Hans Weik

Infobox Military Person
name=Hans Weik
born=birth date|1922|7|6|df=y
died=dda|2001|6|5|1922|7|6|df=y
placeofbirth=Heilbronn, Germany
placeofdeath=Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany
allegiance=flagicon|Nazi Germany Nazi Germany
branch=
serviceyears=1939–1943
rank=Hauptmann
unit=JG 3, Erg.Gr.Ost, EJG 2
battles=World War II
*Eastern Front
*North African Campaign
awards=Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
laterwork=

Hans Weik (6 July 1922 – 5 June 2001 ) was a former German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. He is credited with 36 victories achieved in only 85 comabt missions, including 25 victories over the Western Front.

In the Luftwaffe

Weik joined the Luftwaffe in October 1941. After the following completion of his flying training, Weik was posted to I./JG 3 based on the Eastern front. After promoted to a Leutnant, he joined the JG 3. 0n 21 February 1943. His first victory was achieved on 9 March 1943 when he shot down a Russian Yak-1 fighter. After returning from eastern front he became an instructor. But return to combat soon and he downed his first four-engined bomber, a USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress in September 1943. Between February and July 1944, Weik claimed 23 victories, including 20 four-engined bombers.

In April 1945, Weik remained as a trainer of Me 262 jet fighter at Lechfeld. Hans Weik was credited with 36 victories in only 85 missions. He was one of the leading "Viermottöters" (Fw 190 A-8/R2 equipped with rocket launcher).

Post War

After the war, Weik became an architect. He planned and built many schools, sports auditoriums and other buildings. In retirement, Weik indulged his passion for model shipbuilding. Weik died at the age of 78 on 5 June 2001 at Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany.

Awards

* Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (15 May 1944)
* German Cross in Gold (1 October 1944)
* Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (27 July 1944)

References

* http://www.military-art.com/mall/profiles.php?SigID=1022
* http://home.pacbell.net/horrido1/photos.htm
* http://www.axishistory.com/index
* http://www.feldgrau.com/KnightsCrossHolders