Helmut Lent

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Helmut Lent (June 13, 1918 - Oct. 7, 1944) was an "Ace" German fighter pilot and one of only 27 people awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.

Lent was born on the 13 June 1918 in Pyrehne/Kreis Landsberg, the son of a priest.

In 1936 he volunteered the Luftwaffe and after training was posted as a Me-110 pilot. In 1938, he joined 3 Staffel, Zerstoerergeschwader 76. With this Staffel he started the war, serving in the campaign against Poland. On 2 September 1939 he claimed one of the first air-victories of the war. After Poland ZG 76 was posted to ordered to defend the German coastline on the North Sea. Here, Lent claimed 2 victories against attacking Vickers Wellingtons on 18 December 1939. During the invasion of Norway, he got four more kills (3 Gloster Gladiators and a Short Sunderland flying boat).

His career as a as nightfighter started in August 1940, becoming Staffelkapitän of the newly formed 6./NJG 1. In the night 11-12 May 1941 Helmut Lent claimed two aircraft shot down. 30 August he was awarded with the Ritterkreuz with 7 day and 14 night kills.

On 1 November 1941, he became Gruppenkommandeur of the new II./NJG 2. One week later he celebrated his 20th air victory. With 42 air claims he was awarded the Oakleaves to the Knight's Cross.

At the end of 1942 Lent had 56 victories and was the top German night-fighter.

After 73 kills he was awarded to the Swords to the Knight's Cross at 2 August 1943, was appointed Kommodore of NJG 3. His promotion to Major was announced shortly before.

In January 44 Lent got three 'heavies' in one night, but his plane was hit by return fire, force landing his fighter. Lent used just 22 cannon shells in downing 2 bombers on the night of the 22-23 March 1944, and against 3 Avro Lancasters on 15-16. June only 57 rounds in seven minutes.

Promoted to Oberstleutnant, he was awarded with the Diamonds in recognition of 110 air kills, the first night-fighter awarded this decoration.

On the 5 October 1944 Lent flew his Junkers Ju-88 G-6, coded D5+AA, to Paderborn. During the landing approach, the left engine of the plane failed, and the plane hit high-voltage cables. In the ensuing crash two of his companions died instantly. His radio-operator for many years, Leutnant Kubisch, died the next day, and Helmut Lent himself died on 7 October.

He is credited with 110 victories in 507 operations. This total includes 103 victories at night, with 59 four-engine bombers and one Mosquito destroyed.