Horst-Günther von Fassong

Hauptmann Horst-Günther von Fassong (born 27 April 1919 in Kassel – MIA 1 January 1945) was a German World War II Luftwaffe Flying ace. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career
Horst-Günther von Fassong participated in Operation Bodenplatte and was last seen on 1 January 1945 engaged in aerial combat near Maastricht. Unteroffizier Armin Mehling, Von Fassong's wingman, reported that Von Fassong was shot down by two P-47 Thunderbolts over Asch flying a Focke Wulf Fw 190 A-8 (Werknummer 682 792—factory number). The flight was flying at a height of 15 to 20 m when they were pounced upon by six P-47s. Von Fassong's aircraft was hit and burned immediately. The aircraft crashed in a big ball of flames.

Awards

 * Iron Cross (1939) 2nd and 1st Class
 * Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (20 September 1943)
 * German Cross in Gold on 17 October 1943 as Oberleutnant in the 10./JG 51
 * Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 27 July 1944 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the III./JG 11