Helmut Dilthey

Leutnant Helmut Dilthey IC (9 February 1894 – 9 July 1918) was a German pilot who became a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.

Dilthey was one of the first German military aviators, joining its military aviation in November 1914. From 18 May 1915 through March 1917, he would serve in Flieger-Abteilung 50, flying reconnaissance and bombing missions in Russia while winning both classes of the Iron Cross and being promoted to leutnant. He also gained some experience on fighters with an assigned Fokker Eindekker.

When the Luftstreitkräfte founded dedicated fighter units, Dilthey volunteered for fighter duty. After training, he served under Hermann Göring in Jagdstaffel 27 and scored six victories over enemy fighters. He was then given command of Jagdstaffel 40. He downed an observation balloon while leading this squadron before being killed in action on 9 July 1918.

Early life

Helmut Dilthey was born in Rheydt, Westphalia, the German Empire on 9 February 1894.

Aerial service

Dilthey joined the German aerial service early in World War I, during November 1914. He was originally assigned to Flieger-Abteilung 50 on 18 May 1915, and served on the Eastern Front in Russia. He won the Iron Cross Second Class on 18 June 1915. The First Class Iron Cross followed on 1 October 1916, and Dilthey was commissioned as a leutnant. He downed an enemy observation balloon on 5 June 1918 for his final victory. He was buried in the German extension of Lambersart Communal Cemetery.