Hans Weik

Hans Weik (6 July 1922 – 5 June 2001) was a former German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. He is credited with 36 victories achieved in only 85 comabt missions, including 25 victories over the Western Front.

Military career
Weik joined the Luftwaffe in October 1941. After the following completion of his flying training, he was posted to I./JG 3 based on the Eastern front. After promoted to a Leutnant, he joined JG 3, on 21 February 1943. His first victory was achieved on 9 March 1943 when he shot down a Russian Yak-1 fighter. After returning from the Eastern Front he became an instructor. He returned to combat soon after and downed his first four-engined bomber, a USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress in September 1943. Between February and July 1944, he claimed 23 victories, including 20 four-engined bombers.

In April 1945, Weik was a trainer of Me 262 jet fighters at Lechfeld. By the end of the war, he had been credited with 36 victories in only 85 missions. He was one of the leading 'Viermottöters'.

Post war
After the war, Weik became an architect. He planned and built many schools, sports auditoriums and other buildings. In retirement, he indulged his passion for model shipbuilding.

Weik died at the age of 78 on 5 June 2001 at Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany.

Awards

 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (15 May 1944)
 * German Cross in Gold (1 October 1944)
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Leutnant and Staffelführer of the 10./JG 3 "Udet"