Franz Stigler
Franz Stigler | |
|---|---|
Oblt. Franz Stigler (c. 1930s-40s) | |
| Birth name | Ludwig Franz Stigler |
| Nickname | 'Franz' |
| Born | 21 August 1915 |
| Died | 22 March 2008 (aged 92) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany (until1945) |
| Branch | Luftwaffe (Wehrmacht) |
| Service years | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) |
| Unit | JG 27, and JV 44 |
| Commands | 12./JG 27, 8./JG 27, 11./JG 27, III./JG 27 |
| Conflicts | |
| Awards | |
| Spouse | Hiya Stigler |
| Children | 1 |
Ludwig Franz Stigler (21 August 1915 – 22 March 2008) was a German fighter pilot and fighter ace in World War II.
He is best known for his role in a December 1943 incident in which he spared the crew of a severely damaged B-17 bomber. He escorted the plane to safety over enemy lines. The story was kept secret for many years, but in 1990 the two pilots finally reunited and were close friends until their deaths in 2008. Stigler died in Canada, where he moved after the war.