One of the youngest German aces, von Hantelmann joined the army in 1916, serving with a Hussar cavalry regiment before transferring to the German Air Service. On the fuselage of each of his aircraft, he painted the death's head insignia of his former regiment. Flying the Fokker D.VII, von Hantelmann shot down at least three Allied aces: David Putnam - 12 September 1918
Joseph Wehner - 18 September 1918
Maurice Boyau - 16 September 1918
Although he was recommended for the Blue Max, the war ended before it could be awarded. Hantelmann was murdered at his home in East Prussia by Polish poachers. |