Wilhelm Reinhard

Hauptmann Wilhelm "Willi" Reinhard (12 March 1891 – 3 July 1918) was a German pilot during World War I. Reinhard became a flying ace during the war, credited with 20 confirmed aerial victories. After commanding two successive fighter squadrons, he was picked to replace Manfred von Richthofen as commander of Jagdgeschwader 1 when the Red Baron fell in combat. Reinhard died on 3 July 1918 while testing a prototype fighter.

Biography Early life Wilhelm Reinhard was born in Düsseldorf on 12 March 1891.

Military service

Entering military service in 1909 as an officer cadet, Reinhard was assigned to the 14th Bavarian Foot Artillery Regiment. He was severely wounded in the leg in November 1914. Left unfit for service in the trenches, he was accepted for pilot training in the aviation branch, returning to active service in June 1915. Once assigned to a combat unit, Reinhard was seriously wounded a second time. Then he was posted to the Balkans with Flieger-Abteilung 28 (Flier Detachment 28). Prussia: Iron Cross, First and Second Class Baden: Order of the Zahringer Lion, Knight Second Class with Swords Bulgaria: Bravery Order Fourth Class, First and Second Degrees

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