Leutnant Karl Thom, The pilot who shot down, Lt Quentin Roosevelt

[andron234]

Leutnant Karl Thom (19 May 1893 - 3 March 1945), was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 27 victories. He was decorated with both his nation's highest decorations for valor, the Military Merit Cross as an enlisted soldier, and the Pour le Mérite after he was commissioned as an officer. He was one of only four German aces of World War I to achieve this double award. Attachment 160604Thom's return to the front line roughly coincided with Jasta 21's adoption of Fokker D.VIIs, replacing its Albatros D.Vs. Attachment 160605Attachment 160606Thom shot down five enemy aircraft in June 1918, beginning with his 15th win overall on 11 June. July saw him victorious six more times, Including taking the life of the youngest son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Quentin Roosevelt on Bastille Day, July 14 1918, He capped his career with a triumph each on 1 and 4 August. With 27 victories confirmed, he became the leading ace for Jasta 21. All but four of his victories were against the French. Attachment 160607

[Mike George]

Nice workup on Karl Thom

[Flying Officer Kyte]

A very interesting piece Drew.
It will be of interest to many new pilots, and even some established ones like myself, who don't always remember everything they have read in the past.
Please keep them coming.
Rob.

[Archidamus]

Nice one Drew

[zenlizard]

I sense a few repaints in the near future.

[Hedeby]

Nice bit of research Drew. Didn't know of this chap until now