Heinz Strüning

Infobox Military Person
name=Heinz Strüning
lived=13 January 1912 – 25 December 1944
placeofbirth=Neviges, Germany
placeofdeath=near Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany
allegiance=flagicon|Nazi Germany Nazi Germany
branch=
serviceyears=1939–1944
rank=Hauptmann
unit=ZG 26, KG 30, NJG 2, NJG 1
battles=World War II
awards=Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
laterwork=

Heinz Strüning was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. Strüning shot down 56 aircraft in 280 missions. All of his victories were recorded at night as he flew at night. [For a list of Luftwaffe night fighter aces see "List of German World War II night fighter aces"]

On December 24 or 25, 1944, his plane Bf 110 (G-4/W.Nr. 740 162/G9+CT) was shot down by a Royal Air Force Intruder. He bailed out but struck the tail of his plane and fell to his death. His body was found two months after his death.

Awards

* Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (12 June 1941)
* German Cross in Gold (10 July 1942)
* Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
** Knight's Cross (29 October 1942)
** Oak Leaves (20 July 1944)

References

* [http://www.axishistory.com/index Axis History]
* [http://www.feldgrau.com/KnightsCrossHolders2 List of Knight's Cross Holders on feldgrau.com]
* [http://www.century-of-flight.net/Aviation%20history/WW2/aces2/2.htm Aviation History on Century of Flight.net]