Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 March 1921 Reichelsheim |
| Died | 26 March 1945 (aged 24) Bissel |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service | Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | ?–1945 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) |
| Unit | JG 26 |
| Commands | 8./JG 26, 5./JG 26 |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Karl-Wilhelm Hofmann (24 March 1921 – 26 March 1945) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II who is credited with 44 aerial victories, which were achieved during 260 combat missions. All but one of his victories were claimed over the Western Front and in Defence of the Reich.
Born in Reichelsheim, Hofmann grew up in the Weimar Republic and then in Nazi Germany. He joined the military service in the Luftwaffe and was trained as a fighter pilot. After his flight training, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26—26th Fighter Wing) in June 1942. Flying with this wing, Hofmann claimed his first aerial victory on 11 October 1942 on the Western Front over a Royal Air Force fighter aircraft. In early 1943, elements of JG 26 were moved to the Eastern Front where Hofmann claimed one Soviet aircraft destroyed. His unit redeployed to the Western Front in June 1943. In February 1944, he was appointed squadron leader of 8. Staffel (8th squadron) of JG 26 and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 24 October 1944 for 40 aerial victories claimed. In January 1945, he was transferred to take command of 5. Staffel of JG 26. On 26 March 1945, Hofmann was killed in action by friendly fire.