Heinz Golinski | |
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Born | 11 July 1919 Nordstemmen, Germany |
Died | 16 October 1942 Malta | (aged 23)
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1939–1942 |
Rank | Feldwebel |
Unit | JG 53 |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross |
Heinz Golinski (11 July 1919 – 16 October 1942) was a German fighter pilot in the Luftwaffe during World War II and a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
Golinski was born on 11 July 1919 in Nordstemmen and was posted as an Unteroffizier to 3./Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) in the autumn of 1941, operating over the German Bight and over Malta. He then served as a test pilot with Messerschmitt. In August 1942, Golinski joined I./JG 53 on the Eastern Front. He claimed his first victory on 28 July 1942, an R-5 biplane. During August, he claimed 17 victories. Golinski claimed 27 victories in September. In late September, I./JG 53 transferred to the Mediterranean.
On 16 October 1942, Golinski shot down a Spitfire. However, another Spitfire attacked him and his Bf 109 G-2 crashed killing Golinski. It is thought Golinski was the victim of Canadian ace F/L Henry Wallace "Wally" McLeod of No. 1435 Squadron RCAF. Golinski was posthumously awarded the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold on 5 November, and the Ritterkreuz on 30 December.