Jeschonnek, Hans (1899 - 1943)
Hans Jeschonnek was born in Hohensalza on 9 April 1899. During World War 1, he served as an officer in the Prussian infantry before being transferred to the air force. In November 1938 he was promoted to Colonel, and in August 1939 to Major General.
Jeschonnek was promoted to General of Fliers in July 1940 after the fall of France, and on 1 April 1942, he was made General and appointed Chief of the Luftwaffe Leadership Staff.
From 1 February 1939 until his suicide in East Prussia in August 1943, Jeschonnek was General Staff Chief of the Luftwaffe, closely involved in its general planning and in all its major campaigns.
Hans Jeschonnek opposed four-engine bombers and endorsed dive-bombing as the true calling of Luftwaffe aircraft. He feuded with Milch and, blindly obedient to the Fuehrer, failed to comprehend the growing dominance of Allied airpower and the need for increased production of German fighters. In August 1943 the Eighth Air Force penetrated deep into Germany and delivered a daylight blow at Schweinfurt and Regensburg. After a furious row with Goering, Jeschonnek shot himself, leaving a note saying "I can no longer work with the Reichsmarschall."
Against his express wishes, Goering attended the funeral and deposited a wreath from Hitler.
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