A puzzle on Lt Heinz Wilberg

[Larry deZeng]

Lt Heinz Wilberg

(1) L.Dv.Nr. 2010/1 Dienstaltersliste der Offiziere der deutschen Luftwaffe nach dem Stande vom 1. August 1944 – Truppenoffiziere (A 1), bearteitet im Luftwaffenpersonalamt, has a Lt. Wilberg listed on page 489 with other Leutnante having dates of rank back in the 1939-41 time frame. His first name is not given so I doubt if this is Heinz Wilberg. This same document identifies numerous Truppenoffiziere in the rank of Leutnant with dates of rank as far back as 1.10.35 (that individual’s name was Gerhard Gertz, born 17.6.12).

(2) According to Horst Scheibert, Die Inhaber des Ehrenpokals für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg (Friedberg: Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, 1986), Heinz Wilberg is listed as an Unteroffizier and pilot at the time he was awarded the Ehrenpokal on 17.11.41.

(3) The Kracker Archive ( http://aircrewremembrancesociety.com/Kracker/LuftwaffeGermanPilotsW.html ) lists him as an Oberleutnant.

I think it is safe to conclude that Wilberg was an enlisted pilot who later was commissioned (1942?) and was promoted to at least Oberleutnant before his death.

L.