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Robert OlejnikGerman World War II flying ace
Date of Birth: 09.03.1911
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Robert Olejnik: A German Ace of World War II
- Combat Service
- Knight's Cross and Honors
- B-17 Kills and Messerschmitt Me.163 Komet
- Accident and Postwar Life
Robert Olejnik: A German Ace of World War II
Early Life and CareerBorn on March 9, 1911, in Essen-Borbeck, Germany, Robert Olejnik's family had Ukrainian roots. In October 1933, he joined the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule, a guise for military pilot training. In March 1935, he entered service with the Luftwaffe, where he initially served as an instructor before becoming a fighter pilot during World War II.
Combat Service
On June 15, 1940, Oberfeldwebel Olejnik joined 2./JG 3, flying Messerschmitt Bf.109s. He claimed his first victory on August 26, 1940, against a Hawker Hurricane over Faversham, England. On May 21, 1941, he became commander of 1./JG 3.
With the invasion of the Soviet Union, Olejnik scored heavily on the Eastern Front. On June 22, 1941, he claimed the first Luftwaffe victory over a Soviet aircraft, an I-16 near Lviv. However, on June 27, he was shot down by Vasily Demenok, an I-16 pilot who later achieved air ram victories.
Knight's Cross and Honors
Robert Olejnik was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on July 27, 1941, for his 37 aerial victories, including 32 on the Eastern Front. Other awards included the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class, the Pilot's Badge, and the Honorary Goblet of the Luftwaffe.
B-17 Kills and Messerschmitt Me.163 Komet
Promoted to Hauptmann, Olejnik commanded III./JG 1 in July 1943. It was during this time that he claimed three B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. In October 1943, he took over as commander of Erprobungskommando 16 to test the Messerschmitt Me.163 Komet rocket fighter.
Accident and Postwar Life
On April 21, 1944, Olejnik survived a crash in a Me.163, sustaining severe injuries. After recovering, he commanded I./JG 400. After the war, he attended veterans' gatherings and passed away shortly before one such meeting in October 1988.
