Ludwig Beckmann

Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann
Nickname	Lutz
Born	26 October 1895
Died	20 January 1965(1965-01-20) (aged 69)
Allegiance	German Empire Nazi Germany
Branch	Prussian Army Luftstreitkräfte Luftwaffe
Service years	1914–18 1930's–1945
Rank	Oberst
Unit	Jasta 6
Commands	Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500
Conflicts	World War I World War II
Awards	Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Ludwig "Lutz" Beckmann (26 October 1895 – 20 January 1965) was a German Luftstreitkräfte ace during World War I and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Ludwig Beckmann claimed eight aerial victories during World War I all on the Western Front.

Beckmann joined Jagdstaffel 6 in December 1917. On 21 February 1918, he transferred to Jagdstaffel 48. He transferred once again, to Jagdstaffel 56, on 11 March 1918. Two days later, he scored his first aerial victory. He would score eight confirmed victories before war's end.

Beckmann commanded a special transport unit, IV/TG1, during World War II. He flew over 200 air bridge sorties into besieged Demjansk, Russia with this unit. He also commanded a Junkers Ju 52 unit, KGr zbV 500.

Awards

• German Cross in Gold on 16 July 1942 as Oberstleutnant in Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500
• Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe on 19 October 1942 as Oberstleutnant and Gruppenkommandeur
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 March 1943 as Oberstleutnant and commander of Kampfgruppe z.b.V. 500

Bibliography

• Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank W.; Guest, Russell. Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918. Grub Street, 1993. , .