Willi Gabriel
Encyclopedia
Vizefeldwebel Willi Gabriel was a World War I flying ace
credited with eleven aerial victories.
Gabriel built his own airplanes prior to World War I. He was called up for military service when the war began. Early in 1915, he began a series of assignments to artillery cooperation units, often in company with his twin brother. Willi Gabriel was eventually stationed in Schutzstaffel 15, where he and his observer shot down a Spad
on 22 March 1918. Wilhelm Reinhard
then requested Gabriel's assignment to Jagdgruppe 1, and Gabriel was posted to Jasta 11 on 15 April. He scored on 19 May, then six times in June, including two balloons. Hermann Göring
then came to command JG 1, much to Gabriel's displeasure. On 18 July 1918, Gabriel flew a solo mission without permission and shot down three French airplanes. Upon his return, he was ordered to remain on the ground. However, he disobeyed Göring's orders, took off, and shot down a fourth Frenchman. Upon his return from this sortie, he was banished from combat despite his success.
In 1938, he flew Fokker Dr.I
s in two movies, DIII 88 and Pour le Merite. He returned to duty during World War II, rising to the rank of Hauptmann.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with eleven aerial victories.
Gabriel built his own airplanes prior to World War I. He was called up for military service when the war began. Early in 1915, he began a series of assignments to artillery cooperation units, often in company with his twin brother. Willi Gabriel was eventually stationed in Schutzstaffel 15, where he and his observer shot down a Spad
Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés
SPAD was a French aircraft manufacturer between 1911 and 1921. Its SPAD S.XIII biplane was the most popular French fighter airplane in World War I.-Deperdussin:...
on 22 March 1918. Wilhelm Reinhard
Wilhelm Reinhard
Wilhelm "Willi" Reinhard was a German pilot during World War I. Reinhard was born in Düsseldorf and became a flying ace during the war, credited with 20 victories....
then requested Gabriel's assignment to Jagdgruppe 1, and Gabriel was posted to Jasta 11 on 15 April. He scored on 19 May, then six times in June, including two balloons. Hermann Göring
Hermann Göring
Hermann Wilhelm Göring, was a German politician, military leader, and a leading member of the Nazi Party. He was a veteran of World War I as an ace fighter pilot, and a recipient of the coveted Pour le Mérite, also known as "The Blue Max"...
then came to command JG 1, much to Gabriel's displeasure. On 18 July 1918, Gabriel flew a solo mission without permission and shot down three French airplanes. Upon his return, he was ordered to remain on the ground. However, he disobeyed Göring's orders, took off, and shot down a fourth Frenchman. Upon his return from this sortie, he was banished from combat despite his success.
In 1938, he flew Fokker Dr.I
Fokker Dr.I
The Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker was a World War I fighter aircraft built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. The Dr.I saw widespread service in the spring of 1918...
s in two movies, DIII 88 and Pour le Merite. He returned to duty during World War II, rising to the rank of Hauptmann.