Franz Gräser
Franz Gräser | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 October 1892 Nyírmada, Hungary |
| Died | 17 May 1918 (aged 25) Treviso |
| Allegiance | Austro-Hungarian Empire |
| Branch | Aviation |
| Rank | Leutnant |
| Unit | Flik 2, Flik 32, Flik 42J, Flik 61J |
| Awards | Order of the Iron Crown, Order of Leopold, Silver Medal for Bravery |
Leutnant Franz Gräser (1892–1918) was an Austro-Hungarian World War I flying ace credited with 18 aerial victories. Initially commander of a machine gun unit, he transferred to aviation as an observer. Remarkably, he learned to fly without going through aviation training. Coached by a friendly pilot, he became a fighter pilot without a pilot's license. He would be credited with 18 victories before dying in a flaming shootdown.