Wilhelm Fulda

Wilhelm Fulda (21 May 1909 – 8 August 1977) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career

Wilhelm Fulda joined the military service on 1 November 1935. After completion of his glider pilot training he was assigned to the 17./Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 5 (17th squadron of the combat group for special assignments 5). His first combat mission was with Sturmabteilung Koch (assault battalion Koch) in the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael, flying and landing a DFS 230 assault glider, for which he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) on 13 May 1940. Fulda was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions as a glider pilot during the attack on the Isthmus of Corinth, Greece. He led the Go 242 equipped 1./Schleppstaffel of Luftlandegeschwader 2 (2nd Air Landing Wing) from 4 September 1942 until 4 February 1943 before he transferred to the night fighter force and appointed Kommandeur of II./JG 301 in November 1943.

He became Kommandeur I./JG 302 in August 1944 and then of III./JG 301 the following month. With his extensive gliding experience Fulda was then transferred to I./JG 400 in November 1944.

He was credited with the destruction of one four-engine bomber.

Awards and decorations

• Iron Cross (1939)
  • 2nd Class (12 May 1940)
  • 1st Class (13 May 1940)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 June 1941 as Leutnant and [[Zugführer (platoon leader)]] of the 6./Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 2