Waldemar Radener | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 January 1921 Lüchtringen |
| Died | 8 January 1957 (aged 35) Schongau |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany (to 1945) West Germany |
| Service | Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht) German Air Force (Bundeswehr) |
| Years of service | 1939–1945 1956–1957 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant (Wehrmacht) Hauptmann (Bundeswehr) |
| Unit | JG 26 JG 300 |
| Commands | II./JG 26 II./JG 300 |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
| Spouse(s) | Helga Radener-Blaschke |
| Other work | fashion industry |
Waldemar Radener[Note 1] (24 January 1921 – 8 January 1957) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 37 aerial victories, all of which claimed over the Western Front and in Defense of the Reich.
Born in Lüchtringen, Radener grew up in the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. He joined the military service in the Luftwaffe and was trained as a fighter pilot. Following flight training,[Note 2] he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26—26th Fighter Wing) in February 1943. Flying with this wing, Radener claimed his first aerial victory on 13 March 1943 on the Western Front over a Royal Air Force fighter aircraft which was not confirmed. After he had temporarily led 6. Staffel (6th squadron) of JG 26 in late 1943, he was officially appointed squadron leader of 7. Staffel (7th squadron) of JG 26 in February 1944. In late January 1945, Radener was given command of II. Gruppe (2nd group) of JG 26. In late February 1945, he transferred to Jagdgeschwader 300 (JG 300—300th Fighter Wing) where he commanded II. Gruppe of JG 300. On 12 March, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his service with JG 26. After World War II, he joined the German Air Force and was killed in a flying accident 8 January 1957.
- ^ Scherzer 2007, p. 610.
- ^ Bergström, Antipov & Sundin 2003, p. 17.
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