Viktor Petermann

Born 26 May 1916 at Weipert in the Sudetenland, Petermann joined the Luftwaffe in July 1939 and was eventually posted to JG 52, based on the Eastern front, on 15 June 1942. He was assigned to the Geschwaderstaffel of JG 52. He flew 22 combat missions before claiming his first victory on 1 July, when he shot down a Russian LaGG-3 fighter. By early March 1943, Feldwebel Petermann was serving with 5./JG 52. He recorded 18 victories in May, including his 30th victory on 4 May and his 40th victory on 27 May. On 10 September 1943, Petermann was transferred to 6./JG 52. His most successful day occurred on 25 September, when he shot down a Russian Yak-1 fighter and three Il-2 Sturmovik ground-attack aircraft in a 23 minute engagement. On 1 October, returning from an escort mission his aircraft received a direct hit from German flak, managing a belly-landing in no-man’s land he was rescued by German troops and hospitalised. However the wounds to his left arm were so severe that amputation was necessary. However, he persisted with the authorities to allow him to return to flying duties, finally succeeding on 22 July, and went on to score a further four victories before the end of the war. Victor Petermann was credited with 64 victories in 550 missions.