Johannes Fink – Kampfgeschwader 2

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Johannes Fink. Generalleutnant Johannes Fink (28 March 1895, Pfullingen † 1 June 1981, Pfullingen) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe officer during World War II, ultimately rising to the rank of Generalleutnant. A veteran of both World Wars, Fink began his service in the German Army during WWI and transferred to the Luftwaffe in the interwar period. He became best known for his command of bomber formations during the campaigns of 1940, and later for his leadership at divisional level.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 20 June 1940, as Oberst and Geschwaderkommodore of Kampfgeschwader 2 “Holzhammer” (KG 2).

  Oberst Johannes Fink distinguished himself with his Geschwader on the Western Front over the course of numerous successful sorties. He had an outstanding share in the crushing of the opposing Air Force, the breakthrough over the Maas and the subsequent covering of the southern flank of the friendly advance. Coordinated attacks by his Geschwader against enemy airports and troop assemblies met with particularly spectacular results. Oberst Fink also led his Geschwader with distinction through both difficult weather conditions and nocturnal operations. All the missions assigned to his unit were fulfilled with a minimum of losses.

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 1 October 1944, as Generalmajor and Kommandeur of the 2. Flieger-Division.

Career Highlights:

• Served as a frontline officer in World War I before transitioning into aviation service in the Luftwaffe.

• As Kommodore of KG 2, directed major bombing operations during the Western campaign of 1940, earning the Knight’s Cross.

• Later commanded the 2. Flieger-Division, overseeing larger-scale operational deployments during the later years of the war.