Bio of Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos (1915-2003)

Johann Boos

Date of Birth: 01.08.1915 - Ney, Kreis St.Goar/Hunsrück, Rheinprovinz (German Empire)
Date of Death: 20.12.2003 - Kratzenburg, Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany)

Battles and Operations: Battle of France (1940), Battle of Britain (1940), Operation Barbarossa (1941), Crimea Campaign (1942)

Promotions:
01.10.1937 Gefreiter
01.04.1939 Unteroffizier
01.04.1941 Feldwebel
01.08.1942 Oberfeldwebel
00.00.194_ Oberfeldwebel (Bw) (Z)

Career:
00.00.1935 Served in 6.Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 55 / 17.Infanterie-Division
00.00.1936 Joined the Luftwaffe
00.00.1938 Flugzeugführer-Lehrgang
00.12.1939 Flugzeugführer in 8.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 55 (KG 55)
00.02.1941 Flugzeugführer in 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 55 (KG 55)
16.05.1943 MIA on his 416th mission when his He 111 was shot down over Kropotkin
19.05.1943 captured with his crew by the Soviet - POW
02.06.1948 released

Awards and Decorations:
03.06.1939 Flugzeugführerabzeichen
12.06.1940 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
25.09.1940 Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
13.04.1941 Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Bronze
20.04.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
25.06.1941 Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Silber
23.09.1941 Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg
19.10.1941 Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold
10.07.1942 Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
16.10.1942 Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold mit Anhänger
15.03.1943 Krimschild
09.10.1943 Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, as Oberfeldwebel and Flugzeugführer in 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 55 (KG 55). Awarded after flying 416 bomber sorties

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Johann Boos was born on 1 August 1915 in Ney, in the St.Goar/Hunsrück district. His military career commenced in the army, as part of the 6th company of the 55th Infantry Regiment, which belonged to the 17th Infantry Division. After completing basic training, he volunteered for the new Luftwaffe in Würzburg in the fall of 1936. His training as an aircraft pilot took place from spring 1938 in Detmold, Magdeburg, Münster, Celle and Tutow.

At the start of the war he was serving with 9.Staffel / Kampfgeschwader 55 (KG 55), in Neudorf near Oppeln, which was commanded at the time by Oberst Alois Stoeckl. Boos achieved significant success in attacking shipping targets, as well as industrial and railway facilities during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. Here he was wounded. He also demonstrated his skills in the campaign against the Soviet Union. Boos was the last pilot to escape from the besieged Stalingrad Pocket after flying a supply mission, and evacuating casualties on the way out.

His 416th combat flight, which he carried out on May 16, 1943, was his last flight for the German Air Force in World War II. During this flight, his Heinkel He 111H-16 (Werknummer 8529) "G1 + AT" bomber was shot down by Russian flak in an attack on the Krapotkin train station that was based near Armavir. He and his crew - Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Wagner (Observer), Oberfeldwebel Gustav Samorski (Radio Operator), Unteroffizier Eberhard Rode (Flight Engineer) and Unteroffizier Kurt Rothert (Gunner) - were declared MIA (missing in action), while in reality all the surviving aircrew tried to make their way to the German side, but were caught after 3 days and taken prisoner by Soviets. After 5 years abroad in Russia, he was released from the Tcheljabinsk camp in Siberia on June 2, 1948, seriously ill.

Johann Boos returned to Germany. Only now did he learn that he had been subsequently awarded the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on October 9, 1943. Due to the award of the most coveted German medal, his parents received a monthly allowance of 100 Reichsmarks from February 1, 1944.

After his imprisonment, Boos worked as a worker in a high-voltage electricity plant from October 1950, and at times also as an unskilled laborer in wood procurement. From October 1st, 1969 to July 31st, 1980 he was a technical employee at the Federal Office for Defense Technology and Procurement in Koblenz until he was released into his well-deserved retirement.

Johann Boos died on December 20, 2003 in Kratzenburg near Koblenz.

Johann Boos as a member of Heer, in parade uniform.


Johann Boos (foreground) as a member of Heer before the war.



Unteroffizier der Luftwaffe Johann Boos.



Unteroffizier Johann Boos (right) in the cockpit.



Johann Boos (left) with comrades.

Johann Boos (below) with fellow air crew.



Johann Boos (left) with fellow air crew.



Bomber pilot Johann Boos.



Johann Boos (left) with comrade.



Johann Boos (left) with comrade.



Johann Boos (right) with comrades.



Johann Boos (third from right) with comrades.



Johann Boos (right) with comrades.



Johann Boos (second from right) with comrades.



Johann Boos (center) with comrades.



Johann Boos (center) with comrades.



Johann Boos in the cockpit of Heinkel He 111.



Johann Boos in the cockpit of Heinkel He 111.



Johann Boos (right) in the cockpit of Heinkel He 111.



Johann Boos (right) in the cockpit of Heinkel He 111.



Studio portrait of Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos (Flugzeugführer in 9.Staffel / III.Gruppe / Kampfgeschwader 55) with added Ritterkreuz in his neck. By the time he received the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (9 October 1943), Boos already became the POW of the Soviets. On 16 May 1943 previously he was reported missing after his Heinkel He 111H-16 (Werknummer 8529) "G1 + AT" bomber was shot down by enemy flak over Kropotkin. It was his 416th flight mission. Remaining crew (POW): Oberfeldwebel Helmuth Wagner (Observer), Oberfeldwebel Gustav Samorski (Radio Operator), Unteroffizier Eberhard Rode (Flight Engineer) and Unteroffizier Kurt Rothert (Gunner). They headed for German lines after force landing, but after three days, they were captured by Soviet troops. Boos was the last pilot to escape from the besieged Stalingrad Pocket after flying a supply mission, and evacuating casualties on the way out. He was released by the Soviets only after the war is over (2 June 1948).

Awards and documents of Johann Boos, auctioned by Andreas Thies. Other items from this grouping can be seen HERE.

Source :
https://aircrewremembered.com/KrackerDatabase/?s=2100&q=A%2A
https://www.alexautographs.com/auction-lot/luftwaffe-pilots-6_C3E44F1B85
https://www.andreas-thies.de/auktionen/67-750774
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204238238625
https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Johann_Boos
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/28582/Boos-Johann-Kampfgeschwader-55.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20110105103052fw_/http://ritterkreuztraeger-1939-45.de/Luftwaffe/B/Bo/Boos-Johann.htm

Johann Boos Grouping

From Andreas Thies auction :

Award and document grouping of the Knight's Cross Recipient Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos, 9/ Kampfgeschwader 55.

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Iron core with silver frame. Splendid example of the extremely rare production of the company Steinhauer & Lück, respectively Förster & Barth, Pforzheim.
The Knight's Cross itself is a typical Steinhauer & Lück A - piece with the large silver stamp "800" under the eyelet on the back. The ring with silver stamp "800" and maker's mark "L / 21" of the firm Förster & Barth, Pforzheim (cf. the comments by Dietrich März in his book The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, Richmond 2007, p. 226 ff).
In the beautiful original case of issue made of black imitation leather. Inside with black velvet inlay and long, unassembled original ribbon. Inside cover with white artificial silk lining.Accompanied by the Priliminary Award Certificate of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross to Sergeant Major Johann Boos on 9 October 1943. Dated Headquarters, 20 October 1943, with official seal of the Reich Minister of Aviation and Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe and original signature of Colonel Wolff (in the name of the Chief of the Luftwaffe Personnel Office).

Award certificate for the German Cross in Gold to Sergeant Johann Boos. Dated Headquarters, 10 July 1942, with embossed seal and facsimile signature of Reich Marshal Hermann Göring and countersignature of General der Flieger Kastner - Kirdorf. The certificate originally perforated in the centre (holes subsequently closed by paper of the same colour).
Luftwaffe Honour Goblet for special achievements in the air war with award engraving to "FELDWEBEL JOHANN BOOS AM 19.9.41". Silver. In the bottom maker's mark "JOH. WAGNER & SOHN" and silver stamp "835". Crown, crescent moon and eagle. Very nice untouched example, the wall with clearly visible hammering.

Accompanied by the award certificate for the Luftwaffe Honour Goblet to Sergeant Johann Boos "in recognition of his outstanding bravery and special successes as a Kampfflieger". Dated Headquarters, 19 September 1941.with embossed seal and facsimile signature of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring.
Frontflugspange für Kamfflieger  in Gold. Gilt tombac version. Reverse fitted with a broad pin. Beautiful, much worn example.Comes with the award certificate for the Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold to Feldwebel Johann Boos, 9th / Kampfgeschwader 55, dated 19 October 1941. With official seal and original signature of the Geschwaderkommodore.

Reconnaisance Clasp for Kamfflieger in silver . Silvered tombac version. Reverse fitted with broad pin. Maker's mark "G:H:OSANG DRESDEN" on the reverse. Beautiful, worn example.
Comes with award certificate for Frontflugspange for Kampfflieger pilots in silver to Feldwebel Johann Boos, 9th / Kampfgeschwader 55, dated 25 June 1941. With service seal and original signature of the squadron commodore.Frontflugspange for Kampfflieger in bronze. Tombac version. Reverse fitted with a broad pin. Beautiful, worn clasp.

Comes with the award certificate for the Frontflugspange for Kampfflieger in bronze to Sergeant Johann Boos, 9th / Fighter Squadron 55, dated 13 April 1941. With official seal and original signature of the squadron commander.
Award certificate for the Flugzeugführer - Badge to Private Johannes Boos, dated 3 June 1939. With original signature of Lieutenant General Kastner-Kirdorf.Award Certificate of the Crimean Shield to Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos, 9th / Kampfgeschwader 55, dated 15 March 1943. With official seal and facsimile signature of Generalfeldmarschalls v. Manstein.Appointment as sergeant for Unteroffizier Johann Boos, 9th / III. Kampfgeschwader 55, dated 01.04. 1942. With official seal and original signature of the group commander.

Appointment as Sergeant Major for Sergeant Johann Boos, 9th / Fighter Squadron 55. Dated 01.08. 1941. With official seal and original signature of the Squadron Commodore.
Letter from the commanding general of the IV Flieger Korps to the parents of Johann Boos on the occasion of the Knight's Cross award. Dated 25.10.1943. With original signature of the Lieutenant General.Letter of transmittal or congratulations from the Chief of the Air Force Personnel Office, Colonel General Bruno Loerzer, to the father of the recipient, farmer Johann Boos, on the occasion of the award of the Knight's Cross, proposed by the Reich Marshal and carried out by the Führer, to Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos, who was considered missing at the time."Since according to the available reports your son unfortunately has to be considered missing, I am sending you the enclosed high decoration with the request to keep it for your son until the possibility of handing it over arises....".
enclosures:1 Knight's Cross,En1 preliminary certificate of award"

Dated Berlin, 20 October 1943, with original signature of Colonel General Loerzer.

Letter of congratulations from the commanding general of the IV Air Corps on the award of the German Cross in Gold to Sergeant Johann Boos. Dated 23 July 1942, with original signature of General der Flieger Pflugbeil.
Letter from the Wehrmacht site elder of St. Goar to the father of the recipient with congratulations on the Knight's Cross and mention of the 1551 flights (according to the flight log).Letter from the Gauarchiv of the NSDAP (East Prussia) to Oberfeldwebel Boos with the request to send a photo with signature for the Gau - Archiv. Dated 27.11.1943.Congratulatory telegrams on the 400th enemy flight by General der Flieger Pflugbeil and on the E.K. by Lieutenant General Ritter v. Greim.The documents are mostly perforated and in good condition.


Johann Boos (1 August 1915 – 20 December 2003) was a German Luftwaffe bomber pilot and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross during World War II.

Johann Boos was shot down in May 1943 by Soviet forces, he was taken prisoner and was held until 1948. Johann Boos was born on 1 August 1915 in Ney. His military career commenced in the army, as part of the 6th Company of Infantry Regiment 55. After basic training he volunteered in 1936 volunteered for the Luftwaffe. His pilot training took place in 1938. At the start of the war was serving with 9./KG 55, and flew operations during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, when he was wounded. He flew his 416th operation on 16 May 1943, when his He 111 was shot down during an attack on Kropotkin. Boos and his flight crew were captured after 3 days by the Soviet forces. On 9 October 1943, in his absence the Knight's Cross was presented to his parents. After 5 years as a POW he was released on 2 June 1948. Boos returned to Germany, and learned for the first time of his award of the Knight's Cross.

Very nice and interesting grouping to this brave pilot and particularly rare as a Knights Cross award to a first sergeant.

18.000,00 €

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, Ehrenpokal and Frontflugspanges.

Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes.

Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe.

Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Bronze, Silber and Gold.

Ritterkreuz certificate.



Deutsches Kreuz in Gold certificate.



Ehrenpokal certificate.

Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Gold certificate.

Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Silber certificate.

Frontflugspange für Kampfflieger in Bronze certificate.

Krimschild certificate.



Flugzeugführerabzeichen certificate.



Promotion document to Feldwebel.



Promotion document to Oberfeldwebel.

Congratulatory telegrams on the 400th operational flight by General der Flieger Curt Pflugbeil.



Letter of congratulations from the commanding general of the IV. Fliegerkorps on the award of the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold to Feldwebel Johann Boos. Dated 23 July 1942, with original signature of General der Flieger Curt Pflugbeil.



Letter from the commanding general of the IV. Fliegerkorps to the parents of Johann Boos on the occasion of the Ritterkreuz award.

Letter from the Wehrmacht site elder of St. Goar to the father of the recipient with congratulations on the Ritterkreuz and mention of the 1551 flights (according to the flight log).

Letter from the Gauarchiv of the NSDAP (East Prussia) to Oberfeldwebel Boos with the request to send a photo with signature for the Gau-Archiv.

Letter of transmittal or congratulations from the Chief of the Air Force Personnel Office, Generaloberst Bruno Loerzer, to the father of the recipient, farmer Johann Boos, on the occasion of the award of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, proposed by the Reich Marshal and carried out by the Führer, to Oberfeldwebel Johann Boos, who was considered missing at the time."Since according to the available reports your son unfortunately has to be considered missing, I am sending you the enclosed high decoration with the request to keep it for your son until the possibility of handing it over arises....". enclosures:1 Ritterkreuz and 1 preliminary certificate of award". Dated Berlin, 20 October 1943, with original signature of Generaloberst Loerzer.

Source :
https://www.andreas-thies.de/auktionen/67-750774