Oberfeldwebel Steinbatz

[Terry K.]

Hi All,
Here's another. Any info? I don't know if this is reprint or not, looks so new.

[WalterB]

Leopold Steinbatz was born on October 25, 1918 in Vienna, Austria. In November 1940 he became a member of 9./JG52. In Russia, he served as Herman Graf's wingman. By May 1942, he had achieved 35 victories. He obtained his Knight's Cross on February 14, 1942 as a Feldwebel after shooting down his 42nd enemy. He received his Oakleaves (as the 96th recipient) on June 2, 1942 as an Oberfeldwebel after achieving his 83rd confirmed kill. He shot down his 99th victory on June 15, 1942 and became, at that time, the 11th ranking German ace. He was listed as missing in action on that day (June 15, 1942) near Woltshansk after shooting down three Russian aircraft. He is believed to have been shot down by Russian anti-aircraft fire. He received his Swords (as the 14th recipient) posthumously on June 23, 1942. His final tally was 99 victories, all of them in the Eastern Front. He was the first NCO of the Wehrmacht who was awarded the Swords.