Full name: Ernst Kupfer
Nickname: None
Date of birth: 2 July 1907 - Coburg / Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (German Empire)
Date of death: 6 November 1943 - aircraft accident 60 km north of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Place of burial: German War Cemetery in Maleme / Crete (final grave location: Block 1 - Row 18 - Grave 736)
Battles and Operations: Invasion of Poland (September 1939), Battle of France (May - June 1940), Battle of Britain (July - October 1940), Balkans Campaign (April - May 1941), Operation Barbarossa (June - December 1941), Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942 - February 1943), Battle of Kursk (July 1943), Operations in the Mediterranean (1943)
NSDAP-Nr.: None (no record of membership)
SS-Nr.: None (no record of membership)
Religion: Unknown
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Spouse: Unknown
Children: Unknown
Academic title: Dr.jur. (doctorate in law)
Promotions:
- 1 April 1934: Leutnant
- 1 April 1936: Oberleutnant
- 1 April 1939: Hauptmann
- 1 January 1943: Major
- 1 September 1943: Oberstleutnant
- 6 November 1943: Oberst (posthumous)
Career:
- 1924 - 1927: Attended Ernestinum Gymnasium in Coburg, left early to complete a banking apprenticeship
- 1 October 1928 - 1931: Served in Infanterie-Regiment Nr.17 of the Reichswehr
- 1931 - 1934: Studied law at the University of Erlangen, earning a doctorate in law (Dr. jur.)
- 1 April 1934: Transferred to the emerging Luftwaffe, underwent pilot training at Flugzeugfuhrerschule Cottbus
- 1935 - 1937: Served as a reconnaissance pilot in Aufklarungsgruppe 124
- 1937: Transferred to Sturzkampfgeschwader 168 (later redesignated as StG 2 "Immelmann")
- 1 May 1939: Appointed Staffelkapitan of 7./StG 2
- September 1939 - June 1940: Participated in Polish and French campaigns with StG 2
- July 1940 - May 1941: Operations over Britain and in the Balkans
- June 1941 - December 1941: Eastern Front operations, including Barbarossa
- 1 January 1942 - 13 February 1943: Gruppenkommandeur of II./StG 2
- 13 February 1943 - 6 November 1943: Geschwaderkommodore of StG 2 "Immelmann"
- September 1943: Appointed Inspekteur der Schlachtflieger (Inspector of Ground Attack Aviation)
Awards and Decorations:
- Flugzeugfuhrer- und Beobachterabzeichen
- Eisernes Kreuz (1939) II. Klasse (8 June 1940)
- Eisernes Kreuz (1939) I. Klasse (18 June 1940)
- Frontflugspange fur Kampfflieger in Gold mit Anhanger "600"
- Ehrenpokal des Luftwaffe (28 September 1942)
- Medaille "Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42" (1942)
- Verwundetenabzeichen (1939) in Schwarz, Silber und Gold
- Combined Pilots-Observation Badge in Gold with Diamonds
- Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (8 April 1942)
- Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (23 November 1941) as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitan of 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann". The award was granted for his outstanding successes across 260 combat sorties. Kupfer particularly distinguished himself during the Balkans Campaign by contributing to the sinking of the British cruiser HMS Gloucester on 22 May 1941 off the coast of Crete. Later, on the Eastern Front at the end of September 1941, he participated in daring attacks on the Soviet Baltic Fleet at Kronstadt. In the first mission, he claimed a direct hit that sank a cruiser. Five hours later, in a follow-up sortie, he scored another direct hit that damaged the battleship October Revolution, forcing it to be beached for repairs. These actions demonstrated his precision in anti-shipping strikes and close support for ground operations during the early phases of Operation Barbarossa.
- Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub #173 (8 January 1943) as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann". The award were bestowed for his exemplary leadership in bold dive-bombing attacks against Soviet positions during the Battle of Stalingrad. Kupfer directed his group in relentless strikes that significantly contributed to the weakening of enemy forces entrenched in the city's factory districts, where urban combat was particularly intense. By 30 October 1942, he had completed his 500th combat sortie, underscoring his sustained operational tempo. Additionally, his multiple wounds in action—earning him the Wound Badge in Gold—highlighted his personal bravery under fire. His methodical coordination with Wehrmacht ground troops maximized the effectiveness of Stuka operations in this grueling campaign.
- Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern #62 (11 April 1944, posthumous) as Oberst and Geschwaderkommodore of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann", in his capacity as acting General der Schlachtflieger. The award recognized his personal exploits and command achievements in major air battles over the Kuban bridgehead and during Operation Citadel at Kursk in 1943. As Geschwaderkommodore, Kupfer led StG 2 in critical ground-attack missions that disrupted Soviet offensives. His unit played a pivotal role in halting breakthroughs by enemy armored formations during the defensive fighting in the Orel salient from July to August 1943, where they targeted tanks, supply lines, and troop concentrations to support German counterattacks. This posthumous honor reflected his overall impact on Luftwaffe close air support tactics in the later Eastern Front campaigns, where he had flown over 600 sorties by the time of his death.
- Mentioned twice in the Wehrmachtbericht (8 April 1943 and 20 September 1943)
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Dr. Ernst Kupfer (born 2 July 1907 in Coburg, Germany, died 6 November
1943 near Thessaloniki, Greece) was an 'old' man by contemporary
standards when war started. He was something of a dynamic force of
nature. He attended the Ernestium Coburg, a secondary school but dropped
out before achieving his diploma and went on to complete a banking
apprenticeship instead. After becoming unemployed in the depression that
settled over Germany in the 1920's, he returned to school, completing
his diploma in 1925. On 1 October 1928, he joined the Bavarian Cavalry
Regiment 17, 5th Escadron.
From 1 May 1936 to 3 March 1937, he returned to university in preaparation for his Dr. jur. degree (Doctor of Law), which he attained on 4 March 1937. He joined 7/StG 2 in France in September 1940 and thus missed the mauling Stukas had received at the hands of the RAF in the Battle of Britain. Perhaps on account of his age, he rapidly gained promotion to Staffelkapitan on 1 October.
He didn't see action till he reached the Balkans in 1941, where he sank the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Gloucester off Crete with a direct hit, for which he gained the Deutsches Kreuz. Moving to the Russian front he repeated his feat, this time sinking a Russian cruiser at Kronstadt, again with a direct hit, but this time in the face of a massive barrage of anti-aircraft fire which shot away much of his Stuka including half his propellor blades! Despite becoming almost unflyable, Kupfer managed to limp the plane to safety.
Jumping straight into a new aircraft the undaunted Kupfer led a small group of five back to Kronstadt where he attacked another Russian ship, the battleship Oktober Revolution on which he scored another direct hit.
On a later visit to Kronstadt his engine took a serious hit from anti-aircraft fire and he was injured in the subsequent force landing, ending up in hospital.
Kupfer was appointed acting Geschwaderkommodore (Wing Commander) of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 'Immelmann' (StG 2—2nd Dive-Bomber Wing) on 13 February 1943. He led StG 2 in the battles of the Kuban bridgehead and Operation Citadel. In April and May, several other fighter and ground attack groups augmented his command. Following the failure of Operation Citadel in July 1943, he took command of all local ground attack units, named Gefechtsverband 'Kupfer' (Combat Detachment 'Kupfer).
On 1 April 1942 he was made Kommandeur II/StG 2 and fought over Stalingrad. Subsequently promoted to Kommodore StG on 1 March 1943 he took part in heavy actions over the massive tank battles at Kursk and over Orel.
In September 1943, Kupfer was appointed inspector of the attack aircraft (General der Schlachtflieger) and promoted to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel). In this role he handled the procurement of the Focke Wulf Fw-190, which was to replace the old obsolete Junkers Ju 87 and especially the Henschel Hs 123. For this purpose he flew and visited a number of Schlachtgeschwader (ground attack wings) to meet with the various Geschwaderkommodore (wing commanders). He visited Oberstleutnant Kurt Kuhlmey, commander of Schlachtgeschwader 3, in early November 1943 and was killed when his Heinkel He 111 crashed returning to his base in bad weather on 6 November 1943. His body lay undiscovered until 17 November. He received a posthumous promotion to Oberst (Colonel) and was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
He is buried at Arsakli Military Cemetary near Saloniki (marked on map). He had been wounded 5 times during operations.
He achieved the remarkable feat of rescuing Oblt Thiede and R/O Ofw Stein (both Ritterkreuz winners) from behind enemy lines.
Ernst Kupfer had a colorful early life during the Weimar Republic, transitioning from banking to military service and law studies before finding his calling in aviation. As a Stuka pilot, he emphasized precision and discipline over dramatics, contributing to effective ground support in critical battles like Stalingrad, where his unit played a key role. On 28 September 1941, during attacks on Leningrad, he was shot down three times in one day but continued missions, showcasing remarkable resilience. His posthumous Swords award made him one of only a few ground-attack pilots to receive this high honor, reflecting his sustained combat impact. Kupfer's death at age 36 marked a significant loss for the Luftwaffe as the air war shifted against Germany.
From 1 May 1936 to 3 March 1937, he returned to university in preaparation for his Dr. jur. degree (Doctor of Law), which he attained on 4 March 1937. He joined 7/StG 2 in France in September 1940 and thus missed the mauling Stukas had received at the hands of the RAF in the Battle of Britain. Perhaps on account of his age, he rapidly gained promotion to Staffelkapitan on 1 October.
He didn't see action till he reached the Balkans in 1941, where he sank the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Gloucester off Crete with a direct hit, for which he gained the Deutsches Kreuz. Moving to the Russian front he repeated his feat, this time sinking a Russian cruiser at Kronstadt, again with a direct hit, but this time in the face of a massive barrage of anti-aircraft fire which shot away much of his Stuka including half his propellor blades! Despite becoming almost unflyable, Kupfer managed to limp the plane to safety.
Jumping straight into a new aircraft the undaunted Kupfer led a small group of five back to Kronstadt where he attacked another Russian ship, the battleship Oktober Revolution on which he scored another direct hit.
On a later visit to Kronstadt his engine took a serious hit from anti-aircraft fire and he was injured in the subsequent force landing, ending up in hospital.
Kupfer was appointed acting Geschwaderkommodore (Wing Commander) of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 'Immelmann' (StG 2—2nd Dive-Bomber Wing) on 13 February 1943. He led StG 2 in the battles of the Kuban bridgehead and Operation Citadel. In April and May, several other fighter and ground attack groups augmented his command. Following the failure of Operation Citadel in July 1943, he took command of all local ground attack units, named Gefechtsverband 'Kupfer' (Combat Detachment 'Kupfer).
On 1 April 1942 he was made Kommandeur II/StG 2 and fought over Stalingrad. Subsequently promoted to Kommodore StG on 1 March 1943 he took part in heavy actions over the massive tank battles at Kursk and over Orel.
In September 1943, Kupfer was appointed inspector of the attack aircraft (General der Schlachtflieger) and promoted to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel). In this role he handled the procurement of the Focke Wulf Fw-190, which was to replace the old obsolete Junkers Ju 87 and especially the Henschel Hs 123. For this purpose he flew and visited a number of Schlachtgeschwader (ground attack wings) to meet with the various Geschwaderkommodore (wing commanders). He visited Oberstleutnant Kurt Kuhlmey, commander of Schlachtgeschwader 3, in early November 1943 and was killed when his Heinkel He 111 crashed returning to his base in bad weather on 6 November 1943. His body lay undiscovered until 17 November. He received a posthumous promotion to Oberst (Colonel) and was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
He is buried at Arsakli Military Cemetary near Saloniki (marked on map). He had been wounded 5 times during operations.
He achieved the remarkable feat of rescuing Oblt Thiede and R/O Ofw Stein (both Ritterkreuz winners) from behind enemy lines.
Ernst Kupfer had a colorful early life during the Weimar Republic, transitioning from banking to military service and law studies before finding his calling in aviation. As a Stuka pilot, he emphasized precision and discipline over dramatics, contributing to effective ground support in critical battles like Stalingrad, where his unit played a key role. On 28 September 1941, during attacks on Leningrad, he was shot down three times in one day but continued missions, showcasing remarkable resilience. His posthumous Swords award made him one of only a few ground-attack pilots to receive this high honor, reflecting his sustained combat impact. Kupfer's death at age 36 marked a significant loss for the Luftwaffe as the air war shifted against Germany.
Source:
- https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Personenregister/K/KupferDrE.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Kupfer
- https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/24310/Kupfer-Ernst.htm
- https://grokipedia.com/page/ernst_kupfer
- https://www.ww2.dk/air/attack/stg2.htm
- https://airwarpublications.com/product/the-life-of-ernst-kupfer
- https://aircrewremembered.com/kupfer-ernst.html
- https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Ernst_Kupfer
- https://www.facebook.com/planehistoria/posts/ernst-kupfer-was-born-in-1907-and-became-one-of-the-luftwaffes-leading-ground-at/947777631096413
- https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=268128
- https://www.walter-frentz-collection.de/fotoarchiv/personenarchiv-a-z/personen-i-k/#&gid=1&pid=72
- Luftwaffe Personnel of World War II (book via Google Books)
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