About Bruno Loerzer
Bruno Loerzer (22 January 1891 – 23 August 1960) was a German air force officer during World War I and World War II. Credited with 44 aerial victories during World War I, he was one of Germany's leading flying aces, as well as commander of one of the first Imperial German Air Service Jagdeschwaders. Loerzer's close friendship with Hermann Göring led to Loerzer's service in the World War II Luftwaffe, with subsequent promotion to Generaloberst by the war's end. Göring described Loerzer as "his laziest general", but swept aside criticisms of him, commenting, "I need someone I can drink a bottle of red wine with in the evening." On 15 March 1937, Loerzer was tasked with the creation of Jagdgeschwader 334 (JG 334—334th Fighter Wing) and appointed its first Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander). As his victory score mounted, he was awarded the Iron Cross First Class and House Order of Hohenzollern. During the early war years, he was commander of II Air Corps, being awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in May 1940.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.