Heinrich-Wilhelm Ahnert

Heinrich-Wilhelm Ahnert (29 April 1915 – 23 August 1942) was a German Luftwaffe ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. Ahnert claimed 57 aerial victories, 4 over the Western Front and 53 over the Eastern Front. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Heinrich-Wilhelm Ahnert was originally an intelligence officer and reconnaissance pilot, he flew missions during the Invasion of Poland and during the Battle of France. In 1941 he was retrained as a fighter pilot and joined 3 Staffel, JG 52 in the Netherlands, claiming 4 victories over the Western Front. Oberfeldwebel Ahnert claimed a Hurricane over Oostende, Belgium on 15 February 1941, two Bristol Blenheim's shot down on 9 June 1941 and 26 August, and a Spitfire was claimed on 12 September 1941. In October 1941 he was transferred to the Eastern Front and claimed another 53 victories. On 9 July 1942 Ofw. Ahnert claimed his 50th enemy aircraft destroyed.

On 23 August 1942 Ahnert engaged Petlyakov Pe-2 twin-engine bombers in combat over Koptewo. His Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 "Yellow 9" was hit by return fire from the bomber gunners and he crashed to his death. For his actions he was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

Awards

 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (23 February 1942)
 * Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
 * Iron Cross (1939)
 * 2nd Class
 * 1st Class
 * German Cross in Gold on 27 July 1942 as Oberfeldwebel in the I./JG 52
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 23 August 1942 (posthumous) as Oberfeldwebel and pilot in the I./Jagdgeschwader 52