Hugo Schäfer

Lieutenant Hugo Schäfer (30 June 1894 - 3 February 1920) was a German fighter ace credited with 11 aerial victories during World War I. As a member of Jasta 15 and 18, Schäfer formed a close relationship with fellow aces Georg von Hantelmann and Olivier Freiherr von Beaulieu-Marconnay, becoming known in the Jasta as the 'Three Inseparables.' Schäfer briefly became the commanding officer of Jasta 15, and survived the war only to die in a flying accident on 3 February 1920.

Early life and service Schäfer was born on 30 June 1894 in Elberfeld, Germany. He joined the military in early 1915 and was commissioned as an officer in July. He received pilot training before joining Jasta 18 in mid-July. the day that Jasta 15 commander Kurt Wüsthoff was shot down and brought into captivity. Schäfer, however, landed his aircraft behind friendly lines, and in August he had downed another Breguet, bringing his tally to 6.