Schneider


		Birthdate: 5/1952 Enlistment: 02-Mai-07 Country: USA Time Zone: GMT - 7 Service Area: Recruiting and Retention
Biography/personal description: Kurt Schneider was born 4 October 1888 in Wurzen, Germany which is about 30 km east of Leipzig. He transferred to the German Air Force in 1915 and was a founding member of Jasta 5 and served as its Staffelführer (Commander). He was wounded in action with 22 Squadron on 5 June 1917. Flying an Albatros D.V, he downed 15 enemy aircraft and was forced to land twice. He died on 14 July 1917 near Caudry-Cambrai. Medals Iron Cross, Military Order of St. Henry In Kurt’s own words “I came from the small town of Wurzen, less than an hour by train east of Leipzig. My life was very similar to other boys at the time though father was very strict about our studies and made us always do our best. I knew that farming life was not for me. I had been to Leipzig and loved what a big city offered. I received my chance to strike out on my own when I was offered a place at the University in Heidelberg. My interest in aeroplanes began with life at the University. Often while we were sitting on the Spielplatz after class, we would watch the planes fly along the Rhine River. There actually is a very nice view of the Rhine from several plazas and you can enjoy a cold beverage while there. The aeoroplanes were magnificent! Occasionally, we would get a wave from the pilots as we cheered and tossed our hats in the air when they flew by. Our excitement was enhanced by the special "Student’s Barrel" that Herr Stommer kept in his cellar for his poor but enthusiastic academic clientele. I know former students who went on to pilot their own plane. They are indeed the lucky ones! With the outbreak of war I knew that I would do my duty. I wanted to fly with the best and was lucky enough to have friends who are now flying for the Kaiser. Jasta 5 is everything I had hoped for and more. The days are long but we are doing important work and really taking it to the enemy.” The man behind the pilot- John lives in Southwestern USA and is a consulting geologist. He has a long interest in military history (a habit he picked up from his father). John is particularly interested in military history of the early 20th century. During his time living in Europe he visited a number of World War I battlefields. John’s latest escapades include going back to school for advanced studies in geology, downhill skiing every chance he gets, and hanging out with his grown son who lives nearby (and is a much better skier than Dad ever will be). John is a newbie to online gaming. He first owned a copy of Red Baron back in the days and enjoyed it. The idea of sharing and learning as a team and making new friends sounds like fun. Favorite aircraft Albatross D. III and D. 5 (it's what Kurt Schneider flew). Or anything else that gets John back on the ground. Call sign J5_Schneider Photo Caption for Kurt Schneider Kurt Schneider with the Jasta 5 mascot, a German shepherd named Hans, in front of Schneider’s Albatros D. III. Otto (our chief mechanic) and Kurt routinely spoil that dog with too many treats.
Aerial Victories		Ground Victories
Planes	Balloons	Bombing	Recon
2		2

Basic Training Completed - Promoted Flieger - 30 Jun 07
	Prussian Observers Badge - May '07 Observers of the German Air Service (GAS) usually received this badge for regular duty. Awarded in recognition for your first successful completion of your first bombing mission during mission 3 on the 26 May during War Forces VI.
	Pilot's Badge - May '07 The pilots of the German Air Service usually received the Pilot's Badge after completion of basic air training and gaining experience in aerial combat. Awarded in recognition upon successfully having flown in battle.
	Ehrenbecher (Cup of Honour) A special award given from the Rittmeister himself, the Ehrenbecher was designed by Manfred von Richthofen. This award is to be ceremoniously given to each pilot that scores his first kill. Awarded in recognition for the first confirmed aerial victory 3 June flying in the Flanders region during WF VI.
	Iron Cross 2nd Class The Iron Cross was awarded in three Classes: the Grand Cross ("Grosskreuz") for senior commanders (only 5 awarded), 2nd Class for individual merit in combat (5 million), and the 1st Class for acts of heroism or bravery in combat (1 million). The Eisernes Kreuz all looked the same, it's where you wore them that told the difference: Grand Cross around the neck, 1st Class pinned to the left side of the tunic about two inches above the belt, and for the 2nd Class, you merely wore the ribbon looped through the second button hole in the front of the uniform. The Iron Cross has the distinction of being one of the few Prussian awards handed out to both officers and enlisted men equally - probably because of it's long history as an award for valor. The Iron Cross, 2nd Class, usually came after a few successful missions (for 2-seater pilots) or the first few "kills" for a Kampflieger. Awarded in recognition of your second victory (on the same day!) on 3 June flying in the Flanders sector during WF VI.
	Kaiser Wings - War Forces VI These badges are awarded to pilots who have satisfactorily and consistently flown in a single MMP War Tournament. One Kaiser Wing will be presented for each tournament flown.
	Carl Eduard Medal As a military award, the Oval Silver Duke Carl Eduard Medal with Crown and Sword Clasp, may be included in the same category as the Prussian Iron Cross, as it was awarded without regard to rank. However, there were other limitations that made the award much rarer. Among them, the recipient was to have already received the Iron Cross 1st Class and whichever grade of the Ducal Saxe-Ernestine House Order, Merit Cross or Merit Medals he would have been eligible for based on his rank. These requirements were occasionally waived, however (the medal's most famous recipient, the Red Baron, Manfred Freiherr von Richtofen, had no special connection to Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and had not yet received the Ducal Saxe-Ernestine House Order when he was decorated with it). Awarded in appreciation and recognition for your demonstrated loyalty and service to the Jasta.
	Carl Eduard Kriegskreuz (War Cross) - May '08 The Carl Eduard War Cross was founded on July 19, 1916 as a single class pinback decoration for bravery and military merit, awarded without regard to rank. Eligibility requirements were similar to those for the Oval Silver Duke Carl Eduard Medal with Crown and Sword Clasp. Awarded in recognition for earning the trust of fellow pilots through loyalty and service to the Jasta in the area of pilot attraction, retention and training.
Intermediate Training Complete - Promoted Gefreiter - Jan 08
	Letter of Commendation - Dec '08 A letter of Commendation shall be issued to a pilot that performs duties above and beyond the call of duty, and for acts or services for the greater good of the Jagdstaffeln. Recruiting and Retention.