Viktor Bauer German Luftwaffe ace of World War II Date of Birth: 15.09.1915 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Air Combat and Early Successes
3. Eastern Front Exploits
4. Recognition and Promotion
5. Higher Command
6. War's End and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Victor Bauer, a German World War II Luftwaffe ace, was born on September 19, 1915, in Löcknitz, Germany. In 1935, he joined the Luftwaffe as a Fahnenjunker (officer cadet). He initially served with 1./JG 2, where he was promoted to Leutnant (Second Lieutenant).

Air Combat and Early Successes

On March 1, 1940, Bauer was transferred to JG 77 and assigned to 2./JG 77. He claimed his first aerial victory on May 15, 1940, east of Bruges, Belgium. In December 1940, he was appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 9./JG 3, which participated in the Battle of Britain.

Eastern Front Exploits

With the launch of Operation Barbarossa, Bauer and his unit were transferred to the Eastern Front. He proved to be a formidable fighter pilot, quickly accumulating aerial victories. On July 23, 1941, he was severely wounded in combat but returned to duty in February 1942.

Recognition and Promotion

On July 30, 1941, Bauer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for 34 aerial victories. On July 26, 1942, he received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross for achieving 102 aerial victories. He was promoted to Hauptmann (Captain) shortly after.

Higher Command

In early August 1942, Bauer was promoted to Major (Major) and appointed Kommandeur (Commander) of the Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost (Supplementary Fighter Group East), based in southern France. He later commanded the 1st Supplementary Fighter Wing until the end of the war.

War's End and Legacy

In May 1945, Bauer was captured and spent two months in captivity before being released in July 1945. In total, he had claimed 106 aerial victories (102 on the Eastern Front) in over 400 combat missions. He passed away on December 13, 1969, in Bad Homburg, Germany.