Messerschmitt BF 109G-2, Oblt. Franz Schieß, JG 53 “Pik-As”, Tunis - El Aouina airfield, Tunisia, February 1943
Franz Schieß was a German fighter ace. He claimed 67 victories in 657 missions, (14 on the Eastern Front, and 53 against the Western Allies) whilst flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Among those were 17 P-38 Lightnings, making him the highest scoring "Lightning-Killer" of the war.
On 2 September 1943, Schieß led a scramble against a USAAF B-25 bomber formation attacking rail marshaling yards at Cancello, Naples. His unit engaged the fighter escort of P-38 Lightnings. Unable to break through the fighter screen to attack the bombers, he followed the force back over the Gulf of Salerno. His final battle took place over the island of Ischia; at around 1:45PM, the pilots heard Franz Schieß radio: "At them again, everyone get ready!" At the time, the formation was 30 to 40 km southwest of Ischia when Hauptmann Schieß's wingman was forced away by two Lightnings and lost sight of his Staffelkapitän. Ten of the P-38s were shot down, but Schieß's Bf 109 G-6 (Werknummer 160 022—factory number) "Black 1 + I", crashed into the Mediterranean 30–50 km SSW of Ischia in the Gulf of Salerno. Though not witnessed, he was probably shot down by a P-38.
The Messerschmitt BF 109 was originally conceived as an interceptor, later models were developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter-bomber, day-, night-, all-weather fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. It was supplied to and operated by several states during World War II, and served with several countries for many years after the war. The Bf 109 is the most produced fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 airframes produced from 1936 up to April 1945. The Bf 109 was flown by the three top-scoring German fighter aces of World War II, who claimed 928 victories among them while flying with Jagdgeschwader 52, mainly on the Eastern Front.
Spruce up your room, man-cave, garage or toolbox with this vinyl decal paying tribute to the famed ace and the Messerschmitt fighter he flew! Comes with smaller vinyl decals that can be applied anywhere, an application tool, and instructions.
What makes our vinyl prints special?
Available in two material options!
Movable - Ready to make a move? Our vinyl wall prints are movable and reusable for interior application.
Permanent - Need it to stick? Our 3M decal material will adhere permanently. Great for trailers!
Variety of sizes - small, medium or large.
Authentic - Genuine high resolution images of your favorite aircraft bring life to any room!
Produced in the U.S.A. - Thoughtfully crafted by skilled AirCorps team members in Bemidji, MN.
