Wilhelm Mayer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 December 1917 Fürth |
| Died | 4 January 1945 (aged 27) near Lohnerbruch |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service | Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | ?–1945 |
| Rank | Leutnant (second lieutenant) |
| Unit | JG 26 |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Wilhelm Mayer (5 December 1917 – 4 January 1945) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 27 aerial victories, claimed over the Western Front and in Defense of the Reich in 124 combat missions.
Born in Fürth, Mayer 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, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26—26th Fighter Wing) in January 1942. Flying with this wing, Mayer claimed his first aerial victory on 31 July 1942, which was not confirmed. His first confirmed victory was filed on 14 March 1943 over a Royal Air Force fighter aircraft. In October 1944, he became the acting commander of 8. Staffel (8th squadron) of JG 26. On 4 January 1945, Mayer was shot down by Supermarine Spitfires near Emsland, Germany. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 12 March 1945.