Walter Göttsch

Leutnant Walter Göttsch HoH, IC (10 June 1896—10 April 1918) was a German World War I flying ace credited with 20 aerial victories. His final combat assignment was commanding Jagdstaffel 19 in Jagdgeschwader II.

Early life and service Walter Göttsch was born in Altour, Germany on 10 June 1896. He volunteered for the German army on 1 July 1915. He was originally assigned to Flieger-Abteilung 33 to fly artillery cooperation missions in Flanders as a Vizefeldwebel.

Service as a fighter pilot

After training as a fighter pilot, Göttsch was assigned to Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 8 on 10 September 1916. On 4 November 1916, he destroyed a Belgian observation balloon for his first victory. He then scored twice more before winning a momentous dogfight on 7 January 1917; his opponent that day was Thomas Mottershead, who won a posthumous Victoria Cross. Göttsch won a double victory on 1 February, but then was shot down and wounded in action for the first time two days later.

Command and death Göttsch would not return to action until January 1918. On 14 February, he was given command of Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 19. marked with a white swastika, fell behind British lines and was salvaged. Walter Göttsch's 20 victories included seven from 20 Squadron RAF; the score of victories would also have qualified him for a Blue Max had he survived.

Honors and awards Iron Cross Second and First Class Knight's Cross with Swords of the House Order of Hohenzollern: 23 August 1917