Ludwig Beckmann
German fighter ace and Knight's Cross recipient
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann (26 October 1895 – 20 January 1965) was a German Luftstreitkräfte ace during World War I and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. Ludwig Beckmann claimed eight aerial victories during World War I all on the Western Front.
Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Lutz |
| Born | 26 October 1895 |
| Died | 20 January 1965 (aged 69) |
| Allegiance |  German Empire Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Prussian Army Luftstreitkräfte Luftwaffe |
| Service years | 1914–18 1930's–1945 |
| Rank | Oberst |
| Unit | Jasta 6 |
| Commands | Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500 |
| Conflicts | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Beckmann joined Jagdstaffel 6 in December 1917. On 21 February 1918, he transferred to Jagdstaffel 48. He transferred once again, to Jagdstaffel 56, on 11 March 1918. Two days later, he scored his first aerial victory. He would score eight confirmed victories before war's end.[1]
Beckmann commanded a special transport unit, IV/TG1, during World War II. He flew over 200 air bridge sorties into besieged Demjansk, Russia with this unit. He also commanded a Junkers Ju 52 unit, KGr zbV 500.[1]
Awards
- German Cross in Gold on 16 July 1942 as Oberstleutnant in Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500[2]
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe on 19 October 1942 as Oberstleutnant and Gruppenkommandeur[3]
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 March 1943 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500[4]
