[Doug Stankey]

FYI, according to our files:

SCHMITTER, Wilhelm.
(DOB: 18.12.13 in Rheydt).
01.07.33 entred the Kriegsmarine.
01.12.34 trained at DVS Warnemünde.
01.10.35 trf to Fernaufklärungsstaffel See, List as a mechanic (31.01.36).
1936 trf from the Kriegsmarine to the Luftwaffe.
01.02.36 trf to FEA 16 (See).
01.04.36 trf to FFS Stettin for flight training (to 30.03.36).
01.10.36 trf to FFS Warnemünde (30.04.37).
21.03.37 trf to 2./Fliegerschule Warnemünde.
01.05.37 trf to Fliegerwaffenschule Bug auf Rügen.
01.10.37 trf to 1./Kü.Fl.Gr. 706.
02.10.37 trf to 1./Küstenfliegergruppe 206 (Nest).
01.11.38 promo to Lt. (Kr.O.) (RDA 01.07.39).
01.04.39 trf to FFS (See) Pütnitz.
01.07.39 trf to 1./Küstenfliegergruppe 706 (Nest).
01.11.39 trf to 1./Kü.Fl.Gr. 906 (Pillau).
15.02.40 attended a Kriegsoffiziernachwuchslehrgang (to 01.05.40).
22.04.40 appt officer cadet (Kr.O.).
01.08.40 promo to Ofw.
11.02.41 trf to I./KG 40.
16.07.41 Lt., trf to 4./KG 40.
05.01.42 awarded Ehrenpokal.
18.05.42 Oblt., awarded DKG, II./KG 40.
01.09.42 promo to Oblt. (RDA 01.07.40).
14.09.42 Oblt., awarded Ritterkreuz.
01.12.42 re-designated as Truppenoffizier (RDA 01.07.40).
01.03.43 in II./KG 40, promo to Hptm.
1943 Hptm., Staka 5./KG 40 (to 19.06.43).
25.03.43 Oblt., Techn.Offz. in II./KG 40 attended Verbandsfüherschule/KG 101 (to 20.04.43).
20.06.43 Hptm., appt Staka 15./KG 2.
24/25.08.43 shot down into sea off Knokke/Norfolk in Me 410 A-1 (U5+CF)– bailed out but picked up by a German naval unit from Zeebrugge.
08/09.11.43 Hptm. and still Staka 15./KG 2, KIA – in Me 410 A-1 (U5+BF) WNr. 10224 shot down by RAF Mosquitos crashed near Eastbourne, Sussex.
01.11.43 posthumously promo to Maj.
24.03.44 Maj., posthumously awarded Eichenlaub for service as Staka 15./KG 2.

HLdZ
DGS