Franz Meindl~DKiG?

[Johannes]

Hi Guys

Meindl was killed on 1st January 1945 flying for Jg11, a date of around 1st January 1945 is also quoted for his DKiG award. Does anybody have a photo with him wearing this conspicuous award? or are we to assume it was postumous?

Grateful as ever for any assistance.

Kind Regards

Johannes

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Johannes

My information is that he was awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold sometime in September 1944. Hopefully others can pin down a more precise date. The only photograph that I am aware of him most likely dates from his time with JG 51 and thus no Deutsches Kreuz in Gold is visible.

Horrido!

Leo

[John Manrho]

I believe Leo refers to the picture in my Bodenplatte book (page 163) showing Ofw. Franz Meindl with 7./JG 51.

There are several pictures showing Ofw. Meindl with DKiG. The first one is in Prien/Rodeike's JG 11 volume II (page 1314) taken on Dec 1st 1944 showing Meindl with DKiG. The other one is on page 1319 taken in the fall of 1944 (I believe in Nov 1944) with Meindl 3rd from left. DKiG is vagely visible. In Prien/Rodeike it is stated that this is Fw. Willi Schorr but I believe this is Ofw. Franz Meindl.

I have got a newspaper clipping from the relatives in which it is stated that Ofw. Franz Meindl received the DKiG in "early September".

Cheers,

John

[Johannes]

Thanks guys

September 1944 is was then.

Kind Regards

Johannes