Otto Karl Klemenz

[Johannes]

Hi Guys

This pilots has previously been credited with twenty-nine and even thirty-four victories, but received no DKiG or Ritterkreuz.

He formerly flew with 3./NJG 1, a unit who's pre July 1942 claims are not found on the micro films. Then he makes three claims with 12./NJG 5 as an Oberleutnant:-

24th December 1943 Halifax 0417 hrs
21st January 1944 Halifax 2329 hrs
28th April 1944 (unknown type) 0138 hrs.

Wounded in February 1944, but obviously with a claim in April 1944 back to combat. But after his last claim I can find no further reference to him.

However, there is a Karl Otto Klemenz who makes a claim with 10./JG 52 on 11th March 1945....also an Oberleutnant. Sounds very much like the same guy. It is unusual for a night-fighter pilot to become a day-fighter pilot, but not unknown, and anybody who could fly seems to be put to combat during 1945.

Does anybody have any information no matter how small on this guy/guys?
date of birth/death, units anything.

Grateful as always for any assistance.

Kind Regards

Johannes

[Karoband]

Hi Johannes,

forum.valka.cz/topic/view/331/Stihaci-eskadra-52=1945

I do not know how reliable the above source is, but it has Oblt. Otto Karl Klemenz as the Staka. of 9./JG 52 from 15 Dec. 1944 to 8 May 1945 which suggests he survived the war. I am sure you will be able to judge its accuracy from the dates it gives for the other Stakas.

The Kracker site gives Otto Karl as a Hauptmann and Staka. of 11./JG 52. It gives his medals as EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Night Fighter & Fighter Operational Clasp. However, it also questions whether there are two men named Klemenz.

best regards,

Jim Geens

[John Manrho]

Oblt. Otto-Karl Klemenz, geboren 25.07.1919 Pilsen
EM 53591/41
Verlustmeldung Stab IV./NJG 5, wounded 20.1.1944
Oblt. Klemenz was Adjutant of Gruppe.

[Johannes]

Thanks guys.

Does look more and more likely that it is the same guy. But as to twenty-nine night claims, I would say extremely unlikely to say the least. Possibly made several with II./JG 52 though, so probably an actual ace. I think the twenty-nine is a mistake that has been duplicated several times!

Thanks again

Kind Regards

Johannes

[natttuppen]

Bernd Barbas, in Die Geschichte der III Gruppe des Jagdgeschwader 52, names Klemenz as CO of 9/JG 52 from 15.12.1944 to 10.04.1945, and as CO of 11/JG 52 from 12.04.1945 to 08.05.45. He also gives his first names as Otto-Karl.
The entry regarding 9/JG 52 gives Klemenz and then a ?, which, I suppose, means that it is not completely confirmed.