Global InformationWaldemar Semelka information
Waldemar Semelka | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 January 1920 Doubrava, Czechoslovakia |
| Died | 21 August 1942 (aged 22) Stalingrad, Soviet Union |
| Allegiance |  Nazi Germany |
| Service/ |  Luftwaffe |
| Rank | Leutnant (second lieutenant) |
| Unit | JG 52 |
| Commands held | 5./JG 52, 4./JG 52 |
| Battles/wars | See battles World War II
|
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Waldemar Semelka (8 January 1920 – 21 August 1942) was a German Luftwaffe military aviator and fighter ace during World War II. He is credited with 75 aerial victories, all on the Eastern Front, achieved in 240 combat missions.
Born in Dombrau, Semelka joined the military service in the Luftwaffe. Following flight training, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing). Semelka claimed his first aerial victory on 22 June 1941, the first day of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. In June 1942, he was temporarily geven command of 5. Staffel (5th squadron) of JG 52. In late July, he was tasked with leading 4. Staffel of JG 52. Semelka was killed in action on 21 August 1942 near Srednyaya Akhtuba during the Battle of Stalingrad. Posthumously, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.