WWI Pour-le-Merite Ace Gontermann Enlarged Sanke Photo Jasta Albatros Richthofen

Description

Reproduced and Enlarged
Photo of
Leutnant Heinrich Gontermann
39 victories with Jastas 5 & 15
Reproduced and enlarged photo of Ltn Heinrich Gontermann taken from Sanke Postcard # 517 (from my collection).
Gontermann began his wartime career with the 6th Uhlans Calvary but then in 1915 applied for a transfer to the German Army Air Service. Initially posted to 2-seaters he transferred to Jasta 5 on 11 November 1916. Within 3 days he had is first confirmed victory but would not score again until the following Spring. By the end of April 1917 his score stood at 17. We was appointed as Staffelfuhrer of Jasta 15, which he commanded until his death in October 1917. With his score at 39 victories no fewer than 17 were balloons. He shot down 4 balloons within 3 minutes on the evening of August 19 and along with a SPAD earlier in the day had a remarkable 5 victories in one day. Unfortunately he was killed while test flying the new Fokker DRI Triplane over his own airfield on 30 October. The result of poor craftsmanship at the Fokker plant, his death led to the grounding of all Triplanes for a period of time until the structural deficiencies could be rectified. Among his decorations was the coveted Pour-le-Merite which was awarded on 14 May.
This photo shows the rising star next to his Albatross D.III in the Spring of 1917 prior to May 14 as he is not wearing his Pour-le Merite.
I have meticulously removed all the writing and cleaned up the photo. It is now over 4 times the size of the original Sanke card while still retaining a crisp, clear image.
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