Berthold Korts

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Berthold Korts (21 May 1912 – presumed 29 August 1943) was a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot in World War II and a highly successful ace. He is credited with 113 enemy aircraft shot down, all on the Eastern Front, and he achieved “ace-in-a-day” status four times—shooting down five or more planes in a single day.

Born in Karlsruhe, Korts began in artillery before training as a pilot in 1940. He joined Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) in June 1942. His first victory came on 6 August 1942 during the Case Blue offensive in southern Russia. In July 1943 he was promoted to squadron leader (Staffelkapitän) of 9. Staffel of JG 52.

Korts reached 100 aerial victories on 17 August 1943. On 29 August 1943, the same day he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, he and his wingman disappeared in combat near Amvrosiivka, Ukraine, and were never found.

There is some variation in records: most sources list 113 aerial victories, while a few count 108 or include additional unconfirmed claims.