Franz Stigler
Oberleutnant Ludwig Franz Stigler (21 August 1915 – 22 March 2008) was a German fighter pilot and fighter ace in World War II.
Franz Stigler | |
|---|---|
Oblt. Franz Stigler (c.1930s-40s) | |
| Birth name | Ludwig Franz Stigler |
| Nickname(s) | 'Franz' |
| Born | 21 August 1915 Amberg, Bavaria |
| Died | 22 March 2008 (aged 92) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Allegiance | Germany (to 1945) |
| Service/ | Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht) |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) |
| Unit | JG 27, and JV 44 |
| Commands held | 12./JG 27, 8./JG 27, 11./JG 27, III./JG 27 |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
| Awards | German Cross in Gold, Iron Cross 1st Class, Iron Cross 2nd Class |
| Spouse(s) | Hiya Stigler |
He is best known for his role in a December 1943 incident in which he spared the crew of a severely damaged B-17 bomber. He escorted the plane to safety over enemy lines. The story was kept secret for many years, but in 1990 the two pilots finally reunited and were close friends until their deaths in 2008. Stigler died in Canada, where he moved after the war.
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