Werner Schröer

Werner Schröer (12 February 1918 – 10 February 1985) was a German military aviator and wing commander in the Luftwaffe during World War II. As a fighter ace, he was credited with 114 enemy aircraft shot down in 197 combat missions. He claimed twelve aerial victories on the Eastern Front with the remaining claims filed over the Western Allies, including 26 four-engine heavy bombers.

Born in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Schröer joined the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany in 1937. Initially serving as ground personnel, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27—27th Fighter Wing) in August 1940. This unit was transferred to North Africa where on 19 April 1941, Schröer claimed his first aerial victory. In June 1942, he was appointed Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 8. Staffel (8th squadron) of JG 27. Schröer was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in October 1942 for 49 victories. In April 1943, Schröer was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II. Gruppe (2nd group) of JG 27 and awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves in August for 85 victories. He then led III. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54—54th Fighter Wing) fighting in defense of the Reich. In February 1945, Schröer was given command of Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet" (JG 3—3rd Fighter Wing) as Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander). With JG 3, he claimed twelve further aerial victories on the Eastern Front and was awarded Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords in April 1945. After the war, Schröer worked for Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. He died on 10 February 1985 in Ottobrunn.