Arno Benzler

Leutnant Arno Benzler (Cross of Distinction in War, Iron Cross) was a German First World War flying ace and aerial commander credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.[1]

Arno Benzler
Born14 October 1895
Sterkrade, Oberhausen
DiedUnknown
RankLeutnant
UnitJagdstaffel 32;
Jagdstaffel 45
Commands heldJagdstaffel 65;
Jagdstaffel 60
AwardsCross of Distinction in War;
Iron Cross

World War I service

Benzler served with Jagdstaffel 32 from 14 February to 22 December 1917; he then transferred to Jagdstaffel 45. On 7 March 1918, he was appointed to temporary command of Jagdstaffel 65. At some point prior, on a now unknown date, Benzler had had his first confirmed victory.[2] On 13 March 1918, he scored his second. On 16 March, he scored again. On 18 March, he transferred back to Jagdstaffel 45. While with them, he shot down an enemy observation balloon on 12 April 1918. On 27 May, he was appointed as Staffelführer of Jagdstaffel 60. He scored three times in June, on the 2nd, 4th, and 23rd. He rounded out his list with triumphs on 4 and 7 August 1918. He was wounded in action on 5 October 1918, but remained in command until the 11 November 1918 Armistice.[3][4]

Decorations

Benzler's exploits earned him the rarely awarded Cross of Distinction in War, First Class, from the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, as well as the Iron Cross.[1][3]

References
  • Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918 (1993). Norman L. R. Franks, Frank W. Bailey, Russell Guest. Grub Street. ISBN 0-948817-73-9, ISBN 978-0-948817-73-1.
  • Kriegsranglisten und -stammrollen des Königreichs Bayern, 1. Weltkrieg 1914-1918

Endnotes
  1. Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918', p. 70.
  2. Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918. p. 69.
  3. The Aerodrome webpage on Benzler Retrieved on 21 November 2010.
  4. Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914-1918. pp. 69–70.


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