Hermann Gilly

Aerial service Gilly graduated from pilot training, then flew with Fliegerersatz-Abteilung–(Replacement Detachment) 3–while awaiting orders to combat duty. In November 1917, he was posted to Flieger-Abteilung (Artillerie) 204–(Flier Detachment (Artillery) 204)–near the Piave River in Italy. His unit's duties were artillery direction and reconnaissance. Gilly flew his first combat sortie on 17 November 1917 over Spresiano; his rear seat aerial observer somehow went overboard at 2,500 meters altitude.

Gilly was returned to France and assigned to Jagdstaffel 40–(Fighter Squadron 40)–on 14 April 1918. He spent a brief interlude with Jagdstaffel 29, was wounded, and returned to Jasta 40. He would score seven aerial victories with them between 24 June 1918 and war's end.

Post World War I Hermann Gilly demobilized from military service on 22 January 1919. He would return to his nation's military during World War II, serving as a Major in the Luftwaffe.

He died in Hamburg in 1944 and was survived by his wife, Marga Johanne Antonie Gilly née Schütz.

Honors and awards Iron Cross Second and First Class Kingdom of Saxony's Knight's Cross Second Class with Swords of the Order of Albert Austro-Hungarian Empire's Military Merit Cross