Major Helmut Kösler (Kößler?), died on 8 August 1944

[Dénes Bernád]

I found an info in a wartime death certificate that a certain Major Helmut Kösler (Kößler?), born in Herdecke/Ruhr, died in an aircraft accident near Sächsisches Regen, Transylvania, on 8 August 1944.

Does anyone know further details on this deadly incident?

Thanks,

[Peter Zambori]

Dénes,

I have only a short entry in my list:
Fw. Helmut Köster KIFA near Szászrégen / Sächsiches Regen / Reghin with Fw 190F-8/R1 (WNr.931880) "Weisse N", crash 100%. The pilot from 1./SG 2. sorry I have no further details about the circumstances of the crash.

(slightly different name - possibly a typo - and different rank)

Regards, Peter

[Dénes Bernád]

Thanks, Péter.
Did the described accident happen on the same day (i.e., Aug. 8)?

[Andy Fletcher]

Fw Helmut Köster 1./SG 2 KIFA 08Aug44

He was a recipient of the DKiG 28Apr43 (I./StG 2) and RK 08Aug44 (1./SG 2)

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Dénes Bernád]

Originally Posted by Andy Fletcher

Fw Helmut Köster 1./SG 2 KIFA 08Aug44

He was a recipient of the DKiG 28Apr43 (I./StG 2) and RK 08Aug44 (1./SG 2)...

Thanks, Andy, for the details.
So, was he awarded the RK the evry same day he died?

[Andy Fletcher]

Originally Posted by Dénes Bernád

Thanks, Andy, for the details.
So, was he awarded the RK the evry same day he died?

Hi Dénes,

Yes, I presume it was for prior service and not a posthumous award, but I'm only guessing.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Stig Jarlevik]

Guys

Obermaier says it was posthumous, but I guess this was only because the actual anouncement came possibly after his death. The decision about the award must have been taken in advance of the actual issuance date and I would not consider such an award posthumous...

What WAS posthumous though was his promotion to Ofw.

Cheers
Stig

[Andy Fletcher]

Many thanks Stig.