Walter Adolph | |
|---|---|
 Adolph as a Hauptmann | |
| Born | 11 June 1913 Fântânele, Kingdom of Romania |
| Died | 18 September 1941 (aged 28) North Sea, off Ostend, German-occupied Belgium |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service | Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | 193?–41 |
| Rank | Hauptmann (captain) |
| Unit | J/88, JG 26 |
| Commands | II./JG 26 |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Walter Adolph (11 June 1913 – 18 September 1941) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator in the Spanish Civil War and a fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 25 aerial victories, including one in Spain, achieved in 79 combat missions. All his World War II victories were claimed over the Western Front.
Born in Fântânele, Romania, Adolph served in the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War, where he claimed his first aerial victory on 30 December 1937. He was made Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 2. Staffel (2nd squadron) of Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1–1st Fighter Wing), a squadron which was later redesignated 8. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27–27th Fighter Wing). In October 1940, he was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26–26th Fighter Wing) and received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 13 November 1940. On 16 September 1941, he was killed in action with Supermarine Spitfire fighters from No. 41 Squadron.