollern, Iron Cross |
Paul Billik (27 March 1891 – 8 March 1926) was a World War I fighter ace credited with 31 victories. He was killed in a flying accident while pioneering civil aviation.
Paul Billik was born on 27 March 1891 in Haatsch in the Silesian region of what was then Germany, and is currently the Czech Republic. He attended school in Ratibor (Racibórz) until 1910.
In 1911, he joined the 157th Infantry Regiment of the 12th Division and was based in Brzeg. He was promoted up to the rank of corporal during the next two years. He was still in this regiment when World War I started, and he went into battle with it. In November 1915, he received a commission, apparently on the battlefield, which suggests uncommon courage and ability. In May 1916, he transferred to the Fliegertruppe for aviation training.
Billik trained with FEA 4. From January through 26 March 1917 he flew defensive patrols with Schusta 4, and he trained to fly single seat fighter aircraft. On 1 April 1917 he joined the Prussian Jagdstaffel 12, which was soon commanded by Oberleutnant Adolf Ritter von Tutschek. He was assigned an Albatros fighter to fly, which he personalized with his good luck insignia of a pre-Nazi swastika.
On 30 April, he downed a Sopwith Pup for his first victory; his victim was Royal Naval Air Service ace Flight Sub-Lieutenant John Joseph Malone. Billik downed three more opposing fighters before being transferred, with number four being on 3 July 1917. Billik was rewarded with the Iron Cross First Class.
He was reassigned the following day. His new unit was the Prussian Jasta 7, commanded by Josef Jacobs. With them, he flew a Fokker Dr.I and scored once in August, twice in September, was wounded on 7 October, and claimed victory number eight on 12 December.
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