Hermann Wilhelm Göring (help·info) (January 12, 1893 – October 15, 1946) was a German politician an military leader, a leading member of the Nazi Party, second in command of the Third Reich, designated successor to Adolf Hitler, and commander of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). Göring was a veteran of World War I, with 22 confirmed kills as a fighter pilot, and was awarded the coveted Pour le Mérite. He was the last commander of Manfred von Richthofen's famous air squadron.