Johann Baur

SS-Gruppenführer Johannes Baur began his military career as a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He became Adolf Hitler's personal pilot in the 1930s. During World War II, he rose to the rank of Generaloberst.

Early life
Johann Baur (better known as Hans Baur) was born near Mühldorf on 24 April 1897.

World War I service
In 1918, Baur served in FA 295 as an Unteroffizier pilot of two-seater Hannover CL.III ground attack aircraft. His observer was Leutnant Georg Ritter von Hengl. Baur was credited with six confirmed and three unconfirmed victories against French aircraft beginning 17 July 1918. Vizefeldwebel "Hans" Baur was awarded the Iron Cross First Class and the Bavarian Silver Bravery Medal for attacking a French formation of seven and downing two of the Spads that day. Baur would score his last victories on 29 October 1918.

Post World War I
During the 1930s, Baur became Adolf Hitler's personal pilot, at the control of Junkers 52s and Focke-Wulf 200s. From 1939 to 1945, Baur rose to become a SS Generaloberst. He was captured by the Russians at war's end and spent ten years in the Siberian gulag. He survived having a gangrenous leg amputated by a dental technician virtually without anesthetic.

Johann "Hans" Baur died in 1993, age 95 or 96.