The Blond Knight of Germany

BLOND KNIGHTOF GERMANY BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Books by Raymond F. Toliver and Trevor J. Constable FIGHTER ACES HORRIDO! FIGHTER ACES OF THE LUFTWAFFE FIGHTER ACES OF USA HOLT HARTMANN VOM HIM MEL DAS WAREN DIE DEUTSCHEN ASSE 1939-1945 by Toliver THE INTERROGATOR by Constable COSMIC PULSE OF LIFE HIDDEN HEROES THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY RAYMOND TREVOR TOLIVER F. J. AND CONSTABLE AERO A division of TAB BOOKS Inc. PA 17214 Blue Ridge Summit, f i FIRST EDITION FIRST PRINTING Printed in the United States of America Reproduction or publication of the content in any manner, without express permission of the publisher, is prohibited. No liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information herein. © 1970 by Raymond F. Toliver and Trevor J. Constable. Epilogue and revisions © 1985 by Raymond F. Toliver and Trevor J. Constable. Copyright Library of Toliver, Congress Cataloging Raymond in Publication Data F. The blond knight of Germany. Bibliography: p. Includes index. 1. Hartmann, Erich, 1922- 2. Fighter pilots3. Germany. Luftwaffe— Biography. Germany— Biography. I. Constable, Trevor J. II. Title. UG626.2.H37T65 1985 ISBN 0-8168-4188-8 ISBN 0-8168-4189-6 (pbk.) 940.54 '4943 '0924 [BJ 85-18663 photographs are from the Erich Hartmann collection except those otherwise credited beneath the photo concerned. All Cover illustration by Harley Copic. for "Usch" who waited 15 WINNING HIS SPURS IN THE BEAR'S GRASP Spvpn ACES AV^L lJ 1 1 w TO WAR Pour VUl ix VICTORY 94 104 119 134 148 MUSTANGS 161 STTRRFNDFR 175 SOVTFT PRTSONFR 191 PFRSTIASTON AND PRFSSTTRF n /^DT\ /TXT A WAR CRIMINAL ITT A T 209 224 Eighteen THE SHAKHTY REVOLT RELEASE 255 Nineteen REBIRTH 269 EPILOGUE 288 Seventeen Twenty APPENDIX 238 290 Erich Hartmann's Victory Record 290 Types of Planes Flown by Hartmann 294 .Contents INTRODUCTION by Lt. General Adolf Galland ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi AUTHORS' PREFACE xiii A HERO Two THE MAKING OF A MAN One CALIBER OF 111. M- P VP i Six Fioht Clglll Mi np > IIC I Ten L CI1 OAK LEAVES 78 TVi X 11 iIIrtpp 11 ICC n T7rv ii t*"t o o m r uuriccn F niccii ffppn r i Sixteen 64 OF FIGHTER 1VJ11 1 L/l\ WING v/1 X Tf 111 VJ 52 J~ FAMF AND SWORDS HAWKS 300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS STAT TN Flpvpn 302nH WCIVC 32 48 r m. Luftwaffe Aces with WWII Top Decorations Hartmann's Handbook of Enemy Strength Glossary INDEX 297 298 299 3 1 321 .1 THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY Viii Movements of III Gruppe/ JG-5 2 295 Personal Data 296 Tops and Firsts— Luftwaffe. of for several reasons. is down by We this book. the accomplishments of the German fighter pilots in the Second World that we War have been historically recognized on an international I of the basis. General of the Fighter en my me Erich Hartmann. remarked that asked him in 1945. . I am I to write Raymond pay tribute in to fighter pilot of all time. but also illuminated by Thirdly. I story should find it especially appropriate that Erich be presented to the world Hartmann's by two American authors German fighter pilot fraternity respect for their integrity and fairness. who when I and Trevor life story this way to the top-scoring my command World War. has friends after years of painstaking find not only a thorough account of developed his unique it but also an inspiring how Hartmann human drama. Arm own if unit on the Eastern Front led to the personal disaster of his decade in Russian hands. First of served under friends as well. F. the quality of Erich Hartmann's story as his American tactics. his J. there been set research. Toliver an Introduction to the was happy to do so honored the Second 1941-1945 friends Colonel Constable asked all. Hartmann's world combat record of 352 conand his other achievements. ever since his release finement. Secondly. are not only endorsed believe that Erich firmed victories. "Bubi" Hartmann and I have been We have His desire to return to his during personal from ten years of Soviet con- he had joined JV-44 with me whole life might have been different. Due largely to their previous two books.Introduction By General Adolf Galland Lt. Behind all this is the story of a lifelong love. and ing fighter pilot of ences. during which he was stripped of his soldier's rights. something of which our troubled world stands in need. I a fighter pilot.THE BLOND KNIG H*T OF GERMANY T X Wc meet not just another fighter pilot and soldier." ADOLF GALLAND . tional I most remarkable book ever written about the more noteworthy because it is the lead- believe this to be the all all recommend and good time this who book has lived through these experi- as a worthy addition to aviation as a further contribution of the authors to interna- will and mutual understanding. have to say to the authors: "Please accept our thanks. but a man whose character was tested for ten and a half lonely years. we former fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe appreciate what you have done. I history. played an important part in bringing this story to the world public. flight surgeons Numerous and other personnel of JG- them with hundreds of questions. fighter pilots. main nameless. An years effort to name all would undoubtedly unintentional omissions. German the assistant to Fighter Pilots' Association in Munich and onetime Hans-Otto Boehm.Acknowledgments The authors wish to express their gratitude to a women whose and number of men book was assistance in the preparation of this The late German air historian. we extend our heartfelt thanks. Hans-Otto Boehm Munich. Documentation Expert of services with his Boehm's work into English. special accolade goes to that surviving made member of JG-52 who available the Daily Operational History of III/JG-52. those who have several pages. of Erich Hartmann. and prisoners of the Soviet Union supplied painful reminiscences of the Russian jails. Heinrich "Bimmel" Mertens. his brother Dr. His wife Ursula (Usch)* and her mother. after smuggling it out of the Eastern Zone of Germany. as in whoosh. Erich Hartmann's crew chief throughout his combat career. fill To all assisted in the past ten and there still who have helped would be therefore. 52 allowed us to impose on many former German contributed from his unique perspective to this portrait of the world's A most successful fighter pilot. Alfred have all German made Hartmann and his mother Elisabeth Hartmann substantial contributions to this book. . rendered signal translations of The Herr Hans Ring. assistance of Erich Hartmann's family has proved of also inestimable value. THE AUTHORS * Usch is pronounced Oosh. who introduced the authors to each other and to indispensable. but we are deeply in his debt for He must re- documentation that materially reduced our labors. t » . Johnson. inevitably surrounded the leading fighter aces of nations. but even among the faithful there drama consummated Postwar events no in Erich Hartmann's less is only an inkling of the life and career. he passed into . albeit in tenuous form. He now the all is the wars- Erich Erich a quarter of a is recognized. the Man-to-man encounters in now archaic concept of a fair fight. but missing from the famous until most successful fighter ace of all the nations and Hartmann of Germany. Fighter aces were able to keep alive for a few brief decades. of warrior native to the twentieth century. children and the elderly. Hartmann is still practically unknown nearly century after the end of the Second World War. but also the only soldiers not effects of their generations.Authors' Preface History has treated most air heroes generously. Mannock. With the hot war finished. Bong. even as they conspired against Erich Hart- mann the ex-soldier. of course. Galland and Bader potential for glorification while war itself have found fame. than postwar attitudes conspired against the telling of his story. Aces like von Richthofen. Boelcke. which individual martial ing spirit could affect the naval battles even as they skill fight- outcome disappeared from land and became the central elements of aerial combat. have been accorded pride of place among fighter pilots They were not only mass future for the all span have seen immersed inhuman in the warfare. within that devoted circle of air history buffs to whom the achievements of fighting airmen have almost the status of a religion. Chivalry thus found a modern echo among Romance and air fighters. Fonck. because individual birdmen battling it out still all had the became mechanized mass murder— not only for the combatants. but also for women. Rickenbacker. Nearly leading personalities achievements aviation's in recorded in detail brief new breed a modern and air heroes. Half-truths as well as outright false- hoods. tally of was the ultimate achievement by an German scores of the fighter pilots 352 confirmed aerial air fighter. far eclipses anything he achieved His attainment of the staggering victories as a fighter pilot. in the view of the authors.THE BLOND KNIGHT OW GERMANY xiv Russian imprisonment and was years. As his decade in Rus- behind him. the more the of the USAF full investiga- middle 1950s. Wing in victory left tallies. The reader may therefore regard Erich Hartmann's 352 confirmed victories as a solid and verified achievement. which the Luftwaffe credited to be far CO. Typical assertions were that the counted every engine on a downed pilots and that squadron victories scored by their squadrons. Fighter Aces and Horridol Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe. During this ordeal War he became an unseen and unheralded hero of the same Cold and change the that was in time to touch His lives of millions. The investigation of the German victory-accrediting procedures led in due course to a authors and Erich sian prisons about fell warm personal friendship between the Hartmann and farther his family. to be convinced that the Ger- were questionable. undertook a tion of Luftwaffe scoring procedures in the This effort all Such apocrypha enjoyed wide currency until coauthor Colonel Toliver. and misunderstandings. because their victory tallies ran in multiples of the best Allied totals. The high were not well received on the Allied side in the postwar years. then 20th Tactical Fighter aircraft as a leaders took personal credit for strict the meticulous under procedures victories to fighter pilots were found than the confirmation procedures of either USAAF in World War II or the RAF. tell The more authors . Explanations had to be found for victory totals that were by all Allied measure completely in- credible. so that the man unwary allowed themselves scores German victory. The German victory con- firmation methods have been elaborately detailed in the authors' two previous books. he became able to this period of privation and diabolical cruelty. were widely circulated in Allied countries in this regard. no doubt of the authenticity of the German Furthermore. lonely struggle against the Russian secret police. England. illegally confined for ten and a half The postwar world went on without him. California 1985 J.) .AUTHORS preface 9 XV became convinced. that his story should be told. as this modest man was led to talk more and more of his experiences. but as a clear warning of what awaits the world should it ever fall under the sway of the NKVD-type mind. COLONEL RAYMOND TREVOR Los Angeles. CONSTABLE TOLIVER USAF (Ret. not only as an indictment of war. F. f * . These external trappings of heroism meant little to the prisoners. His was the barracks at Diaterka. but one October morning the rumored arrival of a certain German them with new hope. to his Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross- Germany's highest award.Chapter One CALIBER OF A HERO The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. Germany and Few of their loved ones. they were them believed they would men who were ever again see literally lost. half-forgotten in their manizing influence. and most prisoner of war charged special qualities of heart that could kindle again the vital fires arrival was successful fighter ace of all time. —General of the Army Douglas MacArthur E i g h t years after the end of the Second German ciated tle hope ex-soldiers in left in life. Major Erich Hartmann had the bereft prisoners. Camp Confined deep World War. Erich the coveted Diamonds mind and of these haunted name whispered through whose in 1953. the ema- Diaterka in the Urals had in Russia by a lit- vengeful still all rights as soldiers and human behomeland and deprived of every hu- Soviet government. and the grim The Hartmann had won a signal event. stripped of ings. that unfolded upon revealed his arrival at Diaterka. itself in the scene The gaunt inmates of . His true measure as a man and leader lice. Their attitude to life rarely rose above a stoical apathy in the normal course of prison routine. Hartmann to them was the hero of bigger battles in their years-long struggle with the Soviet secret po- He was a symbol of resistance. Nervous guards hustled Hart- mann and his fellow prisoners inside the inner wire barrier. A began getting down under the wiry. Like the destitute leader prized prisoners. but they had sent him to solitary confinement in another camp at Novocherkassk.T THE BLOND KNIGHTt OF GERMANY 2 the prison camp dashed into the compound and pressed against the wire as a prison truck pulled up in a cloud of dust. He had coolheadedly dissuaded from escaping. classified as war criminals. escape in the daily The Russian duty crew inside the Shakhty camp had been overpowered. had been crowned with an act of open rebellion the previous year at Shakhty. Erich Hartmann's implacable pattern of resistance. Hartmann!" The scrawny mob behind waving and yelling the barrier burst into a ragged cheer. crowd at like the The blond man grinned and waved a home-town football match. and Hartmann. and had asked instead commission to be appointed to investigate the for many German an international Shakhty slave camp. The outraged Russians had not dared to kill Hartmann. Some of his comrades in the Shakhty Revolt had been sent to Diaterka. A . which took him several times to the brink of death in personal hunger strikes. Germans they guarded at Diaterka. armed Russians had heard about Hartmann. they knew that a real had come among them— one of the Soviet Union's most and problematical The too. and Erich Hartmann's refusal to lifted the spirits of every The story work had touched German off a little revolt that confined in Russia. middle-sized man thatch of flaxen hair and piercing blue eyes stood out shambling group of prisoners "It's "It's him" with a among the in their shapeless convicts' clothes. the new arrivals watchful eyes of armed guards. was one to be savored by prisoners was impossible. spearheaded the drive for redress of the shocking condiofficer and his tions in the prisoners camp. bringing with them the story of the rebellion. German ex-soldiers. were used as slaves in the Russian coal mines at Shakhty. croaked one of the prisoners hanging on the wire. and whose process of resisting their life own energies were for whom consumed dehumanization. As the choking pall subsided. at their spontaneous greeting and the cheering burst out anew. released from solitary confinement by his comrades. CALIBER OF A HERO maximum camp, Diaterka was under security the prisoners managed still 3 a roaring welcome rigid discipline, for but Hartmann. Located near Sverdlovsk in the Urals, Diaterka had a special German VIPs in German generals languished behind its with members of famous German families and "war compound, inner a prison within a prison, for Soviet clutches. Twelve wire, together criminals" like Erich Hartmann. In Russian eyes, the blond who got such a rousing welcome to the no longer own a soldier who had done his maximum security man pen was duty under the laws of his land and under the traditional codes of military service. His relentless antagonism toward the Soviet secret police led to his "conviction" as a war criminal in a Russian kangaroo court. Turned over to the Russians in 1945 by the U.S. Army tank unit to which he had surrendered with his Gruppe from Luftwaffe Fighter Wing 52, Hartmann steadfastly refused to work for the Soviets or with their East tinued through He German six years of threats, stooges. lures His resistance con- and attempted bribes. even resisted the supreme incentive of return to his family in Germany if he would work in his native land as a Soviet agent. Hartmann was never going to aid their cause, and they then brought him to trial as a war criminal, sentencing him to twenty-five years at hard labor. His After six years, the Soviets realized that response was to ask for a bullet. Soviet confinement was a prolonged and debilitating test of hu- German men from every walk of life were exposed to its soul-corroding rigors, and many succumbed. America is gathering its own experience today of these nightmares of confinement, with many of its sons, similarly branded as war criminals, in the man character. Communists. Even the seemingly indomitable Erich Hartmann had his breaking point, and those who endured Soviet jails for untold years are unanimous that everyone has a power of Asiatic breaking point under such inhuman conditions. Senior generals in Russia proved no stronger than privates, and indeed, were strated all the more pitiful no superiority over NKVD. when NCOs in they broke. Officers demon- meeting the challenge of the Age, experience, family background or education— the traditional forces dominant in the development of character and THE BLOND KNIGHT OF 'GERMANY 4 intellect— provided no protection against or little Those who survived the ordeal men who drew were men and for the longest time, from one of two main their strength Religion provided sources. in Russian prisons with a powerful per- Whether he held sonal bastion. best, disintegration. his religious faith as conviction or as a fanatic, the religious man could an abiding resist his cap- The other men who could maintain their integrity were those who had known an absolutely harmonious family life, and there- tors. fore had homes and marriages would endure. These armor of love. They were at once protected arcane energy. Erich Hartmann belonged to faith that their men wore a kind of and powered by this this latter group. His wife Ursula, whom he "Usch," was his spiritual and calls moral power source while he was under the Soviet yoke. She was the light in his soul black when the glory days of war vanished and the Russian imprisonment was drawn between him and veil of the rest of humanity. She never failed him, and she part of his achievements. Without her, is an integral he never would have sur- vived the Russian prisons for ten years, nor would he have wrought the miracle of his rebirth. By the common mann was not heel, consent of his fellow prisoners, Erich Hart- only one of the strongest but also one of an many down ruins in elite and men group of natural all under the Soviet leaders. With military regulations automatically German prisoners recognized only those naturally among them. The cream went to the swept away, the who rose Ger- leaders top in this natural process. Rank and decorations meant nothing, and neither did age or education. Tricks and gimmicks of leadership were of no value. In the Russian prisons there were worthless, traitorous generals and magnificent sergeants; indomitable privates rubbed shoulders with corrupt officers. manhood in The leaders who emerged were terms of character, will Barely twenty-three years hands, Erich He Hartmann old when he years German passed into Russian rose to the top despite his extreme youth. was able to sustain himself and many of more than ten the best of power and endurance. his countrymen for under conditions of almost indescribable CALIBER OF A HERO 5 physical and moral hardship. Rarely modern conditions, has a war hero been subjected to such pro- in history, and never under tracted efforts at his degradation. His survival of such an ordeal better verifies his heroic qualities than does his decorations. The wellsprings of Erich Hartmann's strength were reach of the NKVD. beyond the Their source lay in his family background, and native manhood, reinforced and overlaid by free upbringing the undying love of a beautiful woman—his wife. His personality combines the strengths of both his parents. His physician father was a quiet, decent man humans, and a penetrant, feeling for his fellow was written, is from airplanes flew whether it in was a gay, quiet philosophizing over a glass of beer his profession, while his Germany, before fitting and the wisdom to dare living and venturesome. Hartmann enjoyed as a relaxation wisdom still is young woman, a vibrant extrovert as a energetic, enterprising Dr. practical from modern men. His mother, who largely missing as this with the old-time European doctor's deep thing for a to know exuberant blonde wife had quite decided society woman to do. The willingness how far to go—key elements just making Erich Hartmann the most successful fighter pilot ever— are character traits derived from the qualities of his parents. These in and other inherited met and qualities own. talents that are distinctively his He mingled with individual has a will almost fierce in its drive to prevail and conquer. His directness in thought and word are disquieting to the pretender, inspiring to the timid and challenging to the valiant. an incorrigible individualist in an age of mass formity. To the marrow of his bones he sense of being the greatest of meeting all life's all is and con- a fighter, not only in the fighter aces, but also in terms of challenges head-on. "Gandy-dancing" around an incapable, even is effects He if his life issue is depended on something of which he it. He would be is a total fail- ure in the diplomatic service, with his punch-in-the-nose bluntness, but he is honest man easily as fair a sportsman and a lover of fair play. A fair man and an has nothing to fear from him, for he shakes hands as he locks horns. In an age with a diminishing regard play he is in some ways an anachronism, and for like the knights THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 6 he would rush of old to pick up a foe he had just knocked from the saddle. many enemy In aerial warfare as a flying soldier, he killed but he is another. incapable in everyday He His religion one of conscience and is man who a certain type of must not do may be who were so sustained in Rus- an extension of is As George Bernard Shaw once expressed fighting heart. is of consciously doing injury to life not religious in the formal sense, although he ad- is mired and respected the Germans sia. pilots, "There it: holds that there are certain things he in life, regardless of the cost to himself. called a religious his man. Or you may him call Such man a a gentleman." Erich Hartmann's code of conduct— his religion in a sense— is that he cannot be made to do anything he believes to be wrong, and he will not of himself do anything he knows to be wrong. This variant of the golden rule which admit convictions, to little gray in moral sense, probably inherited from pilots. his father, image he carried with him of His conviction that all would be well at has an old-time and the kind of a religion did for others never wavered, and was it Hartmann Erich fulfilled a who his beloved Usch. home, the mental picture peaceful hearth centered around what formal Was He In the Russian prisons, his spiritual forces found their focus in the he held of life. his black-and-white Truth that wins him the adoration of today's young feeling for German from arises him Usch his wife, did for survived. His faith in hundredfold. then, a self-centered individual, thinking only of himself and his Usch? Far from it. He actually never needed to expose himself to Russian jails. Right before the end of the war, General Seidemann ordered him to take a Messerschmitt fighter, leave Czechoslovakia and his unit, and Germany. His orders were fly back to central to surrender to the British. General Seidemann knew that the Russians would take vengeance on their aerial nemesis, and the order to fly to safety was the last order from higher HQ that Hartmann received during the war. The young, blond-haired major deliberately disobeyed this or- German der. Thousands old people— most of them of had become attached refugee civilians— women, children and relatives of men to this unit. Militarily, serving in his Gruppe, an order was an order, CALIBER OF HERO A 7 and he should have obeyed. be lieved to being. cost He accepted instead what he beofficer and human as a stayed with the defenseless civilians, a decision that him more than His modesty and blond eral He unavoidable duty as an his ten years of his much as is hair. Typically, life. a part of the whole man as his blue eyes he never told the authors about Gen- Seidemann's order in more than twelve years of friendship that The preceded the preparation of this book. from others. When asked about it, information came Hartmann merely shrugged. Unrelentingly hard against himself, he could find to forgive a man had comrade who caved in under Soviet his breaking point, and for some others— that was Erich Hartmann's view. it in his heart it pressure. Every came sooner than When fellow prisoners cracked up emotionally under such ultimate strain as a divorce in Germany, he gave of his strength to them back together. He could talk soothingly to them, or them back to reality. His hard way was his own, and not for absentia granted to a wife in pull slap other men When unless they chose, as a free act, to follow his lead. from Russia was secured by Chancellor Ade- his release nauer in 1955, there were still many German prisoners remaining in Russia. Many had preceded him to freedom in West Germany, and the occasion of his return to his native land was to be cele- brated by ex-P.O.W/s and their families. At the railroad station in Herleshausen, the there was a noisy sive celebration first he had touched free soil and exultant welcome. was planned He a decade, was told that a mas- later for Stuttgart, town of Weil im Schonbuch. The P.O.W. in near his associations home had or- ganized the gathering, and important public figures were scheduled to attend. Thin and gaunt, Hartmann was obviously moved. Then he surprised his welcomers by insisting that there be no such reception. He could not take part in such Newspapermen asked heartfelt welcome home from festivities. him why he would not accept the his fellow citizens of Stuttgart. "Because the Russians view from us. They might on hearing or reading of such a celebration, not to reany more German prisoners. I know the Russians well enough well decide, lease life differently THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 8 be fearful on to account for the continued imprisonment of this my countrymen in the Soviet Union. "When they are all home, then we Meanwhile, we must not will have the celebration. German rest until all soldiers held pris- oners in Russia are repatriated." His ten-year duel with the Soviet secret police intensified Erich Hartmann's native quality of directness, but he had his head-on nature long before the Russians got their hands on him. Forthright he speaks out loud and to a fault, clear in the presence of wrong. Even Reichsmarschall Goering, standing one rung below God when when He air the Nazis were in power, failed to overawe Erich the young ace visited his felt Hartmann Goering had perpetrated a wrongful mother near Juterborg when in January 1944, act. the defense of the Reich was suffering from a severe shortage of pilots rather borg when himself, fighter than planes. He landed at a fighter base near Juter- the weather was closing Only twenty-two in. he was struck by the extreme youth of the squadron based at the men come pilots in the was used to seeing young to his units in Russia, but these flyers looked scarcely more than high-school When He field. years old boys. he returned from his visit with his mother, he found that the squadron had been sent up into the foul weather that had started to close in when he landed a few hours previously. Their mission was to intercept a force of American bombers. ited training sters and even had crashed less practical fatally in the The or shooting at the bombers. With lim- experience, ten of the young- bad weather, without ever finding infuriated Blond Knight sat down a personal letter to Reichsmarschall Goering. and wrote Herr Reichsmarschall: on your orders, fighter units took off in vile weather in an effort to find and shoot down American bombers. The weather was so bad that I would have been unwilling to take off myself. The fighters you sent into the air never found the bombers and ten very young pilots and planes were lost without firing a shot at the enemy. Today from Some this airfield of the dead had less young pilots I talked to in this squadron than 80 hours' flying time. If who we cannot win are now against the CALIBER OF A HERO bombers 9 blue sky, then to send youngsters up to die in bad weather in nothing short of a criminal act. should wait until the skies are blue, and the bombers come, and then send everyone up to assault them at once, with some chance of success. It is disgraceful to waste young men's lives as has been done is We today. Yours faithfully, Captain E. Hartmann Wing Fighter Erich Hartmann sent the letter directly to Goering by regular The mail, including his full current address. gram tone and content of were sufficient to ensure punishment even for a lead- this missive ing ace. 52 The hailing next communication he got from Goering was a him as the most successful fighter pilot in the world. Probably Goering personally never saw the Blond Knight's but it tele- was written and mailed with the intention that letter, should it reach the Reichsmarschall. Because Erich Hartmann's of gruel as well as glory, and peace, the life has had and because he has been and sense hugely, has his mother's gaiety gatherings of friends, old comrades not him He man, and he is a boy who loves to when he went His boyishness or lad. He was full of to the Eastern fun then, and when Bubi Hartmann clowned even new is play. Front in 1942 German his comrade-in- arms and longtime personal friend Walter Krupinski time life The boy earned him the immediate nickname of "Bubi," which in means boy in at social pilots of the Air Force, the old tiger becomes a social lion. far inside the war enjoys humor, and and young measure a fighter in to date. of a fair been discussed light side of his nature has rarely the limited material published about German more than tells of the in the rarefied air of Berchtesgaden, before getting a decoration personally from Hitler. Four leading aces of Fighter 3 March 1944 aces were Wing 52 were on their way on to Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" to be decorated. The Gerhard Barkhorn, Johannes "Kubanski Lion" Wiese, Walter "Count Punski" Krupinski and Bubi Hartmann. The reers of all these men interlocked with Hartmann's and all will ca- be driven up the road in the perishing cold. lots and en route train. They were then hustled into the Eagle's Nest a few minutes before their appointment with the Fiihrer. wine. Germany's second highest decoration. "Oh yes. to Salz- was attracted to the pi- because all four were wearing the Knight's Cross at their and all four were happy. there's my hat. cognac. The be admired by hat came down over ears— size seven and a quarter on a six-and-three-quarters head. As they staggered into the railway train a to few miles from meet station. von four neatly-dressed pilots were scheduled to meet the Fiihrer in less than two hours. encountered tall. About continual light March weather ing out of a gray overcast. the order stand- ing immediately below the Swords. As they entered the foyer of the beautiful building. Hitler's Luftwaffe aide-de-camp. The other three were Oak to receive the Leaves to the Knight's Cross. they their Fiihrer. throats. his They it on his head. They kindly old cavalier. . heit. the Eagle's Nest in the cold. beer. Hartmann spotted a military cap hanging on a stand nearby. They were still far from sober. Seeing that it had some braid on it. A Below nearly capsized when he saw the in such an unseemly condition. Typical early outside. but Cross. turning to burst into laughter. The con- ductor began conjuring an endless supply of beverages from his compartment— schnapps. the four them off the no condition the conductor poured the Eagle's Nest they were in As fast as he pro- disposed of the contents." He walked over and quickly plopped his fellow aces. young and friendly. blown snow three inches of snow blowing Von Below in the Bavarian Alps prevailed fall- temperature was 25 degrees Fahren- ordered the driver of the waiting Mercedes convertible to put the top down. he said. The four men met each other on the He burg they befriended the conductor.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 10 on the occasion in question Barkhorn was to receive the Swords (Schwertern) to his Knight's dealt with later in this book. with the nearby mountaintops or off The lay and drive the four celebrants to air. brisk They were on the ground. blond-haired Major von Below. duced the flyers When bottles. Coun- tcrmeasures were necessary. and then allowed to get out and walk a little. Erich Hartmann's sense of humor has remained veiled from the public. the immortal Baron Manfred von Richthofen. successful fighter pilots. Nevertheless part of his personality. Even in the hard-driven Luftwaffe.CALIBER OF A HERO Von Below 11 The didn't join in the laughter. confirmed. it is an and he would not be the man he essential is without leavening force. like a distinctive. He was never wounded. introduced the Volkswagen to the United . indi- to a tactical innovation. but all vidual style of air fighting that He rejected the dogfight. His 352 aerial victories. He took off to fight no less than fourteen hundred times. are the all-time Gerd Barkhorn. ap- through the maze of protocol and procedure. and even fewer. and survived an even grimmer aftermath. Germany downed more than four times as many aircraft as the Red Knight. His ability to keep his hide intact while taking toll of his foes was not mere blind luck. topscoring fighter ace of the First World War. Because Fiihrer's hat men meet to- he excelled at a very grim business. It is the Fiihrer's hat!" four pilots received their decorations without falling over. His physical and mental reflew lots silience were such that he endured without fatigue the constant grind of aerial combat from the fall of 1942 until the end in May 1945. The Blond Knight of world record for a fighter has fifty-one victories in the shorter many His closest pilot. its In the annals of war history there have not been Hartmann's dimension. since the war. fewer than Hartmann. Will * Van The States of and he developed amounted He was lucky. rushed over and snatched the hat from Erich Hartmann's head. but the Blond Knight's inadvertent borrowing of the is always good for a laugh whenever any of the four day. and actually entered aerial combat on more than eight hundred occasions. pointed by Hitler to steer visitors harassed aide. all span of heroes of aerial history. his onetime adjutant. only a handful of fighter pi- more often or entered aerial combat with greater frequency than Erich Hartmann.* has said that Hartmann's success was due to late Will America Van de Kamp after the war. de Kamp. "Give The me that. rival. he emerges mobile mind has kept him of a tiger still beats inside the old he has become. is a man of consummate coolness under stress. like Van de Kamp once told Usch Hartmann after the war that if had used Erich's tactics. he would never have become the world's most successful fighter ace. is perilously close to the surface for a man early sixties. than Erich Hartmann. He is from man a many of and faults his positive personality. anachronism. and the Blond Knight's evolved his tactics. they as assets. the for-leather fighter ace in his manifests as a dev- vacillations of uncertain heroes. In his maturity. and arising intuitive. In a and fascinated by the at heart. in sometimes failed to all the military forces wear the hero's mantle with dig- . the 0*F They were his attacks. most of them failings. GERMANY point-blank. His as a vibrant young modern it and hell- often sloppy in dress. Despite his tender when he won restraint were not disturbed. always venturesome. he likely to is and pluck out deals his toes. He often closed in to less than a hundred feet before firing at his foes in the air. astating lack of tact. Analytical realistic. bear out the evaluation of his onetime adjutant. a perilously close distance. He survived fourteen forced landings on the Eastern Front. detailed in this own his tactical break version of how he book.THE BLOND K N I G*H T 12 way he drove home the man. Far older men of the world. these traits might well have tycoon. In today's Hartmann. as well as go to the core of any problem with which he He primal seed. often in dangerous conduct. tomcat he and the heart insists perennially romantic. taking off again each time as soon as a new aircraft was years— he was twenty-two years old the Diamonds—his innate qualities of modesty and available. As a youngster. Van de Kamp's view all fighter pilots was that Erich Hartmann's success was due to with the past. his directness showed up in impetuousness. and a paper-thin margin between a sure kill and a midair collision. but in today's military. He culture increasingly absorbed vital. its decides and then digs in made him a have been liabilities as much In business. and has far more than his fair share of nerve. but against a regime that forced him to fight on for a decade in a lonely. soul-destroying Cold War. but also petty Air Force. Many a wartime celebrity has become a peacetime emotional casualty. the thing he knew With life all other possibilities on the foundation of best. Hartmann played the cards that Fate has dealt him in war and Erich peace with an equanimity that could even hope to emulate. His new boss. antagonists of the Blond Knight were not only the in war and the in the NKVD new German in peace. he had to begin rebuilding his fighter piloting. Hartmann had to maintain his integrity not in the face of rewards heaped on him by a grateful nation. but which few he returned to Germany in 1955 he had several bitter cups to drain." For many Boyington's derogatory assessment has been too true. and his farsighted and serious For all the good signs he was not yet done with enemies. and show you I'll a bum. all said. His into the medical profession his age had to to follow his father be renounced on account of and long separation from the academic world. General Kammhuber. He a new of his checked out on the new jets under USAF instructors. He became one of the most respected officers in Germany. His son. all men When can admire. and began the process own rebirth. had died in 1947 and the Blond Knight never saw the boy.CALIBER OF nity and Corps HERO A 13 credit to themselves fighter ace "Show me and As U. Nearly one- third of his time Old boyhood hope on earth had been fighter tigers join the paign to from in Russian him to They put on an informal cam- his glory days continually pressed new German Air get him back into Force. Marine their nation. Small men men enemy The pilots in high places in big jobs envied Erich . dim. Erich armed forces to win the was the only member of the new German Diamonds in the Second World War. Colonel Gregory "Pappy" Boyington once a hero. made his appointment to command the first jet fighter wing of the new German Air Force— the Richthofen Wing— a historic and morale-building step.S. old glories. the profession his he had mastered. the military. jails. heroes. His beloved father had also passed away. started family with a lively blonde daughter. Peter Erich. in a proceeding He survived this thrust and fights on. one such shoot the Blond Knight ways man OFT GERMANY to injure his career in the down from that will be detailed in due course. and may its escutcheons are emblazoned on yet be it. tried to the ground. and uniform of a general status. of glory is still The time a has his story as a hero of the joust. The battered shield of the Blond Knight honor. still for bright. its come to explore depth of his mance with torment while still carried with More names fair-haired bearer formidable participant in the tournament of with him is life. and his unforgettable ro- .THE BLOND KNIGHT 14 Hartmann and A tried in various few years ago. the in his beautiful lady. bondage. —Anonymous Al. China was . the the prospect of prac- ticing his profession in a foreign land intrigued initially among man. Dr. had found conditions Germany difficult and unrewarding. When Hartmann's cousin. to convulsed al- Hartmann found the Chinese people eager they paid their bills and they rewarded him as a paradise.n adventurous keynote was struck for the Hartmann when he departed Germany with live in of Erich life his family in 1925 to China. The consul assured Chinese. came home and saw in the shambles in the fatherland. Dr. in contrast to his exuber- Hartmann went ahead alone to China He was hardly prepared for what he found. he had returned from that conflict only to confront new enemies— inflation. and cousin. Erich's father. for his services. but he was the rosy picture painted by his diplomat conservative and careful to reconnoiter. Erich was a sturdy. who was German consul Dr. he urged Erich's father to return with him and practice medicine in China. and hungry Germany. food shortages.Two Chapter THE MAKING OF A MAN The fount of manhood has its source in boyhood. him of a flourishing practice Hartmann loved adventure. A German Army doctor in the First World War. Shanghai. Born 19 April 1922 at Weissach in Wiirttemberg. skeptical A of ant and outgoing wife. Compared most him. blond-headed infant already showing a will of his own when mother took him aboard his Orient. political in postwar and economic chaos. Alfred a steamer bound for the Hartmann. Dr. Dr. Frau Hartmann. as the home middle of the new home. There was his status in the good works were not to lost became as a physician. memories of Erich's earliest with for his family. t f was the only white doctor in hundred miles up the Siang [Yangtze Kiang] six River and another hundred up the Hsiang River. Siberian Railroad. French and Belgian residents were frequent. Before she get out of your seats. and sent his practice Changsha. the train made was supposed to last an hour. Secondly. modern revolutionary stirrings began in the their course became anti-colonialist and antifirst "foreign devil. not far from to his office one morning. These conditions nevertheless provided only munity for the Hartmann becoming commonplace. a child's imagination could thrive and A few This Oriental idyl was not destined to years later. I will ." Civil disturbances broke out. and on which he later built a its He had in the a pleasant center on the life natural playgrounds. Hartmann had two sources of protection as agitation community worse. some He regard. a stop that went to get On the "Erich. Dr. The kindly were packed German off back to Germany for safety's sake. Dr. wooded in river. "you look after Alfred. because in the China of the 1920s the Germans had no status or influence. By temporary im- 1929. a home Walking Hartmann had in the town several English friends. fiveand-a-half-year-old Erich and his brother Alfred. unspoiled beauty The island was a place run free. Don't be back in a few minutes. one of family. doctor reacted quickly. bought an island when he opened last long." She disappeared into the milling throng in the Moscow station. where Chinese people. street violence was Assaults on English. and secluded coves. His on the Chinese." she said to her elder son.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY l6 well with their high Changsha. whom the medical had his office. a year younger. For several weeks they went jolting across Russia on the horrendous Trans- way through Moscow. he was lucky be a German. and were not a part of the decaying colonial structure. of Changsha. island. Erich's fa- ther was appalled to find the severed heads of three English friends impaled on the picket fence around one of the British residences. and Elisabeth Hartmann some food and drink for her sons. who was just 28 months old at the time.SOJOURN IN CHINA: Elisabeth Hart- mann and her sons Erich and Alfred spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon in the garden of their home on an Island in the Yangtze River near Shanghai. (1925). Germany. DESTINATION CHINA: In July 1924. Erich Alfred was born 19 April 1922 at Weissach. They were preparing to leave for China. Their first son. ERICH'S PARENTS: Dr. (med) Alfred Hartmann and Elisabeth Machtholf were married in 1919. WINTER IN GERMANY— 1928: Alfred hangs onto Erich and Erich hangs onto his father on a shopping trip. . Frau Hartmann posed holding Alfred and Erich. T f OCTOBER 1940: The first photograph of Erich uniform of a Flying Cadet. Cadet class photo taken before he reported Berlin-Gatow for flight training. He was I8V2 years old. third from the right. Hartmann is the rear row. Hartmann in the CADET CLASS— 1 March 1941: Hartman. . and soon blinded by me kept soothing me. urging would have none of was rattling wrong with us. She had been forced finally to work her way forward car by car. it. the end of its when she heard her train called. at that time Erich was calmer. ever- comforter." In later years. the blonde young German matron speed. which contributed mounting terror. with a catwalk along the side. the carriage door opened and there stood my mother. head what seemed and Erich was manfully Unfortunately. today memory a of the petrifying experience that ensued. Russian railways at this time were a long way from possessing the luxurious rolling stock in vogue on most Western railroads. Elisabeth Hartmann settled down . even the brave Erich broke down. has a clear Hartmann. After her return from China. the cause of Elisabeth Hartmann's strange ab- sence has been one of the family jokes. as our moth- awry but a smile on her er's lips. tears. long before scheduled hour stop. Dropping everything. interpreter and nurse. reaching the closed coach where Erich and his brother were waiting. my I train like a frantic trying to explain our plight. she swung aboard Hollywood-style.THE MAKING OF MAN A 17 returned. better Chinese than to the confusion and to my all of which "After what seemed like an hour of agony. This particular train had no inner corridors in the cars behind the one in which Frau Hartmann had been riding with her sons. bolted along the platform as the train gathered Grabbing at the handrail of the last car at the very end of the platform. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he pointed to me recriminatingly. Alfred doctor in Weil im Schonbuch. arms went around us both. was "I He terrified. the train started pulling out. She had been buying food after standing in line. These coaches were like Australian streetcars. not to cry and to be brave. her blonde hair blown At her appearance. exhausted and panting. in the train at my off. 'I told him not to cry/ he bawled. through Erich had been The were trying to find out what was we both spoke German. and kept bawling on toward Germany The people pace. The departure whistle shrieked immediately afterward. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY l8 * f Weil im Schonbuch near in Stuttgart and waited word from for her husband. the clays. young at on the boring a little woman like Elisabeth Boblingen Airport." she wrote back. She joined civil more than and focus when a flying club flying field for Stuttgart in those miles from Dr. and three and office at 9 Bismarckstrasse Weil im Schonbuch. Erich's interest in aviation was given impetus adventurous mother took up sport but ant. where Erich Hartmann was to spend the years later the couple built a house in youth before going to war. the on a happy Hartmann fam- part owners of a two-seater. "and bring the boys. which was ran and jumped Clem Sohn and Leonardo da Vinci. The civil had abated. He landed in a blend of a off the and he was unhurt. Erich's exposure to airplanes and flying thus became constant and intimate. The Stuttgart. not return to China." The independent Elisabeth Hartmann. "and moved Dr. safely. mother got her Then private flying license in 1930. however. Carrying this rig. but he engineering and forthwith abandoned his specially-dug pit filled with soft earth. or . Today. Hartmann s office Weil. a became ily Klemm 27. After six months he wrote that things had quieted down. recognized his faulty ground-hungry contraption. rest of his From his earliest years in Weil." wrote. just a little in flying. Life in side for Weil was six his pleas- an active and attractive Hartmann. where you can settle into a quaint old farmhouse near Weil. A gifted pilot. Erich's light plane. Erich was aviation-mad. but in IBM has buildings on the old Boblingen Airport the early 1930s every fine Saturday and Hartmann boys and their mother site. exemplified by his to fly. "Come back strife he to China." am I looking down Hartmann came home. He fashioned a glider out of bamboo shafts first A ca- attempt and stretched old blankets over the framework to form a fuselage. which they shared with the meteorological director of Boblingen Airport. Sunday saw the flying in the little Klemm. had already decided that enough of their "I will now for an office for you near and practice medicine family lives had been spent in the Orient. pacity for daring began to emerge. he roof of the summer house. had to work hard lift a few yards into the air. The sensation It gave and subtle pres- . only to the grass amid groans of despair from the pull would have The boys Then would come the to begin again. With youthful energy. grueling task of pulling the gliders into the air with a heavy rubber rope was a perfect outlet for side. Hitler its to power. and urged the formation of glider clubs as a focus for In 1936. and it Weil and served was missing. The the snappy thrill of but gliding had a rare charm all of its little Klemm own. A Zogling 38. For advanced pilots. The club had two gliders. eight husky young Germans on each they would run forward.THE MAKING OF A MAN working on it. and German aviation wanted German youth resurrection. Erich was a licensed and proficient glider pilot. The began came following year. dragging the glider with all their might." of Erich's gliding excellent pilot. "Erich. was an open glider. there Every weekend Erich was taken by He his took his turn with the other boys. but there was a vast difference in our natural ability for gliding. you get in. It's your turn. We'll His brother Alfred has a vivid "He was an try to pull memory you up. the beloved machine had little 19 to be The sold. and with his "C" License became an Instructor in the Glider Group of the Hitler Youth. At the end of 1937. for primary training. After the economic collapse in 1932. gifted from the start. mostly farmers' sons. and something more besides. made for happy and entertaining weekends. Erich Hartmann says this of his introduction to flying: "Gliding was a great sport. magic words. loss of the aircraft was a hard blow. mother The was a Grunau Baby. Looking back on those days more than forty years ago. he passed his "A" and "B" Glider Pilot examinations. I skill: used to wish I could do as well. Hitler become to air-minded. for the thrill of flying. Frau this interest. as instructress. Hartmann formed a glider club at im Schonbuch for the local boys. Often the sailplane would down on The hard crunch back rope-pullers. me a wonderful feeling for the air. to the gliding meets." At fourteen years of age. aircraft get this feeling I any instrumented indication of a feel it in the seat of an failure of There can be no doubt more that the earlier you get started in the flying business. flight." same Erich's brother Alfred practices medicine today in the Weil built by his physician father. me. the highly developed your feeling becomes for everything connected with aircraft. He was sports-minded. His athletic prowess only one element in this natural ability to lead. Boys his age really spected which him for these qualities. my pants. who reflects strongly his father's temperament and outlook. Alfred recalls Erich's formative early years in these frank terms: 'Tie was stronger than athletic me and accomplished in every way. skiing and He at track. and at home swimming. He was also strong and practical— a resourceful boy. too. often before there my mother. and he was a protector of younger boys. I exploited his well-earned fame as a bully-tamer by . he was if he He was a natural athlete with wonderful coordination. Powered nothing strange to me. family home in he was captured in Tunisia. in sports. and spent four years in British prison camps. my young was as friends much "The air fly. After a brief fling as a Stuka gunner in North Africa. physique and manner than his famous brother. to this day. "In their own society. More delicate of features. "Erich could not abide a bully. I is came brother and as all so climbing into an aircraft me as getting into an automobile. attune you to the sense.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 20 wind sures of the around you. holding you up. re- qualities and he was gentle. He was his later particularly to Then. an air man. ex- celled at gymnastics. Erich was a natural leader boys elect their leaders naturally. later in had seen and You become. early familiarization with aircraft that has helped some my in the true the Luftwaffe. he had other fair was clever. fame might obscure. and among them. there was nothing in the sporting line at which he did not excel or could not excel tried it. a part of I had flown. He is a sensitive and kindly man. I me right down kind. I get a bad I am got through gliding I sitting in feeling. environment. If and something goes wrong. because he knew he was stronger than me. diving. In fact. bearing on your all glider. He hit the barn doors at full tilt. untied Bicycle lives as Gang Erich. spirited Gang who was the Glider He them off to their his hideaway. Alfred and another trailed along forty yards or so body of the Glider Gang." blue eyes were like burning pinpoints as he advanced on his swinging the jack handle in a wide arc. rival a group of boys from gang. The broke and ran. seized Alfred and in and pal. with its population thousand people. Before I whack you with this. he confronted the shocked Bicycle Gang. Erich in sleepy little of three and Alfred belonged to the Glider Frau Hartmann's gliding club. Erich and his brother were students in the mid-i930S at a . man would make him who outnumbered him. Gang barn as he smashing them open. "The Bicycle Gang has Alfred— they've got him and they're going to beat him up. The fering interest. Get out! All of you." this insults. the boys went around in gangs. saw the kidnaping. He was a boy who the same fearless quality burning in the victorious over others tackled life head-on. as there in rivalry. They had Alfred and friend tied to a post. Returning boy home from a movie one evening." in the old Hard-sprinting Erich quickly outstripped the Glider ran to the rescue. followed the kidnapers and then ran after the Glider Gang for help. left me Even Weil im Schonbuch. Bursting into the barn. and out! up a jack handle his from the started swinging.THE MAKING OF boys telling bigger Erich on they hit if A who me MAN 21 me threatened that they would hear from They or bothered me. Erich snatched barn floor "Get The foes. There was "bad as the Bicycle blood" between the two gangs because of fancied usually severely alone account. Members behind Erich and the main of the Bicycle Gang waiting concealment sprang out of the shadows. There were fourteen of them. his grateful brother. Erich's readiness to in one encounter between the gangs. bolting out of the barn for their triumphant and panting. Another member of bringing up the rear. because of crash between bunches of boys is action into was revealed its dif- Gang. In later years. was known Gang. and a pall of Nobody would my hand up to clean this up and all confess to playing with the powder. powder. with which was it. We to put our were told not to play with this material during the break. and even leisure-time ends at home Weil seemed in young school functioned under tight. military-style discipline. Once in a phys- black powder from charcoal and sulfur." made his discom- to his parents. was outright war between myself and this never forgot my prank. nor forgave me. not this school did He Erich. He it every chance to victimize me. My the apparatus used during lessons. we promptly gathered powder. so said that I had set it alight.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 22 The national-political educational school in Rottweil. "The teacher around the knew it the classroom. Dr. He seized "Ever afterward teacher. A I me powder do directly to took a match and shoved it ignite directly it. was taught. Someone challenged probably a mistake. destroying some glass retorts. for the combined production on an morning break. obviously desks. In the spring of 1937. "Within seconds. well with the forming character of sit The loved freedom. angry. right into the and an explosion sent everyone diving under the flash smoke went billowing out of the room. and we were the ics we had lesson make to and when time came slaves. which ruled all aspects of the students' German polemic based on the new silly character of activities nationalism were regulated. cleanup job three days later when I I put punishment was I was still doing accidentally knocked a heavy iron glass-holder into the cleaning sink. we had iron plate. Much lives. but weren't game to actually Everyone was daring everyone a else to hit the match. our teacher came striding back in. and left pile of contained. Week- from to Erich like a liberation prison. This vendetta typified the unhealthy student-teacher relationship at Rottweil. and fort known transferred his sons to the "Internat" type of Hochschule at . Hartmann Erich chafed under the school's strictures. fascinated by the explosive power we A couple of the more enterprising boys put matches near the powder. He carries to this day an unpleasant memory of Rottweil: "Every teacher was God. Erich included. His temperament was to enjoy himself and look for the sunnier side of courteous and respectful. The professor was once al- . was aware of his thought was quite winning right. I remember Erich me telling he thought the discipline too strict and all-encompassing at Rottweil. Straightforward. open and honest. opportunities to see at On these trips. Toward teachers he was thought highly of his modesty and tidiness. These kids were not angels. and I life. traits and profited He by them. Professor Busch Hartmann he taught a little difficulty in recall- 1937-1939: boy one liked immediately. the freedom they were given encouraged their sense of responsibility. The Hartmann boys boarded 23 school had a dormitory wing and the there during the week. Erich's old teacher Kurt Busch. believe Erich was really happy means in Korntal Hochschule" Thirty years ing the Erich "He was later. Erich's brother Alfred that he was not the intellectual type. he carried these ness. and encouraged a good relationship between teachers and students. and it and I felt it inside. in had qualities over into a certain impulsive- but without hurting anyone's feelings or provoking them. His energies were primarily directed to the sports he loved. He He and his mother all agree was an average student the academic curriculum without either difficulty or exerted only such effort as was needed to pass ex- aminations. We allowed more freedom. "In particular. Professor Busch first hand ski- had many Erich's drive to excel competi- tively—and also his penchant for fun. but when they abused their freedom. as well as the development of conscience. who fulfilled ambition. Every incentive was present for education and study." Professor Busch. remembers the conditions under at Korntal.THE MAKING OF MAN A Korntal near Stuttgart. Part of Korntal school activities was an occasional week of ing in the mountains. they knew This something for teen-agers. which he but nevertheless he was extremely toler- ant and never carried grudges. "Korntal School operated on lines different from the militarytype Rottweil school. Professor which the future ace of aces got his education. When he emerged from his chalet 24 most too close to one morning. "The name is not too flattering. him he was a fool. fell as dark as Erich He was fair. Down he came." Professor Busch recalls it as a natural nickname. To world to tackle a jump his success. But he made and landed perfectly. while Erich was at the top of snow he stood the slope as cool as the boomed was in his my name. or A futile. it I told was me. and only love affair was also a head-on adventure. After he behaved with perfect modesty. My heart of ninety-eight feet fault. "Erich had never done this kind of big jump before. Warnings were became soft. Alfred Hartmann recalls a characteristic of Erich response before tackling a jumping hazards to Erich of steep slopes. he girl friend . first "Usch" Paetsch was mediately caught his eye." His head-on acceptance of any kind of athletic challenge won "Wild Boar. The on. but it described to perfection Erich's vitality and forcefulness at this time— qualities that won him our wholehearted respect. smooth jump was courageous to a nothing of the show-off in him. Usch and a he simply mind. Having made up his decided to take action. that was trembling.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY the scene. danger. standing in the audience. then high mouth. and that im- declares to this day that in love with her at first sight. At Korntal Hochschule he met the girl who was to be first his sweetheart and later his wife— Ursula Paetsch. As a young teenErich's ager. ski him. but there was did nothing for the purpose of was the most natural thing in the that— to meet its challenge. He a He strutting or boasting. But he simply said he was going to enter the event the next day." They him the boyhood nickname of were also qualities that were and tory. eighteen feet above the professors head. he was greeted by of snow completed a as Erich a whooshing sound and free ski jump off a shower the chalet roof. were his only the next hazard. sustain later to carry him through him ordeals almost to a place in his- beyond the compre- hension of the kindly people of prewar Weil im Schonbuch. In October 1939. when they went to a skiing meet that featured a big jumping event. self-assured time laugh and the happy grin that later Hartmann the man. When the time came. it like loudspeakers in the air. out why. 2$ off and the sidewalk. my hands said. —a In later years. sort of youthful with sideburns. father. call Usch his girl friend. Erich Hartmann. Still and Mrs. and she was late. Usch's mother tried to discourage the courtship. Usch smilingly German When referred to version of Cesar him as "Casanova" Romero. mining equipment manufacturer. both families were charmed by their young love in a world that was growing darker. Usch accepted the punishment with unusual resignation. Paetsch. complete Erich told Usch that he wanted her to be . He was only seventeen. Erich's parents were concerned oyer his on one girl. initial we knew an engineer that." he struggle. At the dancing school and attending the same classes was her fair-haired beau. In time. and it in Stuttgart. Usch week she would dutifully attend classes. "I'm Erich self-introduction. he looked into Usch's eyes Hartmann." This letting the bicycle fall to and shyly said. lady. and a couple of months later her mother found easy. despite the appeals and apologies of the blond-haired boy who came to her door to plead his case.THE MAKING OF were walking up on racing MAN A home from his bike. Erich had to some competition. Usch's charms had captivated a dark-haired youth who was older than Erich and a head Before he could truly eliminate lanky. because Usch was only aggressor. voiced opposition but quickly recognized that he could not influ- ence the youngsters. which she did. "I wash persist. typical of Erich's innate di- was to survive the harshest started a love affair that rectness. They could In order to become a typically accomplished was taking dancing lessons not be kept apart. gradually Twice young a became obvious to everyone that they belonged together." said Usch's for a more were Mr. when Erich came school one afternoon Jumping adversity. When Erich was obviously going to Herr Paetsch simply quit the unequal of the sudden concentration whole thing. Frau Paetsch imposed a three months' ban on all movies. taller. Waiting in the movie by prearrangement was Erich. He undertook to see Usch home. mother of Usch's this time. but it was not Usch once said that she was going to a movie with her girl friend. startled "Erich was the fifteen. Casanova lis- tened impassively to Erich. He called on Casanova. oblivious to War had come had an unreal quality Europe to al- in and Usch to Erich 1940 and Erich's graduation from Korntal Hoch~ had to make an important decision about his future. They spent and the warmth every possible most everything except each September 1939. When he gradu- ated from Korntal Hochschule a few weeks after his eighteenth birthday in April 1940. and stood up his rights with a couple of lefts— one to the nose solar plexus. he realized that service some kind was inevitable. He His intention all along had been to become a doctor. Luftwaffe is "Air Force" in the German * language." sniffed disdainfully. said A few days later. to Erich Powered Hartmann the complex and expensive flight in prewar Europe was possible The German military was very sensitive about being referred to as the Luftwaffe after World War II. until the spring of schule." he said.* The war opened field of aviation. who towered over him. and this wish had gladdened his father's heart. of young love filled their together. giving no sign that he had even heard this polite ultimatum. after about 1962 it became the normal term throughout the world. That could mean only one thing of military for Erich— the Luftwaffe. turned on his heel and walked away. forever Casanova sank and one for to the to the sidewalk in blubbering disar- eliminated from the contest for Usch's hand. and he calling Usch and asking her When Usch told Erich. Erich and Usch were seldom out of each other's thoughts from the fall lives." said Erich. although Erich had no heartfelt. Casanova I don't want you to I know you call her or try and will understand. his face darkened a he would see Casanova about the phone calls. A few days to go to the movies. However.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 26 and go steady with him. of 1939 onward. she confessed that Casanova kept telephoning and wanting dates. ray. he ran into Casanova. "I told you to stay away from Usch. and girl dates any more. . his girl 'Til take care of that. driving desire to become a physician. but it moment other. "Usch make is my now. little Casanova was again later. war would soon be over become assisted their acceptance of Erich's desire to reasoned that he could learn to be an accomplished the anticipated short war there would defeat. still They a pilot. Werner Moelders. and after be plenty of time for medicine. the find themselves the recipi- which no expense was spared. because aircraft were expensive to acquire and operate. but he has . Johannes Steinhoff and Wolfgang Falck were the heroes of the Battle of the German Bight the imagination of the against RAF bombers attacking Germany. sought the freedom of the air. assent. ents of an education in aviation in By 1940 and same young of war. but then. the top scorer of the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War.THE MAKING OF A MAN 27 only for a few. was in action again with much success. German fighter force had begun to capture the German people. His basic aversion to military ways has tended to adversely affect his later career in the the wartime Luftwaffe and in the new air force. He decided to enlist in the Luftwaffe. which had now become a pill to be swallowed with the sweetness of flying. father was disappointed but Erich had been raised a allowed to decide his derstood his desire to ambitions toward the own fly. flyer. could become military pilots. as now. Erich that mother un- had nurtured and guided Usch was unhappy his early at the prospect of being separated from Erich. The common view they all German Among for the fatherland. both in Bundesluftwaffe. Newspapers carried extensive publicity about successful fighter pilots. had free man and was future in freedom. Military young life spirit was psychologically wrong who for Erich. Erich's rationalized of the times that the decision. His humanitarian chosen to be a flyer. He was The a free Rottweil school had already demonstrated Erich's fundamental antipathy to military life. Erich's for she air. Hartmann and that the themselves. men men Certainly sport flying was beyond the reach of most young Under the impetus in their teens. Erich's imagination was captured by the seemingly glamorous trade of fighter piloting. believed the war would end in a conflict boded no good nevertheless. whatever he wished to do would meet with her Dr. with Sergeant Kolberg as his instructor. These subjects absorbed Erich had no difficulty with this aspect of his tive of imminent flying training through his studies with The most a his interest. at Hartmann when Erich reported to the Air its pilots. although it was preceded by hundreds of glider landings.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 28 nevertheless been able to survive as an independent spirit in an environment based on conformity. The and incen- was powerful enough to drive him ease. theory of operation. with the climax of the Battle of Britain already past. and construction of aircraft and aircraft engines. about ten miles in East Prussia. On 15 October 1940. time was not full impact of heavy in- pilot had not penetrated the Luftwaffe was done to accelerate the painstakingly thor- ough courses by which the Luftwaffe produced had not even replaced Battle craft production in his or high water. General joined Air Force Neukuhren. new life. aerody- namics and meteorology. aeronautical engineering. design flight. Little was now uppermost come hell vested with any special urgency. Since October 1940 he had been learning military discipline. strength of materials. it was his seventyfourth landing in a powered aircraft. flying training that began year— indicative of the at Berlin-Gatow was to last al- leisurely attitude taken at that toward pilot training in the Luftwaffe. There had also been theoretical studies in aviation subjects— the history of aviation. Erich took his first flight in military training on 5 war would come to Erich's squadrons March 1941 in a type BT-NB trainer. Young time pilots later in the on the Russian Front with barely one hundred hours total flying time— to be thrown straight into combat. By 24 March 1941 he was ready to solo. fighter pilots at this losses in the Battle of Britain Staff. and he . the fresh-faced Erich Regiment 10 Military Training from Konigsberg The pilot German training of The March 1941. and air- of Britain losses by Academy School at Berlin-Gatow for flying training. Basic flying training was completed by 14 October 1941. When he touched down at the end of his first solo flight. Flying He would become a mind. and the manual of arms close-order drill activities for which he never developed any enthusiasm. of Erich's instructors his flaxen-haired student maneuvers and the of the This was knowledge that Erich was to use in the future. Armament was two 7. His instructors at Berlin- already determined that he was fighter pilot material. after the Fighter School. first aerial gunnery effort. At his combat career in favor of point-blank attacks. say standing at long range. The spir- powerful Daimler-Benz engine was a superb- its and One handling aircraft. . he was introduced to the aircraft that he would ride to glory— the Messerschmitt 109. gunnery school On his shooting ability 30 June 1942. Nevertheless there modest view of a discrepancy is his aerial shooting and the verdict of poraries. With basic tactihe moved on in to the business end of combat flying— gunnery. in his was obvious.9-mm MG-17 machine guns and two 20-mm cannon in July mounted 1938). Anyone with a knowledge fifty * shots at a drogue with the The fighters at Zerbst were the Me-i09-E4 at the time. This advanced training period occupied from 15 October 1941 to 31 January 1942. Erich fired 7. air. a former aerobatic champion a delight to Germany. Erich deserted long-range attacks early in and hence his long-range marksmanship was seldom subsequently exhibited. Maximum speed was 357 mph and stall speed was 75 mph. in the Eastern Zone and to Zerbst/Anhalt between Dessau and Magdeburg of Germany. action between his his own contem- claims that he was never a good long-distance shot in when he first went who saw him in he was out- to the Russian Front. at Zerbst was Lieutenant Hohagen. and misuse in the near future. Known as the Bf-109 in Europe (for Bayerische Flugzeugwerke. renamed Messerschmitt 1150 hp Daimler-Benz DB-601 Aa engine. cal many aircraft itself mastered.THE MAKING OF was ready for the Gatow had MAN A advanced 29 flying course. and scored twenty-four hits.62-mm machine guns in the Me-io9D. in the it was powered by an wings outside the propeller arc. Every young of flying this legendary machine. and now which he was posted At Zerbst. Erich had flown seventeen different types of powered aircraft by the time he was ready German pilot dreamed Me-109* with ited for the fabled Me-109. That Erich Hartmann was a superior natural marksman cannot June 1942 be doubted. fly. and he taught of secrets of aerobatic flying. He the while experienced aces like Krupinski. * years. this story * as to what actually happened. he flew some of Lieutenant to Zerbst Hohagen's aerobatics over the buzzed and beat up Zerbst with snap flying back to Gleiwitz climaxed He came rolls and Cuban airfield. Erich He mission. while spectators stood bug-eyed with a mixture of wonder and The Gleiwitz CO. He eights. case of Erich's comrade Major Willi Batz. was waiting when he landed.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 30 of fighter Many pilot training will achievement remarkable. sentenced to room thirds of his arrest for a week. positive! side as well. while attending the advanced gunnery down school at Gleiwitz. felt he had earned also felt like letting his hair his wings and his com- down. When he was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 31 March 1942. The long grind through fighter pilot training had been arduous and demanding. news of his arrest preceded him to the as punishEast the to sent was he and many Luftwaffe officers heard that of them some to revealing be will ment for the escapade. His and fined two- show had been air expensive. find this and of the top aces of the Luftwaffe spent months. young boy like a getting out of school in the afternoon. His wild aerobatics evidenced a certain immaturity that was to cause his concern about giving him too Erich's punishment had commanding much its of room the front responsibility too quickly. and show with a maneuver an old James Cagney flying his air that might have been lifted out of movie. I was scheduled for a Major Wilhelm Batz. pay for ninety days. vainly trying to A shooting eye score hits in air-to-air combat. in the the most important is Hartmann was one of those talent that came so hard and asset of a successful fighter ace. Erich was bawled out. This potentially dangerous stunt showed that the impulsiveness discerned in him by his schoolteacher had not yet been eliminated by military discipline. and demonstrated howling across Gleiwitz Airfield at thirty feet alti- tude and upside down. Erich individuals gifted with this rare slowly to others. 237 aerial victories in World War II. On 24 August 1942. back on the incident today without "The week officers at and he looks regret: arrest saved my life. Soviet Front t On the other hand. In fact. . terror. lovers' agree- ment. Erich. Erich's parents' friends gathered to say their farewells to the young the rest of the ers men exuded had only quiet tears. would "I you wait for like to finally I Usch would indeed Will wait. or JG-52). when the war took a train the following day to Warsaw in Poland. Fighter would He was a hot rock fighter but conditions in Russia could cool down In the coolness born of hard experience he would become the most successful fighter pilot who ever flew. He Krakau. a disquieting known and and confidence. pilot. before Erich would be hers to hold. and almost tipsy sensation kill he had never before. His inner feeling was that he was going to himself. the his training all fronts home wangle a three-day leave at we in was urgent. will wait. where the Luftwaffe a large supply base for the Eastern Front. going to fight. Weil on his He was able to way to the East- ern Front." dark-haired woman is me?" "Yes. his placement made it fighter pilots in the crash. Usch. to the he had engine trouble and belly-landed beside the HindenburgKattowitz railroad. From there he which he had been assigned. pilot. fly Wing 52 (Jagdgeschwader 52. longer than any could reasonably be expected to wait. A farewell party was staged in his honor. Between Erich and Usch there was a final. Shortly after take-off. 145 miles south of had over. my roomhad been flying." sides. mate took substitute. shall see in his military progress lag far behind demand for re- ended. flyer. tender. as my on the way gunnery range. pride The fathers known anything quite For those assembled. The marry you.THE MAKING OF MAN A 31 When I this mission. while the moth- Erich had never like this celebration in his life. He was killed His impulsiveness had two but in the beginning As warrior prowess. was arrested. he was the hero. hot to join the unit to the hottest for action. as on due course. . in the aircraft I gunnery mission that afternoon. Stiebler and Merschat changed glances with each other and nodded ex- their assent to the base commander. and you could easily get to Maykop from there. and Erich prepared left from a wooden hut near the chomped on the binders. He looked to JG-52. of the Luftwaffe Eastern riffled up through at the four "I a pile of requisitions fly his head. but a plane was kind of bird. Erich ran up the engine and everything checked.» f Chapter Three TO WAR The most important thing without too much shock. a plane. so However. for a young fighter pilot to get his is first victory —Colonel Werner Moelders . Stiebler and Merschat taxied out and took off satisfactorily. Full brakes! Still no effect. Wolf. much different from the Me-109. with some minor differences in instru- mentation. Erich eased the Stuka toward the take-off point. He squeezed the brake to pull around the controller's hut. Wolf." Second Lieutenants Hartmann. A He wasn't afraid to few minutes familiar cockpit of the dive Basic controls were not kite fly a Ju-87 or any other he was clambering into the un- later bomber. No response. Erich had never flown a Stuka dive bomber. A controller operated take-off area to skirt the little building. young second lieutenants assigned have no request you can't Front supply base at Krakau and shook down to any replacement for Maykop in Me-109/s.O. The He dive . I have some Stukas to be ferried to Mariupol on the north coast of the Sea of Azov. The was bigger and slower. aircraft for JG-52. Rapid loud bangs racketed peller across the base as the Stuka's pro- hacked the hut into matchwood. the sec- ond Stuka touched down. but his young comrades saved him. rolled forward briefly. Erich killed engine and the jumped out shamefaced to the assess damage. Officers and other personnel. perienced pilot hit the brakes a and stayed young there. Two Half the Stuka's propeller had disappeared. tacks were being launched against Stalingrad. he was ready to be bawled one of out.TO WAR 33 bomber kept going brake. Almost fainting with embarrassment. The dazed inside controller picked his had been re- way slowly amid the shambles. Appalled by the attrition these "baby pilots" the base as the inex- commander decided that they would in a Ju-52 transport— with someone fly had caused. Conversation was impossible inside the Ju-52 due to the engine noise. to the front at else at the controls. so Erich settled back amid ammunition cases. and an instant later the Stuka went plowing into the structure. Before the horrified gaze of the already furious base commander. crates of spare parts and gasoline drums old Berlin newspaper he found to give his attention to a two-day- among the freight. A second Stuka of the four destined for Mariupol came limping in for a landing with its engine missing and trailing smoke. headed by a livid base commander. on him. splintered wooden stumps about eighteen inches long stuck out from the propeller boss. A blizzard of shredded and swirling around under the propeller's blast beat like a snowstorm into the cockpit. came apprehensively out of nearby buildings to view the wreckage. He right for the hut. as Erich fought the defective glimpsed the controller bolting out of the hut. Leningrad was under siege. Battering-ram The German at- drive . paper and wood splinters filled the air. Reports of the war were optimistic. its pilot crawled little too hard tail reaching for the sky. and went up on A second Maykop its nose crestfallen out and stared uncomprehendingly at his Stuka. Erich stood red-eared and awkward beside the As the base commander advanced ruins. duced to The controller's hut had been chopped down to and the documents and logbooks confetti. half its size. His boots were hadn't contacted a brush for a long a colonel like this before. His nerves grew taut as the transport began down the at Maykop. Erich immediately noticed the difference between the wing com- mander and his adjutant. The Fighter Wing he was joining JG-52 had won great fame. epitomized the "All of you staff officer as he checked their names come with me. Since Erich had yet to fire his guns in anger. The wing stiffly adjutant was awaiting them as the new pilots climbed out of the transport. minate in the capture of Baku and cul- limitless oil— according to its Dr. he disaster fresh in his felt his inexperi- ence sharply. with a pressed uniform and shining boots. Colonel Dietrich Hrabak. a colonel was like a Back in the god and usually .THE BLOND KNIGHT O F GERMANY 34 where he was heading now. Goebbels. the wing commander. at the training bases." he said. Erich oil spots mud and had never seen on uniform was soiled and rumhis trousers. before joining your indi- vidual squadrons at other airfields. neat and trim. Hrabak's pled and there were crusted with dried time. tables. the other operator was monitoring were the radio operators." Captain Kuehl led the way into an underground bunker. Crates that once contained 20- mm cannon shells served as chairs. the front. One and away in to the officer and one corner One operator was keeping a running log traffic. chunky man with thinning blond hair. from the Eastern Front had spoken in awe of and high-scoring its aces. This grim and businesslike setup was presided over by a short. Elbrus. its let- Maykop was HQ of JG-52. would soon into the Caucasus. He off a list. Headquarters for JG-52 was hung a little huge map of the with a telephone to HQ more than front. Captain Kuehl was a smallish man. rear areas. 1 50 miles northwest of Mt. conversations. Two bomb soldiers were on duty at the the Russian official R/T one wall cases served as tables. Pilots returning and with the Stuka mind. aerial combat was taking place at least 750 miles deep in Soviet territory. "You're going to meet Colonel Hrabak. on the Wing's On and another telephone connecting three groups of JG-52 deployed along two a big foxhole. Reports of air battles showed that at all points on the Eastern Front. Hrabak and the other new just as a duty the end of the grass * can make The term "old" a half years officer fired a strip. but an "old man" by the fighter pilots youthful standards of fighter pilots. and not with your muscles. I drama unfolded. The R/T . judgment and thinking. "Up aircraft to now. you of course. I've going to land immediately. . Erich stood rooted to the spot as a typical front-line fighter pilot "Keep the base been clear. light pilot as he shook hands with an immediate rapport with Hrabak. making your muscles obey your survive in Russia and be successful will fighter you must now develop your thinking. or will not be successful. You must act aggres- sively always." . Hrabak was a more ways than just his clothes. . "Living to new the Luftwaffe." . loudspeaker broke in on Hrabak. a question of learning as quickly as possible to fly with your "is head. field and I'm can see the . Fly with your head and not your muscles. As felt briefly explained the command setup Erich could see that while Hrabak was no old-time ramrod. Hrabak was barely seven Hartmann. but the must be tempered with cunning. buzz of concern arose in the bunker. Then the R/T rasped again. My engine's burning now. scrambled out of the an Me-109 was making older than Erich . pilots To is. . Near approach." . Erich commander the wing easily. in each of them. bunker I hope I and it. Hrabak spoke and moved softly. is relative. aggressive spirit telligent . new blue eyes looked directly at each different kind of colonel His penetrating. and others now were not taught things he was telling Erich back in the training schools. that in flying your aircraft. The at this time had over of the Iron Cross sixty confirmed hung vic- at his throat. A in- hit.TO WAR 35 wore a uniform to match. he was a competent and thorough Erich professional. "Goddam! Erich. If this you encountered at the front— a cer that felt was the kind of real old fighter offi- tiger*— he could find a place with such men. all your training has emphasized controlling your on operations. among pilots red flare to clear the its field." The wing commander and the Knight's Cross tories." said Hrabak to the rise in pilots. so every- body can forget quickly.III/JG-52." wing commander. Krupinski!" someone shouted. him pilot lives a birthday party because born again. he was posted *The He III/JG-52 designates to III/JG-52. young man." to Hrabak. 3 Gruppe would be written 7. in the un- Burning and and ground-looped a swerve to the left with a thunderous explosion. the Me-109 made gear was fighter's something aircraft. and at the sight of Krupinski. The 7th. 3 Gruppe days which had (Group) of Jagdgeschwader 52 (Fighter Wing 52). of heavy black smoke. "Every time something goes wrong through he's it. Each wing consisted usually of three Gruppen. Hrabak turned awe standing. whose mouths hung open with at the narrowness of his recent escape. ." Erich was deeply impressed by his meeting with two of the Luftwaffe's the manly later. more famous directness with fighter tigers. then and flew away from the dercarriage let go smoking. rescue truck drove He was him back to where Erich was a husky." said Hrabak. said the we will have a birthday party for you tonight." "What happens. "It's Crash crews went racing out to ammunition schmitt's shells fight the started exploding fire. 8th and 9th Squadrons of JG-52 composed III/JG-52. the grass. abbreviation liked the informality. fascinated by drama and its violence. and but the Messer- and cannon tracer spouted away from the pranged bird at all angles. "Then we drink sir. "we give and the like this. Bursting through the smoke. his skin (Versaufen wir sein Fell). big-bodied got "I some flak hits over the if his face was pale. the pilot bolted clear of the inferno.* No. Erich stood with his gaze anchored by the fiery spectacle. and he was smiling widely as he approached Hrabak. His survival seemed like a miracle.THE BLOND KNIG9T OF GERMANY 36 trailing plume a down. Two which things were handled. damned Caucasus Mountains. "Krupinski. even he said A to the new pilots. pilot stroked the stick The machine The back and the crippled kite hit the rolled a few yards. if a pilot dies?" said Erich. on 10 October 1942. The 7th Squadron of No. III/JG-52 was directed from another underground bunker much like the one in which Erich had met Hrabak. Gruppenkommandeur. Off to the distance. As the transport flew southward at the beauty of Moun- clambered again into a Ju-52 Mt. Elbrus off to marveled to Soldatskaya. Men like this didn't exist in the training schools. nine more flying with JG-26 in the Battle of Britain and more than fighter pilot veteran of the Civil forty on the Eastern Front. and Erich liked old. A Acres of pretty thought Erich. marred only by the grim silhouettes of about Me-109/s on the airfield— a grass lots strip lined spot. also dis- pensed ideas that weren't taught in the training schools. Over 18. what kind of news do you have for me from home?" Erich responded immediately to yet another tough old fighter tiger. he was wise what he heard. flat As the heavy ship let to any fighter pilot flying in plains stretched endlessly into the down for a landing. melons and sunflowers surrounded the region. A Condor Legion in the Spanish War. Erich the right. Hartmann and Merschat are assigned to the 7th Squadron. thatched with snow. tains.TO WAR its 37 HQ at Soldatskaya. Now. hard by the transport crash on the a little village north of the Caucasus He river Terek. "Hello there. As Erich walked into the bunker with the other replacement lots. Elbrus at the eastern a splendid landmark Elbrus would be the area. Erich spotted the airfield at the northwest corner of the little village. At Soldatskaya. you innocent young babies!" he "I'm the said. small face looked up and grinned. in . wearing a small boa cumulus cap. and glowing whitely in the bright sunshine. sixty with tents for the pi- and ground personnel. a tallish man pi- with slicked-back dark hair and a long. with Krupinski's instructions burning in his mind. Stiebler and Wolf to the 9th. made an imposing sentinel end of the Black Sea. the trousers baggy and uncreased. and my name is Major von Bonin. Again the uniform was rumpled. Erich thought to himself what left.000 feet high. von Bonin had downed four aircraft in that encounter. last leg of his and Hrabak's journey to war. the boots something to give a drill Von Bonin sergeant apoplexy. Thirty-two years the ways of fighter leadership. you too dirty for pilots all roared CO. "Now your backside The to his lived * we that is are on the ground. Air Corps. Major. and Grislawski apologized was not necessary. Grislaw- got excited. von Bonin Grislawski. Under the strain and tension of combat this is unavoidable. The United missioned States Army officers as pilots. "You young second lieutenants will mostly be flying with ser- geants. ski you won't "If me. talking to R/T. not rank or other who There to lead. during Many World War II. and von Bonin did not respond to his instructions. used com- other nations used enlisted ranks as well . "In the in battle. then you can listen to kiss my backside. When . Von Bonin practiced and what he preached." with laughter. is forgotten the moment you land. on the heavy dogfight with Ratas. in a his wingman. element plies to more combat greatest skill and experience. question between pilots as to all trivia. They were engaged Major von Bonin. is is never any dispute. This regulation ap- everyone— including me. but it will agree with me that me to kiss. This eliminates I. but in the air each always led by the pilot with the most aerial victories is and the count out here." barked Grislawski into the R/T. on the ground— especially to a superior officer. "You damned son-of-a-bitch at his group commander.THE BLOND KNIGHT oV GERMANY 38 "Only On aerial victories we have the ground." clearly meant what he said. military discipline. but could not answer because his transmitter was dead. The following month Erich heard Lieutenant Grislawski. and him told that he came had heard smilingly up to his instructions. as officers as pilots. Still no response. Everything that passes in the way of comments— even abuse— in the air. . you'll say things you'll never say air.. . than victories If I fly who with a sergeant has then he leads the element. let me hear that their orders in the air because of rank." Grislawski kept hurling abuse they landed. an accomplished and successful fighter pilot.* They'll be your leaders in the you didn't follow Von Bonin Never air. because only victories count. Hartmann. him in an instant death of a comrade to laughter at a tears over the burst into song and a perennial funmaker. trust mality. a real first class honcho. His mercurial temperament could take from womanlike He dirty joke. The things Erich learned from this diminutive mentor would carry him to the top of his lethal trade. In between times he rec- onciled antagonisms between tense pilots. but Erich felt for- he could follow Major hell. Erich met a small. The mercurial Rossmann once airborne was a steady. as Erich soon found out. He heard it also man from an- other individual whose services were to be an integral part of his success as a fighter pilot— his crew chief. "Paule is our best man." For two days Erich heard from every quarter what a good Rossmann was. Rossmann was playboy.TO WAR 39 As he finished new his informal talk to Erich von Bonin seemed more pilots. and he always brings his wingman home. improbable Rossmann was a fighter pilot. dogfighters and toughies of them. . they thumped the baby-faced Hartmann boy on the back. dissolving animosities with his humor. Sergeant Rossmann's fly as wingman. He was from the as far stylized conception of a dogfighter as a pilot could be. joker when he arose in the morning and was often singing when he went to bed. heard that Erich had been assigned as Rossmann's wingman. and. He When Master feeling tricks. with a sunny disposition and a Second Lieutenant Hartmann was to rest of his life- of artistic fine singing voice. Ross- mann wasn't a dogfighter. There was no empty no leadership von Bonin into an older brother than any like military officer in Erich's experience. reassuring teacher. temperament. You'll be safe with Paule. of confidence. He is a sharpshooter with over eighty victories. On the ground. he joined the 7th Squadron. black- man haired warm aroused a and comradeship. and the other three to whom Eduard Sergeant personality to he was to become debt for the feel a "Paule" An Rossmann. Sergeant Heinz Mertens. When most other officers in the squadron. with that boyish face. Rossmann's voice rasped over the 'Attention. Erich followed Rossmann up to 12. including me. and recalls his first who was to fly the The personnel. and the dashing example Erich was desperately eager to do well Rossmann on 14 October 1942. The two Me. Bandits. "Gebimmel!" when anything went wrong." Mertens made a practice of using a swearword. when he took first off with mission in which he entered combat. the sound impressions made by Hrabak and von Bonin. Erich thought it was funny that his crew chief bore down so heavily on this one word. From then on. His first words to me when we met were that we would meet every morning for breakfast.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 40 Erich met Mertens soon after his arrival at 7th there was an immediate contact between the two Chunky. He tells his own story of his first air "After a fifteen-minute R/T. and they flew down the line of the Terek River to Prokhladnyy. flight. Erich liked the was mutual. and three IL-2's are strafing the roads near Prokhladnyy. my direct super- until the end of the war. I would not let anyone else touch his aircraft except under and we were together from that day vision.000 feet." and the name stuck. the good reports on Rossmann.' I searched below for sight the enemy aircraft Rossmann had called out. He said we would map out the day and set everything up for briefings. Intercept and attack. so he simply nicknamed him "Bimmel. on the set by Krupinski.109 G-4's had Groznyy and Digora when the "Seven fighters just taken off for a sweep between R/T came alive. glory: "I couldn't picture a better young fighter pilot. eleven o'clock low. Between Bimmel. Close in near to me and we'll attack. a square-cut individual. liked him very much. Today a Heinz Mertens meeting with the twenty-year-old blond boy planes he serviced to men. He seemed like such a young youngster. I couldn't see any- in fighting position of battle: . fame and and it met. he looked right at Erich when the two solid impression Squadron. and happy family man in Diisseldorf. but he had a mature. dark-haired Mertens was men he got from Mertens." Nerves taut. businesslike manner. quiet voice. me head-on to down through I I I saw an hundred yards away. Turn to the right so I split-essed can close with you. calling to Rossmann that an unknown aircraft was following me. I went to and overtook Rossmann to get in front of him in firing closed very fast five- first I higher than little They were about a thousand yards away from "My After about a aircraft. . bullets into pursuing my R/T but along. aircraft in front and and a at high speed My heart leaped. it power full position. climbed through for a little layer of all to pull were. Back came that reassuring. I watched your tail I've lost you now that you ye climbed through the clouds. went I aircraft panicked again. thought was to get Now! That thought took possession of me. 9 but the perilously close. I him we dived down. Then R/T. the stick forward and went "When I about fifteen can pushed the cloud layer. first was surrounded on I them turning behind me of and Nothing happened. crouching behind the cockpit armor plate in I was waiting fighter. came Rossmann's very quiet and reassuring voice on the 'Dont sweat it. to the left of the target. I aircraft. I down and went barreling westward along the line of the river. The had time just I "Instantly from three hundred fired we saw us. first and to see all my tracer hurtling over There were no quickly that all hits. leader. "I turned and got Down I right. I . my "I felt desperate. Me! heeled over and raced low cloud. down into mortal went hurtling I my terror. I yards. burst out underneath the clouds.TO WAR 41 closed in on my thing. as "Still leader to about one hundred feet behind enemy couldn't see any I we thousand-foot dive two dark green leveled off. I was distorted and the while pulling my head body. it and found myself felt a little better. I alone above had lost my kill. all I me cut across my turn firewalled the throttle. all sides by dark green for the kill. westward at his voice full bore. to treetop height. roaring could hear Rossmann on the unintelligible. for the crash of enemy shells and . I was shocked target grew so big so up and avoid a collision. in beautiful sunshine. pick you Come down below the layer so up again/ That calm voice sounded wonderful. I aircraft panicked. . than two minutes in less fantrymen. I kite started to fall like a stone. Mistaking his leader for an enemy from whom layer. the other aircraft was I off my pursuer. mentor. he had bolted after aircraft. "After the shortest five minutes in memory. along. 1. and to I had shaken but dared to take a look." Erich winced his way through a noisy. altitude. was near delirious with joy I my still my off tor- position. violated virtually every established rule of His tactical sins included: Separating from his leader without orders. and had I I I flattened out and opened the canopy was surrounded by German about twenty miles from me car took my in- base at back. it had than less five flying time. The "enemy" descending through the clouds was Rossmann. 7. Second Lieutenant debriefing by Erich Hartmann had aerial tactics. then went dead. I could see a The little was going I in. Elbrus clear The I to my But now left. 2.THE BLOND KNIGHT of GERMANY 42 "When me. kept going a few minutes more. still thrown at having tailing found relief heard Rossmann again. 6. red glow of the fuel warning light told minutes my tried to establish me I I garbled. Climbing through the cloud 4. Failing to follow Rossmann's order to rejoin. I had bellied in Soldatskaya. Flying into his leader's firing position. 5. Losing orientation. and an army a thousand feet road with military convoys moving belly-landed in a monstrous cloud of dust. The experienced Rossmann followed up with a lecture on elementary tactics while von Bonin listened grimly. 3. Climbing a little. blond boy turned to in the following days with the A as contrite fitters and . Destroying his aircraft without inflicting any damage on the enemy. One was too late. the engine coughed and blurted. vehement and cold turkey Major von Bonin. I landmark— Mt. Major von Bonin then told the crestfallen Erich that he would have to spend three days working with the maintenance crew punishment for these breaches of flying discipline. On his first flight in combat. Unless eyes. When Erich talked not seem to tactics to other pilots. it is hard combing the sky with your you have actually experienced to believe. was an ignominious be- it ginning. a fighter who flew with his head. The other tough tigers in the squadron couldn't contain themselves if they saw an enemy aircraft. about Rossmann's know what it was He and not taking hits. also overcame to see other aircraft with Rossmann. enemy and wait while he made a quick study of the situaThe decision to attack was only affirmative if it could be thrust home with surprise. tigers in Rossmann had developed compensating . He combat blindness. Erich knew right. is Your leader calls take care. you develop an signed to fly acumen— to acumen for with does not give you a chance to develop this find yourself as a combat pilot—you will be shot down for sure. Artist that he was. "This happened more and more as the war dragged on. and then you see the enemy aircraft just like an experienced leader. they did this "see and decide" was before striking.technique that Erich a could see was better than the grueling and dangerous turning bat- Rossmann was tles. Rossmann had an injured arm. combat flying. and there were fewer and fewer good leaders who cared to break in . he learned something new. Erich noted how Rossmann He would waited before striking. The senses adjust to new demands. Surprise attacks were his forte. But if the man you are as"Later on. The handling of the aircraft is no longer uppermost in your mind. Each time. that there are five strangers at one o'clock. You this. They ripped into the enemy immediately.TO WAR 43 armorers. see nothing. was making kills steadily. For the future ace of aces. the inability that had bedeviled him on his first mission his neophyte's describes this handicap of the new pilot in these terms: "This combat blindness on the You R/T to utterly confounding. and couldn't dogflew tough fight like the other the wing. Erich saw that Rossmann see his tion. stare in that direction. He more missions with Rossmann. lose your leader. assuming that on shot as I I would have didn't get the off first.THE BLOND KNIGHT ©F GERMANY 44 new most pilots. of whom. and he quickly: called out the enemy Germans were periority. without become thing On I Suppose they had started with a tough and ruthless leader— we had plenty of them. but he taught of the surprise attack. In the education of a fighter pilot it is what he shown first that helps him survive. off was my young boy. I would have followed different a pathway. In a portent of things to come. the handmaiden of panic. developed a different attitude and probably would not have lasted as long. or what happens and we had plenty unit. but already accustomed to Soviet numerical su- which had been growing since the summer of 1942. to the front with but a from 1943 onward. Inex- the father of is mistakes. and panic is make 'I'll of my wingman. counting them up eighteen IL-2 Stormovik ground-attack aircraft with an escort of ten Lagg-3 fighters. even not only brought me me the basic technique convinced another dogfighter. Erich's combat sight was already good. came fraction of the training I had been given. in a four-ship Schwann scrambled near Digora at noon. The odds were long numerically. I did everything in my power to guide new men through these important first few flights. the mis- first have him lose you through not caring must be a devastating experience. in the period make up a fighter who simply said to All kinds of fighters rough dogfighters kill and to hell "To be and sions with what happens to sent out as a perience to you. I made is it I ti I a rule of was ie life to do this after my experience with Rossmann. "If had been assigned I mann's qualities and to another leader.' inexperienced boy on your little. themselves. "When I became an element leader and later a squadron commander and group commander. like a kitten. without Paule Ross- skill. the group commander's adjutant. blind a just sat 5 which I am me it was. through this critical period. rigid with fear of what might happen to He with Rossmann's reassuring presence." November 1942 Erich took off with First Lieutenant Treppe. the first. and later equips him to bring his new comrades through. it was the experienced Lieuten- . Altitude: too low for comfort. from under the A short. All the old tigers The Stormovik was the toughest aircraft in the a talk that ace Alfred Grislawski he watched method now. his throttle at in a shallow dive. went into a steep dive. he dropped below the enemy machine and came up under- neath. Coming in made another run on in a steep dive to just a the few feet above the ground. Grislawski had told lawski's Damn off! had warned about the There was a way him and he thought about Erich. full idle. This time he held his fire until two hundred feet away. He ordered The Germans split into two- their perch above and behind the Rus- The main mission was to disrupt the IL-2 attack against forward German transport.TO WAR ant Treppe 45 who could not see the Erich to take the lead. and attack. he opened the formation. of the IL-2 was quickly enveloped in flames. Erich sians. he IL-2. that heavy IL-2's armor. Pulling up and banking around. Hits! could see his cannon shells and machine-gun bullets strik- fire Hits! He ing the Stormovik. Posi- . Erich and Treppe went slashing through the Red fighter screen firing briefly at selected targets as they tore down through the enemy ships at high speed. Erich followed hard behind. leaving formation. His Me-109 trembled from a muffled explosion under the engine cowling. He remembered had given him about the IL-2 his ricocheting bullets. The mediate belch of black smoke from the IL-2's empennage The oil cooler. Smoke came bil- lowing back into his cockpit and streamed from under the engine doors. "Try it. stricken Stormovik lunged eastward. Erich took a quick survey. enemy this time. Try it. both sharp explosion and a flash of IL-2's wing. took the IL-2 on the far ning speed. and from ship elements. armor They were bouncing plate. and aircraft fire came pieces of the Stormovik were hurled directly into Erich's flight path. Closing in at light- left of at less than a hundred yards. Stormovik." He as to nail the Gris- was shouting aloud to himself over the roar of his guns. Leveling out at about 150 feet. The the Stormovik was about blast of his guns brought an im- A long tongue of flame came stabbing out with blowtorch intensity. air. rocked his wings and flew away when he saw the victor was alive and mobile. of his first mission three flying discipline.Attack . Lieutenant Treppe circled the scene of Erich's crash. dust pall had smothered the plume The in. scored his would present no kill Erich Crashing thunderously. He had not lost his own aircraft through panic. Confirming first aerial victory. or 'Coffee Break/" In the coming attack: . Power back.Decide . his late adversary take a over a mile farther east the IL-2 Erich left A as the aircraft slithered to a halt. He had not broken air.Reverse. in the hospital at Piatigorsk-Essentuki. months he would perfect his four-step mode of "See . stupidity and inexperience as in his first engagement. master switch fuel off. Flames began leaping out from under the engine doors as he bellied down with fighter set a deafening roar of crumpling metal. could have avoided the debris from the exploding IL-2 by breaking quickly. trailing a and then disintegrated with a convulsive air. Get firing in close firing. mull over to Erich was stricken with fever and spent four all he had learned to lyzed his actions in the date. in flames. parching cloud of dust swirled into the cockpit and choking The canopy back he saw of smoke and was enveloped Hartmann had As Erich pulled went roaring his A little death plunge. but he should have broken away more His first rapidly. He went rapidly through the preparations for another belly landing. explosion that rocked the the fire. difficulty. He had time there Again and again he ana- He dared to think that he was beHe had not repeated the disaster weeks previously. had taught him a and the second good lesson. ginning to learn his trade now. the Stormovik fire. to earth. side of the lines. Infantry swarming in the area picked up the quietly exultant Erich and took him back to his unit. had held pass against the IL-2 before his fire better. He A victory quick breakaway would have seen him stay airborne. had another important aspect that Erich had time to contemplate and analyze as he lay in the hospital. ignition off.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 4^ tion: still on the German Good. Two weeks days later. None too soon. and on the way he would pass every tough old dogfighter that ever flew. These an unprecedented pinnacle of success. . of attack was inherent in his His good fortune in flying not only kept him aerial tactics that tactics mode would alive. but had first him to with Paule Rossmann had set the pattern for the distinctive he would develop carry first in the coming months.TO WAR The 47 basic lesson of this victory. nail fever. he reasoned. There was rugged Sergeant Dammers. he now flew he learned something important.» f Chapter Four WINNING HIS SPURS In war. Erich impetuous aghilt when you He was deter- Paule Rossmann while he was show him how it was done when you an element and do the to lead nearly Churchill. flyer. but the time soon afterward when he had to Squadron. Paule would became good enough self. aggressive dogfighter . His education in fly air fighting came with other aces of the 7th was expanding. it is . 1916 squadron after his bout with in himself a distinct gressiveness. if you are not able to beat your enemy at his always better to adopt some striking variant. thirty-year- the Knight's Cross in August 1942. these tough aces for the most part used completely different a "head" flyer methods from Rossmann. Dam- a hard-turning. . old veteran who had won mers was a "muscle" a square-set. Erich's natural analytical ability easily discerned the difference in techniques. own game. who was without the muscles for dogfighting. firing your- His admiration for Rossmann's elegant surprise attacks and long-range sharpshooting continued to increase. . Winston When he rejoined felt his tempering of his earlier Plenty of time to do things to the found out what your limits were. Experts with long strings of victories and all winners of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. observation and intuition he knew Rossmann's way was but from each of three hardened dogfighters with whom By the best. mined that no enemy would protecting him. FATHER AND SON: 1 October 1942 at Weil im Schdenbuch. weeks before his 20th birthday. Alfred Hart- mann and his neophyte fighter pilot son. 1942. . posted to the Russian front. this photo was his graduation picture from six cadet school.20 YEARS OLD: Erich Hartmann on 28 Feb. watch an airplane fly over the village. Taken at ZerbstAnhalt. Erich had just graduated from the combat fighter pilot school and was being Erich. ZADET HOME ON LEAVE: Ober- Hartmann home on military on transfer from basic training at ahnrich eave Veukuhren 3atow to flight training at Berlin- late in February 1941. Dr. which nearly ended Rossman scored 93 ingia. losing his life on 8 April later shot in his parachute 1944.GRAF PUNSKI: Walter Krupin shown here with two JG52 pilots.100 combat sorties. sec 197 aerial victories while flying more t 1. (Krupinski Collecti COMBAT LEADER: Edmund TACTICS TUTOR: Josef "Jupp" Zwer- "Paule" Rossman led Hartmann on his first nemann flew as flight leader with Hartmann. Hans-Joachim Birkner flew as wingman to both Gunther Rail and Erich Hartmann during his early combat days. Zwernemann was by a Mustang pilot near Lake Garda. (Toliver Collection) ERSTWHILE WINGMAN FOR RALL AND HARTMANN: Lt. in disaster From Caaschwitz in Thur- victories before the Russians caught him after a forced landing near Orel in 1943. His record: 126 aerial victories. (Toliver Collection) teaching him that point-blank range was the best way to get a victory. He went on to score 117 vic- tories before crashing to his death while on a flight test mission atKrakau. . FIRST combat sortie. Poland on the 14th of December 1944. He survived the war. He was and remc one of Hartmann's best friends. for Hartmann. 109 had to be dragged to drier ground after the thaws in the Spring of 1944 in the Ukraine. (Krupinski Collection) « mm JVJHH 1 mm. (Capito) . MUD WAS AN ENEMY IN This JG52 Me. Left to right are Broschwitz. Russia. Capito failed to horse his Me-109 into a turn sharp enough to avoid an attack This photo taken in 1960. RUSSIA: (Krupinski Collection) LUCKY EX-BOMBER PILOT TURNED FIGHTER: Giinther Capito. Frink. A converted bomber pilot. Stefaner. 29 August 1943 after shooting at Makeevka. Hartmann'ssole wingman shot top was to be down while flying with the ace.VICTORY CEREMONY IN R USSIA: GuentherRall is honored by his squadron mates down his 200th enemy aircraft. center. Walter Krupinski and Rail. A T HOME 14 JUNE 1984— ENGAGED: This is the official engagement photo taken when Erich was home on leave. 1943.ning in October 1943. Since July 5th. over Kirovograd. He was awarded the Ritterkreuz and sent home on leave. Early in the war the Ritterkreuz had been awarded for just 20 victories! his 148th sortie. he had scored 131 aerial victories. their Ritterkreuz-wir.V FIRST PORTRAIT AFTER WINNING THE RITTERKREUZ: Erich Hartmann shot down enemy airplane on his 386th combat USSR. Erich wears the rank of Lieutenant. Erich and Usch had announced thei . At this time he had 1 7 aerial victories. on 29 October 1943. WITH HIS LOVED ONES: Mother Elisabeth Hartmann and father Alfred are happy whei son came home on leave engagement during a previous leave in June. Erich if the best point-blank no doubt of the Dammers and Zwernemann remembered. In January.WINNING HIS SPURS who could physically wear kill. but had won his Knight's was he who had apprised Erich of the vulnerable oil cooler underneath the IL-2. and it He also Dammers. Later in the war. of a head flyer than muscles as well. that his own first close-in strike against an IL-2. from a differ- Their short- a surprise to Erich. ent from Rossmann's tactics. Flying with these experts as a wingman. but he survived the conflict with 133 victories and Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross. he stepped a mine at a Black Sea beach and was badly injured. Erich got few chances to shoot again himself. the almost constant 7th Squadron from airfield to airfield did not allow Erich to settle down. Keeping Dammers's 49 down his foe before moving in for the taught Erich some of the car- tail clear dinal drawbacks of dogfighting. Keeping the leeches off their tails was no movement of the Furthermore. First Lieutenant Josef head flyer. As analytical as he was aggressive. Cross the previous summer. fire. He Rossmann's aircraft in this fashion there was ability of Grislawski. 7th Squadron moved from Mineral'nyye Amavir German ground troops. to protect retreating few days the to . too. Zwernemann then had over sixty victories. easy task. seem him at long range relatively first They closed in to Nevertheless. to kill down their had come found himself wondering method might not be Rossmann's surprise tactics plus firing. but within a advancing Red Army made the new base untenable. One of his conquerors ignobly shot he bailed These three something that was markedly tigers all did range assaults were at skill in his parachute after out. He died in action on 8 April 1944 near Lake Garda in Italy after a wild dogfight. including vulnerability to other aircraft in the attacked formation and more Alfred Grislawski was still used lots of loss of overview. because had made shooting down easy. Grislawski was one of the top Stormovik-busters in on JG-52 and a thoughtful tactician. foes. Zwernemann was a when Erich Twenty-six years old muscle and fifty-fifty flew with him as his wingman. hectic times for a III pilot. solid a impetus toward the top— First Lieutenant Walter Krupinski. of 7th Squadron. In the past. 7th Squadron finally shifted to Nikolaev. took off again immediately. but now the requirements. and asked immediately for a serviceable fighter. Brought back to the field by car. earning Erich's immediate respect and awe. Erich liked Kru- pinski immediately. introduced himself as the new squadron commander. he demanded another Me-109. Front had been fifty victories on the Eastern sufficient for the Knight's Cross. Gruppe. this return- squadron and he obviously didn't need any tightly ordered discipline in leading his soldiers. kills. They were and there were signs that conditions were getting even harder. where was reunited with it new combat hard. 7th and February 1943. scored his on 10 February 1943 he was refused the Knight's Cross to his Iron Cross. Maykop and Timoshevskaya tional had all to be evacuated in turn. Krupinski was the same to replace smiling tiger who had escaped so narrowly from his crash-landed Me-109. He went up. Makeshift bases subsequently at Krasnodar. After a short opera- period at Slavyanskaya. the fiftieth victory CO. commander: he was There was no doubt about a tiger. His hell-for-leather reputation had preceded him. was promptly shot down and bailed out. new and dynamic personality appeared on the Squadron scene. like the struggle against Russia. The new squadron commander's to next request was for a wingman be assigned to him. Appointed Captain Sommer.THE BLOND KNIGHT 50 GERMANY OyF Erich watched in anguish while nine good Me-109's were blown up because bad weather made their flight out impossible. had significantly stiffened. Krupinski arrived at Taman Kuban. The new CO. The Knight's Cross seemed a remote and unattainable goal to Erich in January He did not score his second victory until 27 February 1943. the day Erich arrived at the front at Maykop. When Captain Sommer. and the NCO pilots were reluctant to assume the responsibil- . an officer who was destined to give Erich Soon afterward. of 7th Squadron took over his command in typical fashion. and this time scored two ing intact to the airfield. Will you do it?" Erich found Rossmann hard to refuse. a senior cadet. and later as a commissioned end of 1941 and had once flown as the great "Macky" Steinhoff's wingman. Krupinski was already by the spring of 1943 as one of its outstanding characters and playboys. He was a successful and famous officer. A strapping. After six months' duty in the Reich Labor Service he was drafted as a Fahnenjunker (Cadet) in the Luftwaffe He had been on 1 September 1939. He agreed to see Kru- was unhappy about the whole thing when he offered pinski. in the Luftwaffe mature personality who looked and acted— on the military side of his life at least— far beyond his years." said Paule. He had tion for toughness that preceded him chant for getting himself into impossible wounds. flying the Me-262 jet fighter. Krupinski was destined to end the war as the fifteenth-ranked fighter ace of the world with 197 victories. "Would you please Lieutenant Krupinski's wingman. They think it is better all around if an officer is his wingman. Erich felt a little like a slaughter. and land's elite at the surrender he was a member of Adolf Gal- Squadron of Experts in JV-44. Krupinski's bullish bluntness did little to ease Erich's mind. Walter Krupinski was a ripe. flying as since the JG-52 ace with over seventy offered his services as a victories at the time Erich Hartmann wingman.WINNING HIS SPURS protecting him. Erich himself to the of the sergeants new squadron commander. because many were decorated veterans and usually knew a good fighter lamb going to the from pilot a bad one. coming down in a to He a reputa- situations. "but he can't fly. fly as First Erich?" "Why? Don't the sergeants want the job?" Rossmann appeared a little embarrassed. Krupinski's exploits through the years had earned him Taman. Paule ity of 51 Rossmann came to Erich as a repre- sentative of the sergeants. the Kuban River. a pen- and for once belly-landed near meadow which the German . bail-outs and crash landings. five-foot nine-inch famous dynamo. "The old timers say that he is a sharp officer. my name is Hartmann. walking out to him and testing the ground with sticks as they came. Later we will make fuller . We'll get along all right." "Any victories?" "Two." "Who have you been flying with?" "Rossmann mainly.His only recollection of Neunkirchen^Seelscheid his first meeting with Erich Hartmann is an indelible impression of in Erich's extreme youth. and Krupinski immediately concluded that he was being Krupinski's for cover. in the same shuffle that brought Krupinski to command No. At SteinhofFs urging. 7 Squadron. That's all for now. The about the field to soldiers took him as two hours he clam- to extricate him. I thought to face." "Been out here long?" "No. was fresh fighter in Erich's formidable personality. As he walked away from myself. culminating in the last months of the war when he was enjoying himself on recuperation leave at the Fighter Pilots' Home in Bad Wiessee.' This same impression of Erich was shared at tain day this time by Cap- who had become Gruppenkommandeur of III/JG-52 in place of von Bonin. As infantry his shattered kite slid along the grass it tripped a series of mines. bombarded by artillery. sir. "He appeared not much more than full of life. he took reluctant leave of a big barrel of cognac provided for the pilots and flew the Me-262 in Galland's JV-44. I am to be your wingman. first impulse was to jump out of the plane and bolt life was saved by a German infantry sergeant who His bawled out the explosive facts bered clear of the cockpit." "They're all good men. Krupinski's spewing mind as "Sir. About three months." THE BLOND KNIGHT Of GERMANY 52 had mined. is living in West Germany. crash live arrival at ammunition he confronted this Maykop." Walter Krupinski retired as General and a Lt. Zwernemann and Grislawski. So young and that first Guenther Rail. sir. 'Such a young a me mere baby. but also with Dammers. with the burning in all directions. His career was a skein of similar incidents. the indomitable Krupinski shot aircraft in slightly over 1100 sorties. fly like a demon. as have teams in When all the great fighter history. Krupinski stayed on the perch and called out instructions to Erich to perch. decreased his air speed and went to his leader's reverse as he pulled up or broke. This gave Erich shoot. Erich began by sticking close to Krupinski. and Krupinski was The first mission was sufficient to change Erich's mind about his new leader. his recollection of Erich at this saw him [Erich] "I only." A a few seconds to couple of additional victories came this way. During Erich's attacks. first Squadron mess. Krupinski went into an attack." Erich and Krupinski took to the air the following day with disturbing initial impressions of each other.WINNING HIS SPURS 53 contact with Guenther Rail as one of JG-52's greatest aces. Soon they realized that they could depend on each other. Together. again. "filling in the holes Kruppi had left. Erich was sure that he was flying with a wild tiger who could not fly. but Krupinski's purported inability to also fly keep a clear tactical head." watching his leader's back improve his attack or take evasive action. Krupinski could not shoot straight and ammunition went wide. was obviously a yarn without foundation. a batteringly aggressive and fearless pilot who sure he was flying could not only with a baby on his wing. a young boy— a baby/ stood out first I thought for his ex- treme youth. but quickly came to everyone's attention because he was a good marksman. Erich voice on the R/T rasping the heard Krupinski's same order over and over * Straight shot or not. The new squadron commander waded into the enemy like a barroom brawler. Krupinski and Erich formed a most of his winning combat team. and in the 7th He 'What.* Krupinski's weakness was therefore supplemented by Erich's strength as a marksman. but time parallels that of Krupinski. Erich would stay "on the and telling him what to do if another enemy aircraft intervened. down 197 enemy . and as Krupinski coached Erich they began to read each other's minds in combat. Nevertheless. and as they entered shooting range. for Erich had been a natural sharpshooter from the day he riddled his first drogue in training. " From him "Bubi" Krupinski's constantly calling Erich's nickname. Even more often.Attack . but was appropriate to a debonair ladies' man and social lion. pull off the Erich's successful warm partnership in the air with Krupinski led on the ground. "Graf Punski. he was all charm and polish on the ground." and the name stuck. or 'Coffee Break/" In lay terms. a happy." was not something conjured out of thin air. take a "coffee break"— wait- enemy and don't get into a turning battle with a foe who knows you are there." encour- The closer he got to his foe. stamina and dashing manner united to make possible. naturally to a friendship "Count Punski" enjoyed life in the huge fashion which his physique. pilots He As Krupinski who to us later said: could not "We had so hit anything in the Erich stood out immediately with his accurate long-range gunnery. aged Erich to close his ranges. come was which impressed the poorer- was obvious he would do even better his targets. Flying came first with Krupinski. they Soon Erich had would never come back up fully developed the When they went again. decide surprised. "Hey.Reverse. All guts and claws in the air.Decide . after striking. Krupinski's steady urgings. there was an explosion in the air as the other machine disintegrated. with long-range attacks. but if he closed in on many young air that it fired. but the second requirement was the construction of a bar wherever the squadron was quar- . GERMANY 0*F fire too far out." Erich was emulating Rossmann. Few shots went wide. Krupinski's nickname. spot the enemy. tactics of air fighting from which he would never subsequently depart. hitting well time he every shooting Krupinski. Bubi! Get in KNIGflT You're opening closer. more devastating the Often the other effect aircraft could be seen to stagger under the multi- gun blast at close range. the when he fired. handsome fighter pilot. The rigid observance of this tactical sequence carried Erich Hartmann to the top. attack or if if he can be attacked and him and break away immediately he spots you before you strike. Bubi. get in closer.THEBLOND 54 "Hey. which he has retained in the air to this day. The magical four steps were: "See . came The whole squadron was soon calling him "Bubi. down that way. based on his first missions with Rossmann and enlarged by dozens of missions flown with experienced dogfighters.WINNING HIS SPURS tered. like and him a lover. charming. he could at last do things his own way. Erich added three more by 30 April 1943. Near the end of April 1943. to the honorary status of Germans adhered victories at this time to the First World War Iron entitled. His first five kills were scored as follows: Down Nov 1942 Missions Flown 1 IL-2 Shot 27 Jan 1943 9 Feb 1943 10 Feb 1943 24 Mar 1943 Missions Flown 1 MIG-i Shot Down 5 Erich's Cross. a Rotte consisted of 2 aircraft a method Schwarm was had 12 Gruppe had 3 2 Rotten (4 a Staff el aircraft a Staffeln a Jagdgeschwader had 3 aircraft) Gruppen = = = = = element flight squadron group division . As Erich says of Punski eagerly learned I many bad Sinatra type. "From Graf was the Frank gentleman 'criminal' serious Kruppi—a tiger on the outside without teeth. Every eligible 55 German within thirty miles belonged to girl the zestful Krupinski. As an element leader. sharp both in the air after the war. fifth Missions Flown 1 Missions Flown 1 Missions Flown 1 him victory entitled 2nd Class—his first Lagg-3 Shot Down Douglas Boston Shot U-2 Shot Down Down to the award of the decoration. Erich ran his score to five by 24 March 1943. ace. The criterion of ten aerial victories for acedom. with 110 missions as a wingman to his credit. Erich was well qualified to become an element leader (Rottenfiihrer) * With eight victories at the time he was given an element. A and on the ground. me." Under Krupinski' s guidance. he grew but inside the old lies today: He things.S. He set in his was resolved on one other aspect of leadership that he * In the Luftwaffe In the U. Erich already had his lethal four-step attack mind. He was not yet under the Luftwaffe system. but Erich had his own ideas about tactics. Flying with Krupinski had been an unforgettable experience. then he and spoke up. Like his attack method. sloppy impression What I young man with untamable blond hair under kled cap. the decorations all the Russian jails." The men to each other was to have many new German Air Force in the 1950s and 1960s. and he survived the experience uninjured. loud and clear." known Erich Hartmann. and I I a completely wrin- thought to myself that asked myself. fighter pilots or combat. had of Bubi Hartmann was not earthstood in front of me was a dangling. even the moral triumph a half years of in he can of surviving ten way and discuss with detachment. Aged thirty-two. Russian Front air war to wingman. there only one aspect of his military achievements in which the himself takes pride. it had been born of his first experience with Paule Rossmann: "Never lose a wingman. nickname. ob- and modesty. man his ability during the worst of the Diamonds. com- came to life . Capito was making his transition to fighter piloting rather late. reaction of the two echoes in the Capito gives his 1945 impression of Erich Hartmann in these terms: "The first shattering. When one spoke about flying." The long up to the That was live up to his own rule— "Never lose a string of victories.THE BLOND KNIGHT oV GERMANY $6 w ould never change or modify. Only one wingman who flew with the ace of aces was ever shot down. and thanks to his youth. but it was the only way for him to avoid being grounded. except for the fact that he did have some sort of temperament. Then one could feel that he was a wholesome person. He was a former who was sent to Gruppe near the end of the war without any conversion training. This is supposed be a commander?' "During the next few days these thoughts were not dispelled. He had he deserved to his a tedious slow drawl. bomber named Major Guenther pilot Capito. His ability to keep his young and inexperienced wingmen alive— and never lose one of them— is a memjectivity ory and an achievement he rightly cherishes. In Capito's own words: "It was Erich Hartmann's not an easy adjustment to make. and In the years the authors have the hours they have spent discussing his all is life and career. After a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn he and the attacking Airacobras were opposite me. and to better orient the former bomber pilot to the greater pace and heavier demands of him on seat fighter piloting. Capito single- the need to stay was warned of the tight turns that were an integral part of fighter action. but I to I could bomber dive and saw him leave the was brassed off at his inability to follow instructions. ace of aces finally agreed. Erich's response was to try and dissuade Capito. Erich the ensuing action in his the story of tells own words: "I let the Russian fighters close in to firing range. I him fighters. and after a short went down and crashed with a tremendous . Capito continued to press for his chance to The fly as Erich's wingman. but Capito could not stay with me. and that a bomber an Me-109 would pilot in inevitably have grave difficulties. standard-rate saw the whole thing and ordered him out immediately. tended to jar his liking and so suited to on Guenther Capito. Hartmann and Capito were bounced by two higher Russian elements. "I got burst the behind the Airacobra. "I now called to sandwich the Red turn he got bail hit. calling to Capito to stay close to me. and his but in his second. aircraft to turn hard opposite. his man to boot. broke into them horizontally in a very steep turn. telling him that the war would soon be over. so that To my immense relief I parachute blossom. In an air battle with Airacobras. He made a standard rate bomber turn. specifically briefed close to his leader. as home with a fighter peacetime-trained professional and an older The Capito was not at pilot. mander. and 57 However. cerning which I I It was had briefed him just the kind of situation con- When earlier. freewheeling informality of the front-line fighter pilot's which Erich had found so much to temperament.WINNING HIS SPURS pletely uninhibited. I still him couldn't see as a com- impression never changed until the end of the this war/' A bomber well as a unit. closed right enemy fighter in. life. the Russians fired. The former bomber pilot was nevertheless eager to fly as Erich's wingman and asked him every day for this opportunity. the impress of the ebullient Krupinski could be seen on his This emulation of Krupinski was only natural in a young and impressionable man who deeply admired another. For as a time. and I was his twentysixth. -He was in Russian jails until 1950. He describes his down: humbled and felt that I should be on my knees. but my intuition not to I mad was was happy I to get at myself for not harkening to with Guenther Capito. Today he re- Hartmann. my spirits. got a car and picked up the crestfallen Capito. kills were multiplied once he in the spring of 1943.THE BLOND KNIGBT 58 GERMANY T F explosion about two miles from Capito's touchdown point by parachute and about a mile from our base. did I Only in all pilots slowly begin to recover. pilot was a captain. something close to twenty thousand marks. experience responsibilities soon caused Erich to abandon and new his efforts to be like Krupinski. this Airacobra down. Events." fly Erich flew back to base. Not even a visit to the crash of my enemy could lift The dead Russian had twenty-five victories. "My conqueror was therefore not such a rabbit as I was. and retired as a colonel in the feelings after being shot "I was terribly of Erich like Erich Hartmann. Although Erich's chances to score began leading an element to keep his wingmen safe. new German Air Force. As his own . Guenther Capito survived uninjured. near Bonn. and leadership. He couldn't be like another man and still be himself. the evening. especially his quality of leadership. He went he was determined through a period of running-in an element leader while he developed his distinctive attacking style and maintained a constant eye for his wingman's safety. They drove The over to the crashed Russian fighter. This was the only occasion in fourteen hundred combat missions that one Hartmann's wingmen met with a mishap. and he had been hurled out of the ship on impact and killed. and later sides in Troisdorf. He had a huge amount of German money on him." Colonel Capito was taken prisoner at war's end with Erich was transferred by the American Army to Soviet custody. at the 'birthday party' traditionally given to who survive death. He always brought them back. Nevertheless. dropping ing bigger raids. He took off at dawn on that day and within minutes had driven home a bounce on a Soviet Lagg-9. and hardship of Erich's morale. his regard for the safety of his air. collided in mid-air with another Lagg-9. wingmen not only helped temper his natural impulsiveness. Usch after the discomfort Front was a big boost for looked lovelier than he could ever remember. Cautious flying and an old glider-pilot's skill him to get his crippled Me-109 back into German territory. He made his fifth belly landing just inside the German lines. and while half-blinded. exemplified this In the spirit. wingman. he developed his and men followed him naturally. His allowed nerves were jangled enough by this encounter to warrant sending him home for a on his way to his brief leave. When a damage was massive. The war was so far? Lying quietly in the gloom. Until the spring of 1943 the Allied bombing raids on Germany were not alarming. Or was it still in bed to the yell of a in the bed. he thought about events as they were unfolding. at once. Breaking off the attack he went climbing into the sun. but also evoked confidence and devotion among those who flew with him. the German propaganda minimized recent Whole RAF attack villages more bombs. the enemy was unquestionably getting stronger. soft beds with clean sheets at night. he slumped back down hundreds of miles away. There were deep armchairs to sit in.WINNING HIS SPURS man going his own 59 own quality of leadership BimmeFs devotion on the ground way. especially the on the Mohne and Eder dams in the Ruhr. By 25 May 1943 he had added another six victories. issued orders personal idea of luxury—a Germany Getting back to the Russian Hrabak month and he was soon in Stuttgart. The German night fighter force had been fairly successful and the effectiveness of the RAF at night had not been cause for too much alarm. had been wiped out by the rampaging water re- . The previous spring had started this trend. and none of the incessant pressure of the front. Once at night he snapped upright and awake imaginary cry of "Break! Break!"— the warning Feeling foolish. and conduct- thousand bombers tackled a target RAF assault on Cologne the Allied attacks. His parents were anxious about his safety. depth of concern do home. Hardened to his leave. and Dr. Usch could not conceal her unhappiness. Today. Erich felt the disquiet of the German civil population. 'hosanna in high places. Krupinski could . including cooler area. his best single day's score to date. in for craft With this triumph Erich saddened. Word about the massive new bombings was spreading through Germany. in British radio ers it was and part of Kassel had been propaganda was promising an increasing Germany. 1939. he was another typical Krupinski home his loved ones at to his air- alert flight took off at his ninety degrees to his landing direction. Fighting his stricken ship down. in four missions.THEBLOND KNIGHT 60 leased these attacks. Just as he made emergency landing. never will Tomorrow. Marring airfield. He had been to be hoodwinked saying similar things to Erich since theme was constant— the war would end in disaster for Germany. strikes in Me-109 the only partial control of his rudder. the and felt at his vigor. air assault on on the Russian thought that thousands of Allied bomb- ranged over the fatherland every day and night. What a mistake and what a waste. For Front. Hartmann met many people in his medical practice who had seen the damage in other cities. Goering's reassurances meant nothing. ever by propaganda. Him on my boy. with his rich back- ground and knowledge of human beings. His For the first time. the all four Lagg-5 Krupinski's was heavily hit in the empennage. Hartmann knew the world too well. OF GERMANY a fighter pilot battling his heart out a disturbing flooded." Dr. knowing that the damage precluded any kind of go-around. he looked directly at Erich. he hurled himself back On 5 his best fighters. Turning down the volume control. we win the Cross/ Never. war with downed disaster that left In a wild battle over 7th Squadron's could by what he saw into the air July 1943. Krupinski oil came an immediate landing. "Listen. His father sat listening to Goering's ranting fantasies with a quizzical expression on his face. For all the gaiety of the final days of felt by no longer be concealed. The next day Erich walked into the living room of his parents' home in Weil during a radio speech by Reichsmarschall Goering. put this war. this would have By been tories 1 sufficient to win him the Knight's Cross.Attack . days later. and much 6l The outer brake. August 1943 ne na d forty-six confirmed victories. The closer he got before fought more devastating the effect and the more certain kill. "See the in closer and closer before attackers broke away. Five other pilots. but now more vic- He had conquered much of his earlier imnow clearly a young leader of promise and were required. clammy blood in his clothes. He had him clear fractured His departure hit the squadron a heavy blow. Erich kept flying hard. when in He was hang- the crash crews reached blood and drenched in gaso- he almost panicked because he thought the gasoline was line. He sion of getting too close to his opening the fire. and he was whisked away his skull and was out of for The crash crews dragged medical attention. and three Erich's guns The war four more IL-2's as now had twenty-two confirmed could not stop on that acLagg-5's well—seven victories went down under kills in one day. as Krupinski. At one time. ing half-conscious in his safety belt him two minutes Smothered later. There was no longer any question in Erich's and effective mode 'Coffee Break/ 99 His shooting eye continued to improve and in ac- tion after action firing.WINNING HIS SPURS see that he would have to make a ground loop or collide with the departing alert flight. or of attack. Good comrades were being lost all the time. maturity and was ability. Around he went. and left Erich anxious for his comrade. as Gruppenkommandeur of III/JG-52. Erich found down his natural apprehenenemy. Guenther Rail. mind that he had found a sound . combat for six weeks. were lost the same day Two count. He and the 7th Squadron total rose to 750.Decide . swung as the kite fighter laterally nosed over onto its he applied too back. four more Lagg-5's went down. one-third of the entire squadron. he deliberately went At the point where most that he was still too far out. had care- . a Lagg-5 went down in flames and brought his tally to fifty kills. The next day.Reverse. Two days later at 1830 hours near Kharkov. the violent motion smashing Krupinskf s head into the gunsight. This feat won Erich Hartmann the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. By the end of September his score to sixty victories. victories. the coveted badge of achievement among German fighter Lieutenant Korts had been on leave most of August. . previous Lieutenant Korts. Erich national hero. He was all but level now with Krupinski. of multiple downings became more and more frequent as confidence grew. the lifetime 1943. the On in full cry a young knight of the he would have to reach 150 air victories. his 150th vic- tory. now. in the next three days. had scored 148 an outstanding achievement in eight months. but he refrained from pushing the promising newcomer too By August fast. But Krupinski had been in combat since 1939-1940. with 115 victories. Rail decided 9th was Hermann win two hundred aerial vic- a fighting tradition.* Graf's old 1943. Lt. 100 victories was a relatively achievement. However. surpassed on the south- enemy was not hard ern sector of the Eastern Front. Erich kills. mand Squadron 9th the and appointed him the after The squadron— the tories—and it had first man to com- to squadron leader.THEBLOND 62 watched Erich's fully progress. and with the Russian offensive 5 ten more August 1943 Erich raised eighty added and by 17 August 1943 ne na ^ tying Baron Manfred von Rich thof en's First World War record. was killed in action. Victories On 29 October 1943. Four missions a day was com- monplace. In the Hartmann by this had immortal Werner fighter ace in history air force of any other time would have been a the Russian Front. who had scored his 150th kill on 1 October 1943. Since 27 February 1943. Erich victory tally "Daddy" Moelders. Erich rose to his responsibilities. Erich Hartmann scored getting better too. that Erich could handle a squadron. was awarded the Knight's Cross on 29 August and disappeared with his element leader in * combat that same day. who had been the down 100 to aircraft in aerial warring power. K N I &H T T F GERMANY There had been times when Rail could have given Erich a squadron. common win truly his On the of first combat. Russian aircraft and pilots were came much harder. and before his spurs flaxen-haired and days to find. could The young squadron leader kept racking up the triumphs. it. "you are completely reach the top it will be because my aircraft never crazy. red. In the at his throat air was the The Blond Knight had won his spurs. failed but if I me— thanks to you. "Bimmel/' said Erich.WINNING HIS SPURS pilots. The heart was labeled "Usch" and an arrow pierced he was Karaya One (Sweetheart One) and coveted Knight's Cross. and Erich thought to himself. Bimmel He pumped his young chief's hand. he valued far more— two weeks at home . as his crew chief wrung his hand. big. When news of the Mertens was exultant. I know you are going to be the greatest of all the fighter pilots—none will stand above you/' Bimmers enthusiasm knew no bounds. "If 63 award reached squadron HQ." On 29 October 1943 Erich had the formal trappings of a Knight of the Air. He waffe who won flyers was one of approximately thirteen hundred Luftthe Knight's Cross. and with them a prize with his beloved Usch. owed quietly how much he to this devoted comrade. you keep going like this. His escutcheon was a bleeding heart painted on the fuselage of his fighter. but the rolling timpani of the guns denied him sleep. Cool and precise as always.Chapter Five THE BEAR'S GRASP IN Only he who lost is gives himself up for lost. and forth as the sleepy pilots the half-light. In the uneasy predawn minutes the bad news spread through the 7th Squadron's base at Kutey- nikovo in the Donets Basin." . Erich had been acting as commander He strode Kommodore of of 7th Squadron. The base came Rumors were being babbled back came boiling out of their tents in alive with the shattering roar of fighter engines bursting into action. —Anonymous T he thunder of the Russian artillery throughout the night of 19 August 1943 was heavy enough to keep Erich awake for long He had periods. Hrabak quickly apprised Erich of the situation. Since Krupinski's crash in July. was directing operations. Protect the Stukas and make the Russian fighter- . Erich rolled off his cot and pulled on his clothes as the squadron prepared for a panic scramble. flown his three hundredth mission that day and was bone-tired. A big Red push was afoot. The encirclement of large German Army units was threatened. The Russians had broken through.Hrabak's finger stabbed down on an area map. flying overlapping missions all Hartmann. JG-52. Rudel's Stukas will be giv- ing them hell. "The main breakthrough is here. "Your squadron be will take the first mission. over to the hut where Colonel Dietrich Hrabak. day to keep the We will air clear of Rus- sian fighter-bombers. " but through usage a valediction of good luck. the second I watch from the perch.?" said Erich. caught immediately. I huge hope Hals und air discipline. blurting into life and filling clear. give the order to attack.K. the sec- pull up. .IN THE BEAR'S GRASP bombers your primary 6$ no enemy target. so he could operate He ran through the drill. sporting term used by flyers. . Erich checked his * German oil pressure. Beinbruch!" Minutes later. . fuel pressure. . strafe the Erich gathered his seven pilots around They would "If his I in fly open wingman give the order to attack. The whirring grind rose in pitch.. . skiers ammeter and and others in cool- hazardous work. four. . prime propeller to went smoothly All starter. . . . . Erich hooked up his chute under him. "break your bones. on his lap. and when stays element attacks while gaggles. air Red Army. The superstitious flyers thought luck. . If ond element stays like glue to we run into initiative. five times automatic . waiting anxiously One all ready. then every nobody blames element attacks on me attack I any breaches of for If own its first. it bad luck to be directly wished good . The engine the air with its smooth thunder. Fuel selector open three. Literally. air battle the fighter-bombers and bombers. I Number One with his element. Erich thought again have the trusty Bimmel in charge of but safety belt let it lie loosely comfortably in the tight cockpit. . with Karaya Erich strode up to Bimmel. while two mechanics cranked the inertia . Get going and Hals und Beinbruch"* him and briefed them. Probably Bimmel had been up for a couple of hours fussing over the aircraft. If opposition appears. Erich knew his crew chief was always ready. "Free!" The mechanic's cry signified the propeller was Erich pulled the clutch and the prop began turning. . throttle one-third open water-cooling closed master ignition on both.. so took the opposite approach. . Bimmel nodded. every element leader. "All O. As he scrambled into the cockpit and tucked his para- how fortunate he was to his ship. every element I on the perch. is If own leader fights his target battle formation. his were operative. For every Stormovik there Russian fighter over the area. Every one of the hated steel-clads they downed would take pressure off their comrades in the in- selected targets fantry. smoke and the stabbing flashes of shellbursts over a wide area below showed the line of the barrage and the heavy. field.THE BLOND KNIGHT ot GERMANY 66 ing system. aircraft. Sergeant Bachnik led the second element with Lieu- tenant Wester on his wing. a pilot Erich own wingman." He spoke aloud roiling zone. a pilot's silent a final all-around check. she soared aloft as the first fingers of sunshine stroked the high cloud. then each of the solidly. two magnetos The rpm in turn. His landing gear came up and locked in with a gentle thud. looking again at the rest of his fighting flock. Erich went diving down through the fighters. around. about forty Lagg-5's and YAK-a's circling warily. seat belt. too. He gun Now Erich Black palls of smoke up into the heavens to the northeast marked the battle "Not more than ten minutes flight. The flaps and moved the trim and turned on electrical gunsight was ready to his bird and his R/T Climbing away from the fight. began turning east into a bloody sunrise. Lieutenant Puis on his own wing. Then the Messerschmitts fell on the low-level Stormoviks. As Erich and his squadron closed in on the batPillars of scene. Erich made Tightening his soft wind and she across the grass. with Sergeant Jiirgens as his wingman. Lieutenant Orje Blessin leading the second element. eight Me-109's with the Blond Knight leading went racing to their rendezvous with Rudel's Stukas. Lifting easily to his touch. Then he craned to himself. Lieutenant Joachim Birkner was leading. His bird was ready to he gunned the Messerschmitt into the went racing fly. checked his switches. The second section was in good shape. Erich. he gave Bimmel a high thanks for a well-serviced sign. Battle-ready flyer a and confident. Birkner was a head and had broken in as his good shot. tle plastering was a they could see about forty dive-bomber Stormoviks German infantry with bombs. Quickly he counted them. held Taxiing across to the take-off point. front-line fighting. . firing briefly at on the way through. in. He was talking aloud to himself again. Erich? Flak. shuddered and flared alight from nose to Erich pulled up hard over the stricken IL-2. sagged. . . A massive explosion blasted downward from the Russian machine and its port wing sheared off. jarred Erich saw one of his engine doors fly off and whip away astern smoke came the slipstream." fighter came down easily. Erich carefully watched the closing distance. Looming kling. he began undoing the Standing orders required all . your mother taught fly. A short burst from all guns. and bucked its way a grinding of metal. Erich would walk away from buckled his parachute and made Reaching forward retaining studs this one. on the to a halt with aircraft clock. . toughest bird in the from for a stiff burst The Stormovik on ground his Ob- targets. Ignition and fuel switches off. Erich you to The . .150 yards . He un- ready to leave the "bent" fighter.. ready to swing back into the other ground-strafing Stormoviks. Choking blue in belching back into the cockpit." He made a steep turn to the west and pulled his throttle back. "Yes. all the last possible moment. . . Erich again held Down tail. just like the gliders a field. Explosions backfires banged and like under the fuselage of Karaya One. . ground fire. the range diminished in a twin- Stormovik in a vast black mass. But where? There's a head for it. lots of sunflowers ease her down. Erich. intent he was hosing the German infantry livious to Erich's presence. The second Stormovik was with in Karaya fire. Two hundred yards 100 yards . pened. she's going large one. Quick! Before this damned bird goes in.THE BEAR'S GRASP IN Coming up 67 into firing position behind an IL-2 at high speed. This IL-2 At 50 air." till the is yards Erich squeezed his triggers guns. . to the instrument panel. went racing at high speed Erich broke away instantly after firing and after another low-flying Stormovik. . . Ease her down . an One "Not to 100 yards. . closed the distance to firing position astern out instant. close enough.. . the filled Erich's windshield at 75 yards or less. "What in hell has hap- from the stray shells air battle? Which? Never mind! Get out of here and head west while you can. " but "Gitler. . Erich felt a little "Damn let-down from the action." Thus. felt his The These Russians were using faces a they were about to capture a were captured German Asiatic. get any breakfast this morning—" He broke it. out in a get out and escape. Struggling with the milled studs that anchored the clock. viet lines He went on battling with the clock. it." abdomen with lowered * The lids. A German truck came rumbling into view. He did an alarmed double take. He felt relieved. German to go with truck. doesn't matter now. Luftwaffe pilots landing behind Sowere seldom heard from again. The two men jabbered in Russian and then called to Erich. Hitler is finished. but the German truck was reassuring. The Russian smelled and kept crying and The Russian let go of him. Russians do not say "Hitler.THE BLOND KNIGIT of GERMANY 68 pilots surviving belly landings to take these precision instruments with them. comrade. siekeningly sour. These soldiers were clad in yellow-gray uniforms. "Comrade. Only one choice He would deceive them into thinking he had been injured internally in a crash landing. pointing to his right hand and cradling it with his Erich could see they had swallowed the left." "I am wounded.* It sobbing. He didn't know how far he had flown west before the belly landing. He must feign injury. German infantrymen wore green-gray tunics. in this instance. they said: "Gitler kaput"— Hitler is finished. I Ie feigned unconsciousness as the soldiers jumped up on the wing and gawked into the cockpit. sobbed the Blond Knight. they would shoot remained. Erich cried out with pain. and glanced up as he heard the truck brakes squeal. Two down from the truck bed wearing a strange-looking uniform. since the clocks were in short supply. Erich. cold sweat as the two Russians approached. The war is finished. Then the hulking soldiers jumped men two turned in the direction of the crashed fighter and Erich skin crawl with fear. and now Erich broke If he tried to him down. off his You didn't monologue as movement caught his eye through the dusty windshield. One of them reached down under his armpits and tried to lift Erich out. his Through bait. Dropping went bolting into a field of man-high sunflowers beside the road. "wounded" on the fell went back sians pilot the truck. the Blond Knight cried Even the doctor was convinced. The soldiers tried talking quietly to Erich. As he made their cover. As they went jolting eastward back behind the Russian lines. The tried to German words. as though some penetrating strain had been placed on his out. and he made as though to eat it. off the tail gate. He could speak a few make an examination. while Academy Award perground. The Rus- Erich blubbered and sobbed through an He formance. The guard slammed into the back of the cab with his head and collapsed in the truck bed. As the guard in the back of the truck stared apprehensively upward. because the previous night's action had back in the truck and drove him to their HQ in a village. Erich . unable to stand up. break— and He weighed The truck had gone about two miles back into Russian territory. the Rus- sians finally got nearby happy. They toted him over the truck like a bundle of wet washing and laid him out to carefully on the truck bed. in friendly fashion. Then he cried out again. organism by the act of biting. As Erich's thoughts raced. got an old tent. Every time he touched Erich. One soldier was driving. Then the same two diers came again.THE BEAR'S GRASP IN The 69 Russians carefully helped him out of the cockpit. His captors brought him some fruit. from the western sky came the characteristic whining roar the situation. The German dive bombers passed low overhead. of Stukas. mood was Their won them his belly. and the truck slowed. Erich kept A he on groaning and clutching at Exasperated and unable to alleviate his pain. doctor appeared. a big victory. Erich sprang to his feet and charged the Russian with his shoulder. laid him out on the tent sol- and carted him back out to the truck. and laid to the on the folded canvas. For two hours the theater continued. and physician stank of a sour perfume. the other was in the truck bed guarding the injured German captive. ready to ditch. Erich soon— or spend the knew he would have rest of the war to make a in a Soviet prison. assessing his plight judged for breath. his heartbeat subsided. Erich. but there was no gunfire. Screened by some bushes. and saw that they were. but Erich maintained five He minutes. Half an hour's cross-country trudging. he be about nine o'clock. From the to get back to stood up and started it little valley. Every yard between was of bullets waving indications of his passage. walking westward. The German Army might be on the other side of the hill. brought him village. for some minutes. a little stream He threw and he began German territory. not far away. have been soon ceased to be rifle fire Korntal Hochschule. his lung-bursting Gasping out of the sunflower sea and into a lifted out of a Trees. "One thing is sure. the a and the whine rifle fire sun. There was no question now that he was on the wrong still side of the lines. Moving carefully along the line of the road for half a mile. Diminishing to a distant popping. icy coolness of his He and work combat head was ruling his thinking fought down the temptation to keep going in daylight his way around the digging Russians.Russians. He talked to himself quietly. he reached a spot where he could see a hill in the distance. almost pleasant in the out by a road leading into a small summer morning. He him and of character with a life-and-death escape. Russian soldiers and peasants seemed to be everywhere as the morning wore on. green grass seemed out to a place that might and wildflowers grouped around and how his thinking clarified. he began gathering intelligence that would ensure his escape. You can never go through here in the . The now. Furthermore. his ex-hosts fairy tale. he saw several peo- He watched them ple wearing fur clothing. Soldiers were up there digging and trenches. as he always did in a tight spot. On the other side of the road. he suddenly burst the grass and gulped the cool air into his lungs. That meant the front foxholes line was not far away —perhaps on the other side of the hill. Erich as his captors fired at the menace. down on himself As pace for at least hadn't run like this since the athletic meets at a yard closer to safety.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 70 screeching truck brakes told him had been his escape discovered. Plunging and staggering deeper and deeper into the sea of sunheard the crash of flowers. help me find Erich. with stream and trees." speak Russian. He He awakened and made ready to move out with nightfall. his gaze never long removed from the sky. To find my chief. in he would find That was the bond between the Blond . he paced up and down." "You'll be shot "I if you're caught. or sound of the returning Me-109. meander near the dry little and stones into an unobtrusive low screen and went to sleep. alone. he piled up sand lay back dark. Apprehensive and worried. He bring him back. Bimmel?" up a blanket and stuffing "I'm going behind the Russian a rucksack." no leave or permission simply took a the direction of the front him and for will rifle to depart and disappeared on foot line. alert for the first sight Appearing progressively more distraught. lines. pilots Red aircraft. Bimmel maintained his vigil for No hours after Erich's fuel all one among the returning would have been exhausted. If his chief was alive. Bimmel had waited on the line after Erich took off into the dawn. The other crew chiefs went in and drank coffee or sat around and swapped yarns until the fighters came back. Lieutenant Puis saw him going down trailing smoke. Bimmers chief didn't come back with the others. Bimmers pacing grew more rapid. Bimmel preferred to wait on the line." He its Go down behind this to a dying afternoon. The rest of the pilots were too busy. but he himself was jumped by Russian fighters at that moment and could watch Hartmann no longer. His visits news became more and more frequent. for with eighty in their every-man-for-himself battle HQ to the Still bunker no word. that's where I'm going. The people Bimmel Mertens asked from the base. rolling some food in "Where are you going. His crew-chief comrades next saw Sergeant Mertens in his tent. till to your valley and wait retraced his steps to the security of his fairy-tale valley. ridge. to see what happened to Erich.THE BEAR'S GRASP IN 71 daytime without being captured. watching the eastern horizon. knew for sure what had happened to Erich. Picking out a stream. He always waited. That morning. heading west. Erich watched their progress in the gloom as the towering sunflowers bobbed with the movements Russians had led in its fringe. He watched from concealment as the patrol across the one of Crouching meadow. Keeping a respectable distance behind them. They would front line lay. the other crew chiefs watched and shook their heads. Slogging through the sunflowers for an hour. Erich waded into the sunflowers. patrol. and disturbing them as little as possible. the to the edge of the sunflower belt. the other side. hill up the hill. he descended into a sprawling valley verdant with sunflowers in full bloom. air and tracer and star shells laced way through the sky as Erich pressed on toward Gunfire punctuated the night and bobbed the front their lines. Frequent pauses made good sense. In a few minutes. Crouching down. he watched the ten two small houses on soldiers cross a their right. He conserved his strength and could listen for enemy movements. the chances and decided to follow the patrol. moments behind a clump disappeared up the hillside into the gloom." . he paused for a longer The rest. Erich watched a Russian patrol of ten pressing through the sunflowers. or be going He weighed Chances were likely this know where men was a recce* the somewhere near the forward German positions. he reasoned. passing As the Russians went stumbling on up another peared for a few waved and Recce is military slang for "reconnaissance. him of the patrol. way picking his among carefully On the diggings. him metallic rattle of an infantryman's web gear brought to full alert. evoked from the a loyalty depths of the heart.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 72 Knight and faithful his crew chief. Erich sprinted meadow and flung himself under the wooden steps of the houses. and as the square-shouldered Bimmel disap- peared frgm view. Rattles of rifle and machine-gun fire sounded nearby as he stumbled through the August half-dark toward the it He made with the entrenchments he had seen that morning. * hill and disap- of trees. erally As Erich gingerly drew closer. who from the bullet hole could feel to his almost paralytic He lit- was more frightened the air washing around his leg in his trousers. He headed up the western slopes of the valley." Standing no more than twenty yards away. crying stumbling back German 73 front line hill. Erich shouted into the area behind the sentry at the top of his voice. "Halten!" Blam! The challenge merged with the muffled bark of a rifle fired at close range. air. sign of He life. air The into another valley Rumbling only other sound was his was almost deathly artillery own crumped breathing. even than Erich. For two hours more he down skidded and staggered and stumbled enclosed by hills. . "Damned fool!" he your own people. Their ragged figures disappeared ran up the slope. to he started be cut down by an- In a few minutes he stood on the There were no Germans. came bolting and He fire. "I'm a here. Erich felt the bullet rip through his trouser leg. I've German pilot who been walking For God's sake let has been shot down. The still. man. near giddy from hunger and tension. Don't shoot. for Christ's sake. he could see the soldier quaking with fear in the gloom." to be lines. Erich started walking westward again. for hours I am happy from behind the Russian me come through. His bad marksmanship was due fear. Erich estimated the time as around midnight. and as he neared the whistling a bursts rent the and shouting. Erich felt he had a good break. no entrenchments. in the distance. I am a German pilot. was at the scene of the skirmish he had heard. The must be at the top of the next hill. the sentry was lucky he missed. no His shoes clicked against a pile of cartridge cases." yelled. don't shoot "Stoppen!" "Damn you to hell.THE BEAR'S GRASP IN A storm of automatic The remnants down the back into the sunflower He and some grenade fire of the patrol. other blast of automatic hilltop. belt. German song. "God Almighty. didn't want hill's crest. Erich sneaked a look over the parapet. days ago." GERMANY sharp order from the rear sounded to Erich redemption.THE BLOND KNIGAt 74 A "Let him come. The sentry was not relaxing for a minute. hillside. they settled down in the line. telephone The officer my wing HQ. It was now about 2 a. "Please. into an exhausted sleep in a foxhole. He gave the suspicious German officer his second lieutenant in name and rank. and he couldn't blame the infantrymen for being cautious. Erich could his One brow." was convinced.m. and the approximate position where he had been shot down the morning before." Erich pondered the hard and dirty war of the infantry. and couldn't leave the line during the night.W. would put feel the darkness and this lunatic slip or a stagger in The a bullet in his back. "Come with me.O. a." was 4 followed the soldier out into the trench where a machine Erich looked at the luminous dial of his wristwatch. he snapped awake with one of the infantrymen shaking his arm. and and caution. their nervousness "Two He also explained the reason for all speaking perfect German. They . but he had no telephone. He had no identification. When they got into the posi- whipped out submachine guns from under their coats and killed and wounded ten men. Dimly he could see a bunch of Russian soldiers staggering and weaving up the hillside. six men came. as he tions of a neighboring unit.m. to the top of the the sweat beading out on and poked him sentry pushed hill. to spend the remainder of the night with the troops His countrymen gave him a little food. After and he slumped what seemed like a minute or two. He gun was mounted. The Russians had emptied his pockets. It's an alert.'s. Leutnant. His stomach tightened into The sound of yelling and singing came floating a It compact up the ball. like a Glaring at the sentry in the darkness. the young ace stalked past him toward the voice. The entrenched infantry shoved him roughly into a foxhole. A command of the unit began interrogating the bone-weary Erich. told us they were escaped P. Moving in behind Erich he jammed the muzzle of his rifle into the Blond Knight's back. After telling his story to Hrabak. came on up the The Germans in Russians Russian songs. it The young lieutenant artillery or tanks. resembled closely this infantryman's tactics hill. This was Erich's in first exposure to the brutal war of the infantry Russia. or bowled them dead back down the hill. whooping and bellowing out the trench crouched in a fever of Russians were reeling within sixty feet of the They must see their foes any second. Twenty-five years later. felled them where they stood. high The in the sky. Let get so close you cannot miss. He was . trench. their progress was unannounced by any be drunk or could be a trap. when he learned Bimmel was still Erich was aghast rescue expedition. This chilling experience etched itself indelibly in his memory. drunk or sober. Krupinski had returned absence and he recalls the Blond of his crew chief's Knight's return to the 7th Squadron: "The day Bubi Hartmann returned from lines in Russian territory. recalling The infantrymen and the airmen had it little would in chill his spine. Erich's identity in search of dawn availcompany HQ. Caught cold and drunk they had no chance. Don't until fire I them come on and give the order. Talking and joking in groups. in the Erich down first a corporal escorted back by car to and a telephone were was confirmed and he was sent at Kuteynikovo. Not a single Russian survived. common in the way they fought. commanding They might Germans was the giving last-minute orders to his men. and blast of lead steel lifted the Russians off their A withering feet." how Erich thought his own. A company commander soon contacted Colonel Hrabak radio to able and the light of his base. from the hospital during Erich's impromptu gone. After the ambush. The taut nerves. In a welter of blood and rags the savage ambush was over in half a minute. "Fire!" Every weapon in the German platoon opened up. he went Bimmel. "Wait.IN THE BEAR'S GRASP 75 looked like they were drunk. is a day I his sojourn will always behind the remember. " and big. Wing own summation is "I always told and able in the new German my men is Air Force. Most of them were im- key to his escape. Erich Hartmanns appropriate. and of his cheeks were sunken. Bimmel Mertens says that the happiest moment of his life was when he saw Erich Hartmann safe and well after his crash behind the Soviet lines. had got home. to escape. face blossomed into a happy smile. reveals two or mediately handcuffed after capture. The Russians either and lowered ruse of internal injuries fell for the their vigilance. unmistakable figure of Mertens came plodding back across the airfield the following morning. His instinctive adoption of the wounded-man role undoubtedly saved him from imprisonment or death. There and again when he commanded the the that if they were prisoners somewhere move during the unexpected encounter with the enemy to move only by night. To this day. His chief him he could see that the Blond Knight was unwounded. "He had lived through an experience very few of our men survived. and he was obviously exhausted. when he had but ninety victories. He was obviously near collapse trudged dejectedly back to the base. Never . and is one of the successful in this case fighter pilot's prime as- prevented the Blond Knight's career from it ending in August 1943. to daytime. Quick thinking sets. Dark circles surrounded Bimmers eyes. with three armed men in attendance. Bimmers haggard as he Then he saw Erich. The erect.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 76 one happy boy to get back to by really frightened squadron his but he was safely. His tired eyes were very wide his experience. It seemed to me that in these few harrowing hours he had grown much older. cunning This was the The experience of other pilots in Russian hands that German airmen were usually heavily guarded. The cloud of concern that settled over Erich when he learned Bimmers absence dissipated the next day. The two men wrung each other's hands in a silent expression of the deep bond men feel who will lay down their lives for each other. He conveyed the essence of his experience in Russian hands to the young pilots he led Richthofen later in the war. As Erich strode over Erich's grueling experience was to rich in lessons. still At have a If you are challenged moment—enough in any language you time to jump away into the darkness. the Blond Knight from the Bear's grasp. That burned itself into my brain that day as dry wash in the stream bed. and the ever present possibility that who spotted without seeing the person you has spotted you." of the strangest anomalies of the anomalous career is that when he was Blond Knight's often cast entirely on August 1943. The darkness One is I Wait lay in that till night. and that all too around you are enemies. was needed then to free . there was no possibility of escape his American captors from he in a situation created by agreements between governments. so that all those pairs of eyes and hands are not escape. will be You have many surprises to deal with in the daytime. ten and a half years later. you cannot be surprised. clear was conveyed to the grasp of the Bear by 1945. spot your rifles. or pull the triggers of "I emphasized to the war that all the around to obstruct you. his own resources as a Soviet captive in his escape through good When instinct. your friend. Don't be in a hurry. night. "When you move by night. The advantages are with you. You know you are a stranger. the majority of your enemies are asleep. Another agreement between governments.THE BEAR'S GRASP IN 77 contend with. he made analysis and self-discipline. men commanded I during and since takes self-discipline not to try escaping during the it daytime. as did the Germans in Luftwaffe feared but as yet otherwise unidentified intelligence about their foes.Chapter Six OAK LEAVES War is not exactly a life insurance. Guenther Rail. He was cutting a swath obvious to the Russians that Karaya it they had come * Erich's to fear were the Gruppenkommandeur. —Col O nce Hans-Ulrich Rudel Erich reached 150 victories in the autumn of 1943. when Erich had aircraft. Later he became infamous on the Soviet side as the "Black Devil of the South. a distinctive pattern shaped a black like tulip His fighter was easily distinguishable in combat. reached 200 victories on 28 August 1943. and the Soviet flyers quickly realized that the pilot of this black-marked German fighter was a foe to be avoided. his climb to fame proceeded rapidly on both sides of the man propaganda lines.* To the Russians he be- came known first as Karaya One. He never missed. usually with other leading fighter pilots of JG-52. his R/T designation. gathering These monitored broadcasts made One and the Black Devil same man." The legend of the Black Devil began nose painted on his petals. His photograph appeared sometimes in newspapers. The Soviets had their listening posts and monitored ground-to-air communications. . and 250 victories on 28 November 1943—both occasions for much publicity for Rail and JG-52. Ger- broadcasts began occasionally mentioning his name. German The pilot was nick- named "Black Devil of the South" by the Russians. pilots encounter- Devil's distinctively marked aircraft quickly left the scene of battle. which Erich flew with the black Erich countered in in aircraft declined sharply. In January and February 1944 Karaya One seemed to be every- where. In this day period Erich ran up a staggering nearly one downings an enemy kill per day. His scores began to diminish. Erich concluded that the black petals had to go. and most of the Black Devil's victories were over single-engined fighters. The Russian pilot him down would win fame. hunt had declined since the pattern was chief's ship. bring These inducements proved ing and identifying the Black glory who could and wealth. first painted on his young erased the black tulips and to the unsuspect- Erich became just another Me-109 in a typical Schwarm. ing Red Bimmel pilots. fighters left the pilot of the tulip-pattern nose severely alone. Red opponents were air. and black image in the minds of the Soviet pilots. Bimmel could also count. These youngsters could have had no better pro- The Red tection. was lucky to get first one strike before the and the fortunes of every Schwarm fighters dispersed. Actually. were work- ing against him. A price of ten thousand rubles was placed on the Black Devil's head. Red insufficient.OAK LEAVES 79 through their formations. but As long hard to as the black petals find. The victories began coming thick and fast again as Erich lit into the Red formations with the advantage of anonymity. as the Red Air learned from their Soviet enemies about contending with the weather. The Germans were astonished in Russia when Red fighters . The difference in scoring heartened not only Erich and Bimmel. but the whole squadron. as contact with the enemy enemy He declined. Bimmel Mertens was up the pretty black overjoyed. it were in the was machine with the still the same story. by giving the -black-marked aircraft to his green wingmen. and always on the victor's end of the battles. Erich found that his black markings. fifty sixty- victories— an average of the average was about two Bad weather was almost as serious Force. in spite of all the Germans had for every flying day. Keeping him that he didn't particularly He knew that the trophies of the paint job was an extra chore for enjoy. Erich also watched another captured Russian demonstrate a sub-zero starting gimmick. There was no explosion.THEBLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 80 swarmed over their airfields early on sub-zero mornings when they had been unable even to start their own aircraft. Daimler-Benz burst into life and ran solidly. . and then evaporated as the engine warmed up. The Germans moment start. He filled the tray brimming with gasoline. he showed them with typical Soviet directness how tional effectiveness at The the Russian Air Force maintained its opera- 40 below zero. the Russian stalked over to a nearby Me-109 and set the tray on the ground underneath the engine compartment. wide tongue of flame licked at the underside of the opened engine compartment. After the gaso- was thoroughly mixed with the congealed ignition. and serschmitts. ature. that Dummkopf there would be an explosion. while a line German pilot cringed down in the cockpit. cooperative prisoner was proud of knowing something per- haps the Germans didn't know. gasoline in a can. The turned on the ignition and attempted a oil sump. Then he lit a match and sprang back. Germans that the oil congealed at sub-zero temperatures and made it impossible for the starters to budge the engine. For a full ten minutes the and fighter's a blaze continued. "The gasoline vapor flared alight despite the sub-zero temper- call for gasoline. He tells the story in his own words: "This prisoner called for a spare-parts tray. The only necessary precaution was to change engine oil more often when using gasoline for sub-zero explained through interpreting starting. The gasoline liquefied the oil. He went He called for half a gallon of over to one of the grounded Mes- to the horror of the watching JG-52 personnel. Again. he turned on the The big The Russian airman engine started. poured the gasoline into the aircraft's backed away twenty yards or more. The oil. Apprehensive mechanics began cranking the motor by hand. When Erich's squadron captured a Russian airman. "One of the mechanics said that the electrical system ruined— the insulation all burnt away—as would be the flames died down. there was a While Bimmel and others watched. TWOBUBTS: Bubi Dose and Bubi Hartmann. TWO SARDINES IN AN ME.OPS! The tricky Me. Rail was Erich Hartmann's second Gruppenkom- mandeur(the first was Major von Bonin). Erich 's first aircraft sport" ed the Bleeding Heart with the words "Dicker Max. jovially show the photographer the cockpit of the Me. (Rail Collection) a b c d e MG 131 Doppelschufigeber DSG Gurtkosten 131 Linker Abfuhrschocht MG Lafette St. after his 100th aerial victory.109: Heinz Mertens. Steinhoff Collection) GUNTHER RALL: 1ST. youthful best same nickname.109.L. Both lads had such a appearance that the name "Bubi" was a natural for them. "Ursel.109 earned ound-looper. usually ending up on is one did. Later he changed it to . quite a reputation as a its back or on its nose. as (B. lad. Rail had just been awarded the Oakleaf when this photo was taken on 26 October 1942. "Bubi" means baby in Deutsch. offriends. shared the °oy. 13 A Revi 16 B Selbstschalter A 15 The most effective weapon on German fighter aircraft was the hit with it was worth ten with the smaller calibre ma- One chine guns. 131/5 Zundspule ZS Schlitzverkleidung h i k I MG AL C A f g 1 3 151 Motorlafette MoL 151/1 Gurtkosten 151 Zufuhrschacht MG m KG n o THE BEST WEAPON— 20MM CANNON: MG 151 cannon (item h in the drawing). LT. and Erich how two can get into crew-chief on Hartmann's fighter plane. . Airplane as up on jacks being repaired ) was not flown to safety. Maximilian Otto. Dr. Horsi Hitler. Hartmann and Augus. (Nowarra) OAK LEAVES FROM THE FUEHRER: On this occasion. Adameit. The officers at the investiture are from left. Erich aerial * :/ •* 11 Hartmann and onetime warfare tutor Walter Krupinski received their Oak Leaves personally from Adolf The ceremony was at Obersalzberg on 4 April 1944. (Now an BLITZKRIEG VICTIM: IL2 'tormo vik caught on the ground y y German troops was blown up Russian troops. Walter Krupinski. R mania on 12 August 194 Hartmann's first aerial victo was over an IL2. Erich Geiger. Reinhard Seiler. (Obermaier Collection i .FLYING BATHTUB— Th "STORMOVIK": IL2 T) Soviet ground attack Ilyush IL2 was shot down byLuftwa^ pilots just north of Jassy. had remained close friends until Bark- horne was killed in an automobile accident 6 January 1983. along with another JG-52 ace. Lt. Barkhorn was official witness at the ceremony. he WEDDING GUEST: This snapshot of Gerd Barkhorn was made at Erich Hartmann's wartime wedding on 10 September 1944 in Bad Wiessee. Willi Batz. self victories Hrabak appears him- here with four ofthe Luftwaffe's outstanding fighter pilots— Erich Hart- mann (352 Gratz(138 victories). Barkhorn and Hartmann. OXYGEN INDOCTRINA- TION: The Grupe Flight Surgeon shows Hartmann the results of patability his oxygen test while com- amused squadron-mates look on. HAPPY YOUNGSTER- Relaxing in a deck chair and fondling a pet dog. Lt Karl Fried- Obleser (127 victories) and Major Wilhelm Batz (237 erich victories). the Blond Knight takes time outfrom the Eastern front air was in war in 1944. victories). a Soviet prison.THE KEYS TO SUCCESS: Colonel Dietrich Hrabak (left) Kommodore of JG-52 had under his command the most as successful fighter wing of all With 125 time. (JG-52) . acedom's two top scorers. A year later. General. General rank and commanded the brilliant Luftwaffe for several years. . In the new Luftwaffe. Batz started ?wly but when he caught onto tactics ooting he became the best of all at aerial gun- MAJOR JOHANNES WIESE: This JG52 ace had and may have had over 200. Steinhoff rose to Lieut. Steinhoff scored 1 76 aerial victories before an Me-262jet crash burned him badly. ACE: With 275 thumb to a P-47 Rail commanded the new dories behind him.(AJOR ' GUNTHER RALL. iPTAIN WILLI BATZ: 22 i victories in 12 months! combat and good instructor pilot for years. No. Became Kommodore ofJG77 but was shot down and 133 official victories carttured bv the Soviets two months later. 3 ear the end of the war. COLONEL JOHANNES One of the most "Macky" STEINHOFF: of the Luftwaffe. Rail lost his left uftwaffe as a Lieut. showed no evidence of the mortal The struggle seesawing across ESP rang the little danger signal that was to save him many times. Erich was ordered to make a sweep. save for some cumu- lus insufficient to conceal an aircraft for long. The blue sky seemed empty. Thanks Germans were not only to Russian advice. Lieutenant Wester. Erich had acquired something that he considered even more valuable than the 150 victories standing to his credit— an intuition for the enemy presence.OAK LEAVES 8l The Russian simply that said. flushing all gun functioned but also to keep in the it its able to keep flying. face. Fighters could be zero weather—once you knew how. far back in German on the Rumanian Front." The same Russian prisoner how to keep their armament gladly showed the awed Germans functioning in sub-zero climates. craft. using all these tricks and more. smooth roar of motor convinced everyone. Luftwaffe manuals recommended careful lubrication and greasing gun mechanism. Behind the territory there was normally little lines likelihood of encountering Russian air- HQ but reports had come into JG-52 of ground attacks behind the lines. problem that had dogged Luftwaffe units in Russia. started in sub- We all felt indebted to the Red Air Force for this scheme. Then Sitting Erich's on the perch six earth below in his its mind hundred yards behind and above him . Minus With Bimmel rack up firing. Erich was flying with his wingman. He flew a normally camouflaged fighter. the oil out of the weapon. 'Start it/ The instant. The Russian took a German for machine gun and dunked the grease and lubricants. He looked back. which helped us get into the air to meet their early morning sorties. Russians nevertheless matched up the plane and pilot through radio interceptions. This led to Erich's being singled out one morning by a Russian determined to down him. and its only distinguishing mark was the bleeding "Usch" heart on the The fuselage. Erich was able to his impressive string of kills over the January-February period in 1944. With over five hundred combat missions under his belt. a two winters perfectly at recommended 40 below zero. The grease congealed on the Russian Front and froze the breech mechanism shut. the first in a tank of boiling water. Fire blow- torched out of the Russian's engine compartment and a pall of black smoke was done trailed back behind the stricken fighter. Erich him on trying to get the Russian to overtake the outside. obviously rattled because he could no longer find his headed Erich could see the come up under than machine. is He is probably trying ram you. He called to Wester to escape down in a steep dive. Erich began his out-loud talking to himself that he resorted to in tight spots. in two minutes Erich had YAK. Erich followed at low level directly steadily. no doubt Firewalling his full throttle. with negative G's. the Russian every few seconds would open try to fire. No hits either way. windshield with its with the 109's engine wide and fifty feet as the bulk. After two near-misses at high speed. Erich lifted the nose. As his to went plunging down. he turned and came head-on. From underneath. come on. The Red thing Erich expected. The Russian was about to on Karaya One. Erich watched the Russian continue fighter Ins turn. make a pass THE BLOND KNIGHT Of GERMANY red-nosed YAK fighter. Erich fired and the Russian fired. . the Russian turned east and whacked the infamous Karaya One under now confused Red couple of quick turns. Break away from him. Twice they fired their way through a head-on encounter. Watching then did the pilot last broke away each time.S2 was a single. his adversary. open. Pulling up. carefully. The YAK for. how he almost bush- the Black Devil. Neither of them could get a better firing position. climb up and watch!" Erich told Wester. dead zone." The Blond Knight pushed his stick forward and sent Karaya One down in a negative G maneuver instead of continuing his turn. His chute billowing white against the morning sky. As they went racing along. machine and bailed out. "Erich. he pressed his the unsuspecting below the Russian enemy fighter filled his gun buttons. making pilot a Erich below for German him in the home. Clunks of jagged metal flew off the Russian fighter in a deadly hail and thundered against the wings of Karaya One. . he hung there The Russian pilot inverted his dying . "Pull ahead of me. antagonist. this Russian acts like he mad. of his tale of Climbing Throttling back Without spotting less . didn't you look backward after you lost and why were you an You are lucky. kind face. was used downed feet. Rumanian He hundred Storch was kept later landed in a small field from which he had seen German infantrymen the Russian pilot. up Erich. Sure enough. As to merely shrugged ruefully. Erich took his prisoner out of the custody of the infantry and . flying alone?" wingman in why he didn't look back. He made wings out of his hands when he talked. The Russian nodded and "Why The Russian earlier smiled happily. a smattering of A couple of both German and pilots. other fighter pilot— a a care- free member of his own fraternity. the infantry had captured his late opponent. standing there in his dark tunic." said American expression "Don't look back over your someone might be gaining on you. with a alive. the Russian The situation was akin to that summed captain explained that he had lost his battle. and a few minutes close to the village move out toward all and rescuing control The Russian was was obviously happy to be civilians who knew Russian interpreted for the two a captain. Erich could see he was just like any in the shoulder. the Fieseler Storch. the war is over." As the young Russian talked. he could have been German. for A Storch could land in a air versatile little aircraft minimum carry three people including the pilot. Smoke came climbing up from in flames. Erich congratulated the Russian on his "birthday' —surviving a downing and a crash. Fixing the location in his mind. Circling the scene. clambered immediately into the squad- The ron's flying jeep. YAK crashed the wreck as the Russian went floating down. Erich watched the down near his shattered fighter and begin gathering German infantry from a nearby village were already on Russian touch in his chute. and forward reconnaissance. their way to the scene. But for his language and uniform. A of six times. He was young man. and piling out of Karaya One. "For you.OAK LEAVES 83 The as his aircraft went barreling down thunderously. with leather cap and boots. ready on the base at Erich took off. me in maneuvers. Erich sped back to base. pilots. the Russian became German pilots spoke a little Russian and discovered the cause of the enemy pilot's obvious rage. . To food. He was which no not only confident of fighter pilot could ever skills through experience. his strike wherever possible for under and of attack the high he made less rules aircraft this fast low and one fast Where approach. The Germans offered the Russian Erich's surprise. then took sian him out and him examine let the Me-109 close up. and often intuit his foe's intentions. Inside were young Ger- man men just like some schnapps and One himself. the low-to-high attack pass proved extremely successful. enal distances. he found the best alive fall.Break" was a sequence never to be broken. The "See - Decide . and unwounded while the Russian Under blue-sky conditions. although he was left practically unguarded. This was his "coffee break. Air battles like his encounter with the lone Russian brought Erich into contact with every conceivable situation in combat. gestures and smatters of Russian Erich led the young Red captain into a mess tent. extended his at phenom- else airborne He avoided the dogfight in favor of the lethal efficiency of hit and run. fast.Attack . In winter. He overcast pre- waited whenever and blow rather than make his attack than ideal conditions. For joining and breaking combat Erich developed practical that kept him continued to mode vailed. The Rus- was allowed to wander without an escort around the base for HQ for two days before the squadron had to send him on to wing proper processing. He own his succeed— but air-to-air abilities— without also could spot aircraft now sometimes minutes before anyone with him. Following it meant success." Surprise was the crucial element of the successful bounce.THE BLOND KNIGHT CF GERMANY 84 together they walked out to the Storch and flew back to the With squadron's base. Enterprising enough to single out Karaya One. with Karaya One camouflaged white and the sky overcast. departing from it meant failure and even doom. the Russian pilot had no ambition to escape. of the would be shot!" Erich handed the captain some more schnapps and food. 'They told him that all Russians captured by the Germans angry. Erich himself was often In the same way as he evolved his bounced by Russian fighters. Where from below and behind. After his brief and violent attack. turning into his enemy's firing pass. and led to his being consistently Luck was almost always with him. traditional tactic of turning with an enemy was something Erich had abandoned. above— from "the perch"— Erich would go into turn. after firing. conquered 85 his earlier tendency to slacken speed when closing going right to his foe at the shortest possible distance before From firing. pull- if ing up from behind and below for a second attack. The two went hand in hand. deadly attack he developed a defensive tactics. Erich's coolness soon him. Kills were scored with The armament was yards the power of Karaya One's minimum ammunition. then immediately and us- ing negative G's to lose the enemy. and tion. the Blond Knight was on his way upstairs for a third Each pass was a repetition of the "See Decide Attack Break" cycle. and most them loved the dogfight. but his penetrant sets of tactics in action. Dogfighters could do it their way. When a Russian bounced him from behind. again breaking into his to one side and a hard climbing a Red pilot came left or right enemy's pass. Just as his score past all the old dogfighters. the Germans were almost al- pass should his foe survive the second assault. Consequently. fifty devastating.OAK LEAVES He in. Erich would go hard down. ways heavily outnumbered. He attack became a legend among all learned to observe his Russian foes as they and meet who flew with came in to the their thrusts with appropriate parries. analytical ability vival and was ever Lady Luck's bridegroom. while an enemy aircraft The concept still outside of simply sitting there rushed in with a battery of guns charged was hard to accept in theory— and even tougher to execute in . Resisting the urge to turn while an attacking Russian pilot was firing range required coolness. In the Eastern Front air battles. Physical sur- a high score were the children of the union. methods his attack rolled up set of rules. In this posi- he could stay with any turn the enemy might attempt. he would roll over wing deep and dive of about two thousand feet under his foe altitude permitted. so did his defense tactics keep him from being wounded. Erich preferred his own methods. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 86 actual combat. aircraft change from plus G's. the erstwhile attacker lost his overview of the area and steering the aircraft in the right rection for continued pursuit became guesswork. Erich reserved these tactics for last-ditch situations. a-half five The on forces his G's to minus one or minus one-and- This escape maneuver attacker to sec or follow until it is is too almost impossible for the late. but and kept pilot held his fire closing in. As a result. Physically he was disadvantaged. using positive Personal Twist Regulations. soon convinced the Blond Knight that he could avoid being hit under these cumstances. A battle it if the was certain was then in the offing. In attacks. his quarry disappears under the nose of moment the attacker. Finally. due to the higher negative attack angle. being lifted from his seat to hang against his belt— an impossible situation in which to track a target. Erich made good use which threw the attacker instantly from ad- of this escape tactic. and that was to execute with negative G's. Flying straight and waiting slip for the and enemy level. tighter and An to try a movement where possible attacking pilot expects his quarry to turn him— the out-turn dogfight. classic The at- tacking pilot must turn even tighter in order to pull firing lead on his quarry. using the rudder for slight commit to himself. Erich developed only one rule for breaking away as a last-ditch maneuver. Erich discovered that in such instances fire he could soon change Red his role from defender to attacker. his rule G's. Inexperienced or inferior pilots always gave themselves away by opening too early. Vital information could often be gleaned in the seconds before the attacking Russian opened cir- split fire. At that the quarry can escape by shoving forward on the stick and kicking bottom rudder. The attacker was first of all placed at the psychological disad- vantage imposed by negative G's— weightlessness." and he wingmen to help keep them alive. vantage to complex disadvantage. then that an old-timer was at the controls. His and defense took him through more than . He was to turn into called these "My taught them to his young tactical skill in attack di- all other his assailant's turn. His consistent string of victories and seemingly charmed life made him a focus of competitive attention as 1943 wore on. all I the details. like to That is. the witness reports and about Squadron has been saying to other new to him. some Junger of the noisy who conversation. the Gruppenkommandeur.OAK LEAVES hundred eight 87 aerial battles without a scratch— too stunning an achievement to be attributed to blind luck. arising out of squadron rivalry. I'll issue the orders. who had Sergeant Carl Junger of the 7th Squadron. heard Erich Hartmann's name mentioned in festivities. Fritz was expressing his skepticism about Erich's consistent skein of kills. Erich thanked Junger and made up his mind in a flash about what He went straight to Major Guenther Rail. Pilots locking horns was nothing "Of me I it?" would "I my kills are genuine. "Fritz Obleser of the 8th pilots that Rail's he doesn't believe tions. Junger told the Blond Knight what Obleser had said. He can come down tomorrow. know they are genuine." eyebrows went up. Second Lieutenant Friedrich "Fritz" Obleser. he rocketed past Obleser in the scoring. under whose command both the 7th and should be done. Erich's so quickly that he became a subject of discussion clarified his tactics other pilots. had scored well was conquering Rossmann and the own to lead his buck his dogfighters. by the implication many of Erich's in Obleser's remarks. was invited with two other flown as pilots to visit the nearby 8th Squadron mess. There were even some who thought pilots must that there be some trickery involved in Erich's success. What do you want sir. Junger as Erich's wingman had been witness to He was annoyed kills." somewhat embarrassed Obleser duly reported the following course. elements. while Erich and learning the fever Once Erich settled tricks of down as Erich. 8th Squadrons were operating. have Obleser if it fly as wingman on A see to do a few opera- can be arranged. This social gathering had a noteworthy During sequel. The next day. had come to JG-52 about the same time at the outset of his career. Erich's wingman. "Well. . Once he kill tally rose among and got some experience." Rail nodded. two missions and saw two of Erich's devastating ings. Major Rail wanted in on tomorrow's hunt. was able to knock an aircraft flew south. I will the two great aces flew together. He had an even during periods of relative instinct for finding inactivity.THE BLOND KNIGftT OF GERMANY 88 day for duty as Erich's wingman. in On which the Blond Knight blew up close-in opponents' his the ground. "Seven o'clock or thereabouts. temporary transfer was his he was assigned to the better vantage point offered by the second element in Erich's Schwarm. Erich was called to the telephone. So Bubi was a hunter. Rail " 'What and the line of the thirty minutes' flight with nothing in circling along the front Dnieper River. are you doing screwing around There's nothing here. On the evening of 1 October 1943. I'm taking trovsk. As the downing HQ. I had been flying later and having success. Zaporozhe every morning early to catch the worm. Since for observational purposes." Erich Hartmann now tells the story of the only operation "Good. but with no success. "What time are you going out in the morning?" said Rail." come with you in the second element. We were the morning of 2 October 1943. but every day down in this area. the convinced Obleser signed the two firmation claims as the official witness. his foes. about Bubi Hartmann's Behind Erich's No victories further expressions of skepticism came from any neighboring tactical skills. Fritz He flew down- aircraft. but I had a special route there. he reports kept reaching Rail's desk for forwarding to wing could see that Erich was getting kills when other pilots were coming home empty-handed. lay yet another important talent of the successful fighter pilot— a hunter's nose. unit. which he evolved and polished through experience. and sight. con- kill apologized in manly fashion for his earlier criticism and was allowed to return to the 8th Squadron with his story.' we my down here in the south? element up to Dneprope- . After about came on the R/T. I flew down from "Rail had been flying Zaporozhe I to Nikopol. "Rail came with me on I a big Russian air base. had kept my down to and near there was find quiet. then broke into one of the Laggs and sent him down. and you can watch it. a bogey* south of Zaporozhe. Rail saw them both go down burning. but the toughest bird have opposi- air in the air. closing thus keeping the defending gun moving. nor as shells fast. Barely two minutes spotted a P-2 recce plane at eighteen thousand feet. military slang for "target" or "stranger. but that often left Cannon shells and it German pilots pop-eyed with incredulity. fighter pilots were the most formidable on the Eastern Front. so Then I 1 have P-2. as we was the redoubtable IL-2 Stormovik. YAKs.OAK LEAVES "And a couple of far Lagg " fighters as escort. and is used to indicate . fast and never attacked the He avoided wounds hard over one wing and diving under the Stormovik. The Russian said. The IL-2's flew low. impishness that Erich boy was a hunter a certain quality of Hartmann maintains to this day. be seen bouncing away tracer could actually from the heavily armored cockpit area of this incredibly tough machine. thus protecting the vulnerable oil cooler under- neath the fuselage. I yet be 89 I I was afraid that Rail would not waited until I was closing in on the called Rail. and he learned from experience how to bring these rugged birds to earth." Rail's conclusion that the was thus proved The Russian tion as well as a shooter and the incident shows correct. A Stormovik had been Erich's first victory. Gruppenkommandeur so the lit out. Turn around/ "Back on the R/T came Rail's frantic response. enough away. MIGs and could absorb quantities of bullets and fightex-bomber was not as maneuverable as the Laggs. with later. I closed in and shot him down. fighters. and damage by rolling was to make twenty degrees. too. and a rear gunner harassed attacking Erich's tactic for tackling an IL-2 with a rear gunner his attack at an angle of fifteen to He IL-2 straight or pulled over one after firing. " Wait! Wait! Wait till I get there/ "By then I was only fifteen hundred feet from the P-2." that an unidentified airplane has been sighted. a maneuver that no gunner could follow with his weapon and * Bogey is score hits. Spotting an enemy formation. two-seater version of the IL-2 proved vulnerable from ten degrees and below. as a full burst at short range would find its way through the cockpit armor. with at least eight or ten thousand feet between them. after which he would roll his fighter over . Carrying at least two five-hundred-pound bombs under their wings." Before the appearance of the IL-10 and during his prolific scoring period in 1943. avoiding the cannon hits it ruled on out When this attack tried to concentrate his armored cockpit and engine would cause the heavily-loaded and the Stormovik would to shear off. Erich's tactic was to climb to 1 5.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 90 Erich found that there were two main methods by which an IL-2 could be successfully attacked. and could therefore be easily overhauled from behind. aimed at passing high over the enemy and going in the opposite direction. These gaggles often contained up rarely flew above 4500 to sixty aircraft. oil fire. Erich's analytical ability served battle. Russian pilots looking up could see the German fighters passing above and heading east at high speed. Erich kept going cast for several seconds. the enemy and from this height he could pick up gaggles at a considerable distance. Erich's element would give no indication it had spotted the Soviet formation. way down to cooler would the "concrete bombers. alti- and feet. an even bird. He him well in the prelude to this noted that IL-2's generally came from the Russian side of the lines in balls-out.000 feet after take-off. lightning strike from be- the Stormovik's underbelly." Hits in the vulnerable on the wing Repeated wooden tail down either force method. low and behind. was the best firing at deck-level operations fire The in Stormovik the of the IL-2 or set from behind and root. The IL-2 tougher and literally was followed much faster 1944 by the IL-10. Erich closed area. Erich began a shallow dive. straight-for-the-target droves at low tude. The crash. whose pilots were lulled into thinking they were unobserved. These aircraft had to be almost late in "hacked down. Erich scored what were probably the most unusual victories of his combat career against [L-2'S. these aircraft moved relatively slowly. One and the Black Devil grew out of such encounters. could close in for the lethal Many destruction for any aircraft. Erich had had followed Russian formation load in the echelon-right formation in fired one full burst. was met by increased When alertness and Erich pulled off this kind of inter- ception near Kharkov on a formation of IL-2's. he would down drop If to a little below the altitude of the IL-2 formation. black smoke united in a above the scene. the burst ex- leader rolled to the left maneuver. swirling pall Four victories The bomb as the entire Four ghastly pyres and four pillars of legend of Karaya flared in four huge. so devastating to the materiel and the morale of the Red Air Force. the Russians were ready for him— or so they thought. The split S consumed this altitude in sec- onds. Soviet pilots were caught nap- ping by this maneuver. the sky were covered by clouds. he would approach from behind and much below the Soviet With his superior speed.OAK LEAVES 91 back and smoothly stroke the stick back. trous IL-2's sharply diminished slung under the wings of the the maneuverability of the concrete bombers. Four Stormoviks howling along below Erich passed in echelon-Tight he implemented as maneuver. single. formation fire. Erich hammer blows that usually meant aircraft. The 7th Squadron history for the period 10 Janu- . Reversing his direction and gaining speed in the dive. His speed built up his well-tried in a split-S The Russian pursuit and from two hun- rapidly in a dive. followed in hair-trigger succession by the other two Stormoviks that had not been hit. The altitude-consuming split-S attempt at evasion had disas- The bombs consequences. dred feet astern of the fourth IL-2 he opened ploding in the IL-2's cockpit. Such tactics were studied on the Russian side of the lines. debris-strewn craters. and they had barely 1500 feet of altitude when they took evasive action. as the account of the career of Soviet ace Alexander Pokryshkin later will reveal. Four fiery blasts crashed with which it shook the sky its full had been flying. in seconds. executing a half- on its roll or split-S maneuver. Each new tactic often by counter tactics. these two units were transferred 2 moved on to Kalinovka. lie to the east mud in turned back for an instant to the twenty thousand in Rotte of their of the Proskurov base took More similar things ahead. Lieutenant Hart- one day. riotous journey to Salzburg in the train with Gerd Bark- . where a his score." Erich's tactics up Despite frequent changes of operational base. and away and snow in which the ground inhuman hardship. and squelching through the off for the flight home mud elite in a high state of elation." The Oak Leaves were the generally always bestowed personally by the Fiihrer. then again within hours to a base at Proskurov." Hell Erich to himself. His thoughts he had seen barely two weeks ago. littering a German bodies snow-covered valley the Shanderovka-Korsun salient. on terms: another day six.THE BLOND KNIGHT Of GERMANY 92 ary 1944 to 22 February 1944 refers to the Blond Knight in these "The most successful marksman during this time was Lieutenant Erich Hartmann. For a few minutes they circled the Erich could see the morass of war was being slugged out field. he turned westward with a profound feeling of The relief. Russian cavalry with sabers and Red tanks had hacked the trapped German unit to Erich shuddered at the memory. Erich and Krupinski were ordered to Berchtesgaden for the investiture. comrades With the ebullient Krupinski flying beside him. The 7th Squadron moved to Royal Hungarian Fighter Squadron was assigned to III/JG-52. in a frozen purgatory over He HQ must was not necessarily hot. for rumors had reached 7th Squadron Russian "mud offensive. and in On March 1944 2 the Fiihrer awarded Lieutenant Krupinski and Lieutenant Hart- mann Oak Leaf. The ron refers to this period: "Of these [fifteen mann On alone downed ten enemies in air history of 7th Squad- kills] combat thereby achieved his 193rd to 202nd victories. Once in one day he downed five. pieces. where they scored fifteen victories before 7 March. as his They fought surely of a pending over the infantryman's war. was glad which he and to his be going home. thought mind ranged flew in their fast fighters. Happily they formed an own. and consistent entry into battle continued to build Uman on 22 February. March. Wing also two slightly tipsy Erich by colonels Hartmann Leaves and the lowest-ranked recipient of the coveted decoration at this investiture. he had qualified him among for the elite reached two hundred victories. There were slender. Those few him in the deadliest scoring aerial jouster to watch as the game of all. boyish of Infantry. war rolled on who knew in still that its fifth . Walter Krupinski and Hannes "Kubanski Lion" Wiese. Winners of the decoration included Maj. On the Russian Front he had already acquired rank and fame of a different kind Oak than that bestowed by the infamous Black Devil. JG-52 joined twelve other recipients of monies at the Eagle's Nest. has The quartet of aces from the Oak Leaves in the cere- already been recounted in Chapter One.) (later Lt.— OAK LEAVES 93 horn. own A Leaves. the legend had begun around fraternity. fighting Kurt Buehligen of the Richthofen Col. He was Karaya One. and the veteran night August Geiger. on the Channel Coast. who was RAF night fighter ace The down and later shot and was the youngest winner of the Oak fighter ace killed in action "Bob" Braham. his enemies. As Second Lieutenant Hartmann he stood near the end of the reception line looking like an overawed teen-ager. In his those who had stood ahead of he was the year. These notables included Maj. His climb to the award of the Oak Leaves had been hard. roll call of leading personalities begins with the three top- its world— Erich Hartmann with 352 Gerhard Barkhorn with 301. Maj. Hermann Graf with 212. These are the . JG-52 was credited with over ten thousand aerial victories in four years. a covey of aces with scores of whom spent a consider- combat time with JG-52. and Helmut Lipfert with 203. Walter Krupinski with 197 kills. The most successful Fighter Wing in the Luftwaffe. all 1 580 aerial victories. Johannes Wiese able portion of their with 133 victories. and First Lt. only a Titan stands tall. The Blond Knight and these five contem275. Friedrich "Fritz" Obleser with 120.1 f Chapter Seven ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 In a company of heroes. poraries accounted for the staggering total of Hard behind this stellar six came ranging from 100 to 200 victories. First Lt. and Guenther Rail with scoring aces of victories. A Germany and the The dozens of other accomplished air fighters who served with Erich Hartmann in JG-52 at one time or another include Willi Batz with 237 victories. —Anonymous Jt\. Walter Wolf rum with 126 victories. This steady competition resulted in in tlic development of many exceptional aces who won the Knight's Cross and the higher orders of that decoration. Erich Hartmann found JG-52 an environment in which he could thrive. vigorous competitor since boyhood. but his progress had been stimulated by the hot pilots who were vying with each other every squadron of JG-52. JG-52 was fortunate part of its in the high-caliber leadership that Colonel Dietrich Hrabak has already been tradition. including the immor- Captain Hans-Joachim Marseille. Steinhoff himself scored 176 victories. at the time of Erich Hart- and Maj. and Walter Krupinski flew as Steinhoff's wing- man in most of * his early career. distinguished career as a squadron leader penkommandeur with ents of Steinhoff. and the nightly gatherings of pilots to listen to the and see how the scoreboard stood was one of the events. in the tradition of sports- manship. Guenther Rail and and later as a Grup- JG-52.* who flew in Steinhoff's JG-52 squad- ron during the Battle of Britain. One hundred and flown aircraft. Scoring leader- ship often changed hands. proved the flying and leadership who once led the new German Air Force tal- as Lieutenant General Steinhoff. A in the wing's records include Ihlefeld. and ever-mounting and played Germans held the their suc- tallies news day's chief kept pilot morale at a a key role in the psychological superiority in the air in Russia until the end. group and wing was constant. Rivalry was keen but a driving force in all who were friendly. squadron.ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 95 scores of the pilots as they stood at war's end. them with JG-52. Joining JG-52 as a squadron leader in February 1940. even when Me-109's were technically outclassed and buried under the blizzards of Soviet aircraft. all British- . of Germany's most successful fighter pilots passed through Steinhoff's units in JG-52. Kommodore introduced as the wing's mann's baptism of became fire. Success high level. The man was urge to be top cessful. fifty-eight victories in World War II. and competition brought out the best efforts of every pilot. he was Gruppenkommandeur of II/JG-52 two years Some later. Other exceptional leaders who left their names Condor Legion veteran Herbert Johannes "Macky" Steinhoff. Hubertus von Bonin has been introduced as a memorable Gruppenkommandeur. Major Willi Batz was Steinhoff's adjutant in Russia. top-scoring Luftwaffe pilot tal against the Western Allies. rivalry in During the conflict. Since there were dozens of high-scorers. like 975 as a Major General. Lieutenant General SteinhofT says of Barkhorn: choice of a good firmed. Steady. these sketches can quality. convey the unique accurately by human environment that brought out the best in Erich Hartmann. he never made a victory claim that wasn't con- the Second leader. A daughter. comrade." This unstinting admiration I but rarely gets excited over old comrades." all is my World War fighter pilots. and generous. To "He the old aces of the Royal Air Force with horn has formed friendships. honorable and magnanimous— a truly heroic gentleman. Christl. He and his wife. merciful He Gerd Barkhorn than is in chivalrous. be only a sampling of JG-52 pilot although they are typical of the Luftwaffe's most success- A Wing. Bubi Hartmann rose the score of To to the top. a few sketches of his fellow aces in JG-52 are appropriate. fifty-one victories his closest rival. They re- a level of success never previously achieved in the history of aerial warfare. conditions in JG-52 en- couraged and inspired ambitious young fighter sponded with enemy pilots. brother. In the highly competitive scoring race. The five-foot nine-inch Barkhorn hair. as well as to NATO whom Bark- officers with . Father. ful Fighter list of JG-52 aces appears at the end of this chapter. he ever met. lives retired in a tragic near 1 New York City. died in auto accident on 6 January 1983. exceeding Gerd Barkhorn. Four years older than Erich Hartmann. Erich friend Hartmann and onetime tribute: "Gerd would gladly the best is kill rival Gerd Barkhorn evokes from him the one leader I know for whom his this rare man every himself. success in fighting the and continual exposure to aerial combat. reliable.THE BLOND KNIgAt OF GERMANY 96 With leadership of this character. for his personality and character made a reaction deeper impression on them than did his 301 aerial victories. Ursula. dark an olive complexion and penetrating blue eyes remarkably those of Erich Hartmann. There is more of the ancient knight in any other ace the authors have met. is is typical of the Gerd Barkhorn's name evokes among his comrades of the Second World War. Barkhorn in his glory days was an arrestingly handsome man with thick. friend. strong. Wiese was a professional officer who above the Kuban entered the Luft- waffe in 1936. He came to JG-52 in the summer of 1941 as adjutant of II/JG-52. Wiese got twelve confirmed the Orel-Kursk-Byelgorod area. he became the victim of .ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 whom he has served. is 97 efforts. persuade the pilot of the to to forsake his plane for a parachute. after the surrender. Forced to bail out. When Wiese was released by the U.S. As a highly decorated German professional officer who had fought against the Soviet Union. Gerd Barkhorn never to in the bitter Eastern To his Front struggle. He became a prisoner of the U. and a fellow ace of JG-52. he his are the When ways of man's success expressed he would his such that he enjoys another is own. Ruhr against damaged para- His war career ended with a wild battle over the Spitfires. after a long spell as an instructor and reconnaissance pilot. fell He ended and was promoted his to made JG-52 career in com- Kommodore of JG-77 as SteinhofFs replacement at the end of 1944. the Kubanski Lion's chute failed to open properly and he was seriously injured in the resulting heavy fall. Gerd in the scoring race. kills in five On his big day in 1943. he was recognized by Communist-sympathizing Germans. He made a specialty of downing the IL-2 Stormovik. Hartmann passed him Erich was delighted. and about seventy of the heavily-armored ground-attack machines to his guns. and on the same day forced landings himself. In combat his chivalrous spirit frequently in a heroic quality that disabling a machine stricken side his foe lost his Soviet aircraft. is often forgot- ten—mercy. mand of 1/ JG-52. for him jump. Major Johannes Wiese was one of Erich Hartmann's celebrant comrades at the Oak Leaves investiture at Berchtesgaden. flying along- and gesturing humanity but did not hate. Called the "Kubanski Lion" by the Russians because of his success in the heavy air battles Bridgehead. for his character as itself a throwback to the days of chivalry. in September 1945 and returned home.S. Hartmann and others have told of Barkhorn's after and grace. comrade Erich Hartmann he He is fought the most unforgettable character of the war. The police picked him up and handed him over to the Soviet government. and seconds later the fair-haired young German dead engine. but also as a power and courage. had He may well his luck not and he held the top spot for a considerable have ended the war as the greatest ace of all time. man of sixty and a retired He was Lt. He is best remembered by his war comrades man of uncanny gifts. A prewar professional officer. and was released in 1950.and American- flown aircraft. run out on two crucial occasions. Rail made a brilliant war record. a fine leader and excellent administrator. not career intertwined with that of Erich only as an ace and leader. was a superb judge of fighter pilots as well as one of the Luftwaffe's greatest aces. with 275 aerial victories.THEBLOND KNIG»T 9^ OF* GERMANY some postwar political intrigue. He man of surpassing will flew in the Battle of Britain. Following a Russian flamer near dusk he momentarily forgot his victim's wingman. and in the final defense of the Reich against the Anglo- American air assault. Heinz Baer. Before his untimely death in a light plane crash 1957. The whose 225 included victories as an aerial marks- destroying his foes late Lt. time. Baer told the authors he considered in Guenther Rail the greatest angle-off shot in the perior even to the legendary Aggressive in the air. perhaps the keenest competitor among all the top-scoring German Guenther Rail is today a vigorous. and when German infantry- . He moved to West Germany in 1956 and joined the new German Air Force. capable of hitting and from incredible angles and distances. has found his Hartmann since Erich arrived at the Russian Front in the autumn of 1942 as a fledgling. Dynamic Guenther Rail. and when he was assigned to the new Richthofen Wing in 1959. Erich Hartmann. Col. the Battle of France. in the Battle of Crete. friendly pilots during the war. Luftwaffe— su- Hans-Joachim Marseille. Wiese joined Erich Hartmann in the Russian prisons. The ensuing found himself riding an Me-109 with a freak belly landing broke Rail's back. the Balkan campaign. General who once led the new German Air Force. 120 over British. new Luftwaffe under the he found the the command first jet-fighter wing of of his former JG-52 and Russian prison comrade. on the Eastern Front. The enemy this time was infection. the thought of his squadron mates at the front running up large scores while he lay prostrate in the hospital. "Now. General Rail was his boss." "Sir. Condemned by the doctors never to fly again." said Erich. Rail fought an epic battle back to health and strength. If I had flown on. Transferred to the Western Front. Not long with after leaving JG-52. he shook hands with Erich Hartmann at the farewell party staged in honor of the departing CO. "I won't be in your way any longer. and by April 1944 he was the top fighter pilot this time he had to leave the elite formation A{ with which he had found fame. Rail again filled this Air Force in the 1960s. of the Luftwaffe. I probably would have been killed. aided by a beautiful young lady doctor Consumed by whom he later married." You will be said Rail. Rail lost his USAAF thumb in a battle Thunderbolts over Berlin.ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 men 99 dragged him out of his wrecked aircraft hours later one side was paralyzed. "all our doings are kismet. in Russia. but Rail himself has no "The attrition of Western Front pilots at this time was fierce. I was glad to trade my thumb for my life. his service as a Tactical When the Blond Wahn Evaluation Officer at Air Base near Cologne. while he flirted again with paralysis. energetic and thoroughly professional. Erich Hartmann and Gerd Barkhorn both passed him His in the scoring while he was out of action. man attuned. Flying into with a cushion under his leg and another at his back. and they never saw each other again until after Hartmann's return from Russia in 1955. he began piling up a tremendous score. thumb took nine months to heal. keen. the top scorer. while Erich Hart- ." Rail was proved right by events. Rail contrasts with Erich because he is chosen military career. He exemplifies a suited and devoted the best type of to his officer. Bubi. and subsequently had to fight a different kind of battle. Rail broke down combat all his doctors' objections flying after nearly a year and forced on the his way back sidelines." regrets concerning this period: For many months Erich's role in the new German Knight began CO. have been friends for years. experienced of 1942. Birkner downed his first enemy aircraft on 1 October 1943. Erich came to the Eastern Front in the Guenther Rail was already a mature. somewhat after Erich Hartmann. the ability to stay in one piece rests on a combination of luck and skill. provided by the upcoming young Among the pacesetters. He paid strict atten- tion on a methodical basis to the business of keeping himself alive and unwounded. fall officer with an outstanding combat record. Rail has been one of Erich's defenders in the controversies that have sometimes boiled around Rail. One year later he confirmed his one hundredth victory and had won Modeling his fighting style the Knight's Cross in a career of brilliant promise. General Rail's in- Hartmann's problems have helped the presenta- tion of his life story. but the two men sights into Erich to to responsibility slow and decisions involving Erich. the lesser-known but talented youngsters of JG-52 was Hans-Joachim Birkner. There was also competipilots. Erich Hartmann admits he was lucky. Poland. JG-52 ace who survived multiple crashes and extensive combat without injury was Captain Helmut Lipfert. but his battles own emergence unscathed from over eight hundred aerial triumph than consistent luck. had Rail difficult. They were tive pressure from below. Barkhorn and other top aces were the men to beat in the scoring race. and is today a . Birkner was a squadron leader with 117 sion kills and a second lieutenant's by mid-December 1944. More often than not. as his was more of a earlier tactical account of his methods reveals. Erich's boyishness. and within the German Air Force.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 100 y mann's basic antipathy toward conventional military formed tural attitude When in life is a struc- boyhood. but can be due to skilled piloting and tactical savvy. when he was commis- killed in a test-flight crash at Krakau. him since 1959. He Another brilliant ended the war with 203 confirmed aerial victories. Some pilots appear to have led charmed lives in combat. which may be due to luck. inseparable from his made his rise make some hard then extreme youth. who was broken wingman in as Erich Hartmann's in the fall of 1943. cause of his wound. Lipfert was shot down fifteen times. who joined the most deadly wing in the later to figure in the lives of Erich Lt. Rossmann in to Paule life.. mann who among is insist that tastic distances. Scoring January 1943. handsome Wolfrum had haired and eye. and did not score The dark- trouble finding his shooting months a victory until six after his arrival at the front. young contemporary of Erich Hartmann in who was JG-52 and Usch Hartmann was First Walter Wolfrum. Between July 1943 and June 1944. twice by Russian fighters and thirteen times by the deadly Russian flak. Wolfrum ran up a hundred kills. He is West German goldsmith one of Germany's top trick flyers. but the following month was shot down and seriously wounded. and this missive was the first befor un- censored contact between Erich and Usch after the Blond Knight's Wolfrum and owns his own capture. ending the war with his first victory in the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross as Captain Hartmann In later years. perennially happy and on top of A Helmut Lipfert. who months while reand by war's end flew with Erich Hart- the Blond Knight could hit targets at fan- on occasions when his point-blank attacks were feasible. Helmut Lipfert joined JG-52 shortly after Erich Hartmann. Forced to leave the front cuperating. is today a prosperous light plane. not behind in the scoring fell He for over six those pilots race. Erich likened him temperament. and they flew together frequently during the ensuing two years. he had 137 kills. and the war. Walter Wolfrum was leading a squadron in Erich's Gruppe at went into Russian confinement with his CO. A month later.ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 101 schoolteacher near Cologne. even though he had been wounded a short time before the end of the surrender. Even an outline sketch of JG-52 aces cannot be complete with- out reference to Major Wilhelm "Willi" Batz. Luftwaffe about ninety days after the Blond Knight. Lipfert racked up two hundred victories in the next twenty-seven months. whose 237 aerial . He Wolfrum free out of prison camp the Russians turned smuggled a letter Erich in the lining of his coat. Batz by his own admission was for years a "lousy fighter. and they have been friends for years. Batz forced way into combat flying in December 1942 He was after thousands of months getting his first victory. sparing his men the pain of Russian confinement by getting them back to Germany. Cross. There is no other achievement like it in the history of fighter piloting. JG-52 Transferred later as its Kommodore was with Erich Hartmann when the remnants of the once-proud JG-52 surrendered to the Americans in Czechoin October 1944. Graf came back to kills. whose misfortune was to be selected as a typical hero for Dr. With ad- mirable foresight he was able to extricate his Gruppe from the Eastern Front. A his peacetime-trained professional Luftwaffe pilot. Goebbels's propaganda build-up. and in a year between March 1944 and March 1945 he ran up a staggering 222 victories. He . so disquieted was he by the successful and competitive atmosphere of JG-52. Col.THE BLOND KNIGH^T OFtGERMANY 102 make him the fourth-ranking living ace of the world. Hermann Graf. Oak Eight months later. Erich Hartmann was for a time a squadron leader in the Gruppe commanded by Batz. In one savage. He added a few more eleven victories at the painful rate of one or two per month. A onetime blacksmith. He returned to combat with his perspective renewed. and by October Erich first Hartmann joined that boyish JG-52— Hermann Graf had become the pilot in history to reach to the 1942— the month two hundred Western Front. with 237 victories and the Swords to his Knight's Cross. seventeen-day period he scored forty-seven confirmed victories. Swords. he had been awarded the Knight's Leaves. He had an inferiority complex. He finished the war in command of II/JG-52 as Major Batz. The most famous personage in JG-52 during the war was Lt. and was then hospitalized with a minor infection. Graf joined the hard-fighting 9th Squadron of JG-52 in July 1942. and the coveted Diamonds. hours of flying as an instructor." until a period in a hospital turned him from dove to hawk and saw him write one of victories the most amazing personal records of the air war. of leading JG-52 aces follows. gether week A 103 when the Americans turned them over to the Russians to- one after the surrender of JG-52. These impressive tallies won JG-52 its place in air demonstrate the challenging and competitive the long and hard fighting that They also environment from which Erich Hartmann emerged successful fighter pilot of them all. Gerhard Barkhorn 301 Wilhelm Batz 237 117 Hans-Joachim Birkner Hubertus von Bonin Adolf Borchers 77 132 Hans Dammers 113 Adolf Dickfeld 136 152 Peter Duettmann Otto Foennekold Adolf Glunz Hermann Graf Karl Gratz Alfred Grislawski Gerhard Hoffmann Dietrich Hrabak 136 71 212 138 133 125 125 Herbert Ihlefeld 130 Gerhard Koeppen 85 113 Berthold Korts Walter Krupinski Friedrich Obleser 196 203 101 120 Guenther Rail Heinz Sachsenberg 275 104 Franz Schall Heinz Schmidt Leopold Steinbatz 137 Helmut Lipfert Rudolf Miethig Johannes Steinhoff Heinrich Sturm Rudolf Trenkel Hans Waldmann Johannes Wiese Franz Woidich Walter Wolfrum Josef Zwernemann 173 99 176 158 138 134 133 110 137 126 as the most .ACES OF FIGHTER WING 52 Graf and Hartmann went into Soviet confinement Slovakia. list testify to history. the Fiihrer spent half an hour with the blond-headed second lieutenant from Stuttgart and the other pilots. young man Pacing the huge main room one whole wall of drop. The Fiihrer showed a detailed grasp of the air situation on the . He ruled them by the sheer power of his will. Now the twenty-one-year-old Erich got a brief but unforgettable insight into Hitler's personality. Strongly positive personalities like General Heinz Gu- derian have testified to Hitler's power over even mature officers of high rank. tactics or other matters that cussed in response to Hitler's probings." was the excuse given to the Hitler from unfavorable tidings. —Arnold Toynbee Immediately before the Oak Leaves investiture at Berch- tesgaden. "The not the best. Erich and the other pilots had been instructed not to give Hitler any bad reports concerning events at the ons.Chapter Eight FAME AND SWORDS The sterner the challenge to man. Erich soon of insulating Hitler against reality er's front. with glass providing the snow-crested alps as a back- Hitler exuded a personal dynamism that riveted Erich's attention. Hitler's powerful presence soon dissipated what mained of the celebrations found himself dictator. the finer the response. on the as re- and Erich he listened to the at the Eagle's Nest. a thoroughly sober train to Salzburg. weap- might properly have been dis- Fiihrer's health is pilots for protecting saw what this process had done to the German lead- mind. After awarding the decorations. Erich found himself enveloped in flux. fighter escorts. he asked the assembled pilots for their views on attacking the American bomber boxes. we will push them back into a Second Dunkirk. testified The magnetism was so powerful be almost physical. his health. Ace Kurt Buehligen and others who had fought hard on the Western Front asked for long-range weapons rockets with which formidable USAAF armed Fortresses. Erich Was asked himself Hitler being deliberately misin- why? Hitler turned his talk to the Western Front. and When if so. All precautions were being taken to ensure that the facts were denied him on the basis of the unavoidable questions: formed. The submarine arm getting new U-boats to cut the Atlantic supply we are building a big defense system lines. That the Fiihrer was walled off by lies from reality was beyond doubt. obviously nevertheless had no grasp of the true situation facing the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front. man The Fiihrer frankly admitted to the weakness of the Ger- air defense. He knew all about the superiority of Me-109 over Soviet aircraft— circa summer 1941— when most Russian machines were of older design and inferior performance. He said that production was being increased rapidly. Hitler knew the caliber of the armament and numerous technical the details. this to as to arcane being carried along by the confidence the Fiihrer exuded." The Fiihrer spoke quietly and which so many who knew him have positively.FAME AND SWORDS 105 Eastern Front— circa 1942. Hitler listened carefully fighter They beat down the far-ranging and to tackle the heavily asked also for more fighters to like and comprehendingly. but it was yesterday's knowledge. ern Front. He then summarized the war situa- tion for his assembled fighting officers: "When the Anglo-Americans launch their Second Front. The situation was hardly inspiring lackeys . felt distressed as it possessed of the power to Hitler. Erich became evident that comprehend the facts. On is the East- against which the Russians will bleed themselves to death. Rockets were be- ing developed and improved. His impression as he shook hands with Hitler before departure was that he was in the presence of an idealist surrounded by ugly and opportunists. Even the propaganda cannot hide the come by day. killed and captured be next. while we have the chance. We must felt wait. even while this awful war goes on?" Erich wanted desperately to say yes. out of Dr. He something about their . but his heart wasn't behind them. and take what happiness we can "Erich." and worse truth. few months all will change. In Stuttgart he found his sweetheart anxious and upset." A glow of pride beamed in the briefly happy scene of Erich and took a look at the Oak Leaves. were being shot down. he al- haps a most caved in. When he walked into the house at Weil. for Ger- The Americans Berlin has been Erich tried to reassure his sweetheart. Perhaps they will turn the tide and end the war. but he managed to say what he "Usch." she said. "the war is war— the to the their happiness to a tyrant few ephem- with death. getting worse many." she said. Even night. darling. "The Fiihrer told us about new weapons that are being and tested." built Erich spoke the words. or worse— possibly the wife of a crippled or maimed ex-fighter pilot. Papa. That was no way to begin life all the together— with Usch per- widow.THE BLOND K N I G H*T OF GERMANY T 106 to a front-line soldier. his mother was delighted to see the Oak Leaves at his throat. but the experiences of the Good pilots time. Erich found no stimulus for his shaky optimism in the outlook of his wise physician-father. When he took her lovely face in his hands." Erich was not quite twenty-two years of age and this may have been a factor in his decision. Hartmann his mother smiling mumbled as he took together. Shall we get married now. "look at the beautiful decoration your son has won. Usch's lovely face clouded as conversation returned again that kept eral days and again them apart and rationed between Erich's flirtations "Erich. Usch knew it. despite her obvious happiness at their reunion. we don't know how it will all end. Perhaps in a was right. "See. and the British by bombed again and again. but Erich was not the only one who was troubled by the war. He might grinding Eastern Front were too raw in his mind. and turned the fighter over to Bim- He took the adjutant's outstretched hand. Erich.FAME AND SWORDS 107 being handsome. . Goebbels has our armies in Russia 'advanc- back to our own borders. His return to the front on 18 March 1944 opened with good news. he felt for the many more right. We are retreating everywhere. very good. Erich clambered out mel. Bubi. His expres- grave. and then sat became sion "It is down in an easy chair. leaves or As he flew back on the Eastern Front. because believe this terrible struggle can go on much longer. arrangeI don't Mankind has gone mad. farewells to his family there might not be haps his father was and to Usch. and congratulations. But Irretrievably beaten. and when he touched down at the 9th Squadron's base at Lemberg the mental debate ended. Surely you believe what your eyes ing' tell . you when you look down from the Which way are we going. "You are right. I am making ments for you to study medicine at Tubingen. good that you do well as a pilot. As Erich slid back his canopy the squadron adjutant was waiting." The two weeks in Stuttgart flew by. fantastic writings of Goebbels can no longer hide the facts." Dr. the Fiihrer said "Erich. "Welcome back. the words of his mind with the and when Erich first much more time that flying. the Fiihrer has said them proved many things since 1933. Papa. Erich?" Erich threw up his hands. The stern business of duty came first." "Congratulations on what?" "You are now First Lieutenant Hartmann. not decide between said his He could optimism and pessimism." "Then be prepared for the end of all this. air over the Eastern Front." "But Papa. Hartmann picked up "Even the the Stuttgart newspaper. most of untrue. you must know that Germany is already beaten. and official confirma- . Per- Gruppe of JG-52 and Usch mingled in to III his father confident predictions of the Fiihrer. THE BLOND KNIGlfT 108 come through tion has hundred and second for your two hundred and first and two victories. the 12 field is very soggy. shot . I'd like to see "Rail says that they are faster than the Spit- and more rugged. the pilots . constantly moving from base.. the weather and a They had operated from no fewer than thirteen different bases in the final four months of 1943. in- the final round of congratulations and drinks There would be no operations tomorrow— even peared over the how North Africa?" got Oesau near Aachen." At the promotion party that mood GERMANY OF* night.. Pilots' way into seemed relatives in these areas in more danger than the men combat every day on the Eastern Front." must be continually sprayed with . the planes have to taxi to the filling station. . its dawn was a mass of waterlogged ruts and Conditions were perfect for accidents in narrow undercarriage and tricky landing characteristics. and I heard they . terminably. down Muncheberg . Did you know that Mustangs "Jd. Erich found the somber of his last leave permeating the festivities as the pilots sat The drinking his health and good fortune. ." The shoptalk dragged on went stumbling back to their tents in the rain. . sodden the Me-109. . When was over. because the oil coolers water to prevent overheating. we could wish "I tough they fire are. The makeshift slippery. Shoptalk didn't help. . For at least six take-off and months 7th Squadron had been operating under conditions of extreme pressure. The snatches flying of conver- sation contributed to Erich's gloom. pilots were discussing the disquieting ers to fly all towns tory the in ability of the American fight- Germany with the Allied bombers. dogged by the Red Army. This affects operational readiness adversely and consid- erably. Facnorthern Germany were being pounded. too." in ". of 1944: March-23 March 1944: "Due to the bad weather. The JG-52 War Diary describes the conditions at Lemberg in the spring straitened supply situation. with strip at grass. Since the tank trucks cannot get through. if Mustangs ap- field. . ." . tackle the Mustangs. " Front fighting conditions that have so often been depicted as easy for fighter pilots.FAME AND SWORDS And "On ski. . and the major attainment was by five hundredth III Gruppe. the itself. the own artillery So much had to move enemy had come into position for the Eastern on the so close that our field. four-engined knowing that American bombing missions from in became worse bomber Colonel Dieter Hrabak. Lemberg more far runway could at- Kom- his southern flank. Italian bases were Mustangs would come with the bombers. JG-52's modore. Gruppe had left Soviet territory aerial victory March. and in a heavy snowstorm. already precarious February and March during the early in April. He would have knew to wait ten to fifteen field was little air situation more than tacks a treacherous bog. retreat. Operations continued sporadically throughout March. the situa- minutes in the pattern before he could land. snowstorm. had often cast an apprehensive eye to inevitable. to transfer to but had to come back because of a heavy transfer was actually carried out 23 March with a cloud ceiling of 100 meters [328 feet]. the entire % thirty- to join the 9th Squadron at Lemberg. Aside from the runway The strikes Erich was often compelled to return from the hunt after essential. later: 22 March However. hard-pressed taxiing times strip was playing host to facilities and and waiting duced operational range and made an single for take-off sharply re- early return from only a few minutes in the action zone. on the Eastern Front. this staff flight tried. Accustomed his 9th to crash transfers to makeshift airstrips. The IO9 the Gruppe was The Kamenets Podol- was impossible because of weather conditions. German The Americans mounted on Rumanian targets. because he tion at the field. In the meantime. Erich Squadron initially viewed the shift to Rumania and as routine. where Erich had added a few on 18 March 1944. The jam-packed Lemberg its tne en ^ of kills after his return than fighters its Long support. The Ameri- can offensive led to orders for the transfer of JG-52 squadrons to Rumania. This unit scored on 21 March 1944. Zilistea Raw young into the air at odds of up but Erich kept intact his record of never having These young in flying. pilots came pilots than a hundred hours' less more vic- came total flying to thirty to one. The other via fly machine iced up. then crashed and across the Carpathians. exemplified by the High 111 Gruppe of JG-52 to Command the High units to the Crimea. was forced to immediately retransfer these A last-ditch effort had to be made to stop the rout in the South and provide protection for the retreating Ger- man Army against the hordes of strafing Russian aircraft. Ju-52 loaded with equipment tried to a burned on the heights. In the brief time available for such instruction. "There are some things that are more important in the overall . it is not necessary for you to go straight to them and attack. to "If See what kind of formation and tactics they are using. but the movement of ground personnel and essential maintenance equipment proved hazardous and time- When consuming. The is had begun pell-mell situation that to rule in the Luftwaffe Command's next decision. in their place. Wait and look and use your reason. despite burdens were increased when the High number of pilots with five or be transferred to the Reich Defense. Flying the aircraft down proved no problem.THE BLOND KNIGHf OF GERMANY 110 The 9th was assigned to the town of Roman. the were accordingly routed Ju-52's Vienna. Having sent Roman. Erich's Command tories ordered that a toll by mid-April 1944. Erich would pass on them the quintessence of his own experience. Operating from Zarnesti near squadron began taking a heavy supply difficulties. Such a pilot will always stand out in the portant to send one see the loss down and experience air. to the front not only inexperienced but also steeped in the old tradition of dogfighting. Erich's of the some with They were hurled Red Air Force. Belgrade and Bucharest when the bad weather per- sisted. lost a wingman. you see enemy aircraft. is more im- enemy pilots psychological effect— than to wade flames— so that its It all the into a twenty-minute dogfight in which nothing happens. in Shoot him down. time. including Erich's 9th Squadron. See is a straggler or if there an uncertain pilot among the enemy. May. tively that the it seemed as though Rail knew intui- dynamic youngster would reach the top of the Rail was right. behind under 1944. Willi Batz took over as tree. he would secure in the 275 kills. Air Force you score a larger all the time. Several battered fighters were made opera- and then the R/T's and armor plate were removed from behind the pilot's seat. orders were received from Galland's transferring fense. Gruppenkommandeur from Rail. Fly with the head and not the muscles. More scoring was in the offing. West. If numeri- is kill and Anyone who does this will not lead an element after it happens. think. think. I Guenther Rail and Walter Krupinski They were two fighters. Three. incessant Soviet one Me-109 operational. 18 April 1944. over fifty victories Erich Hartmann." advice. lost never before. kept a lot of alive. and Erich was temporarily assigned to direct Gruppe operations in the Crimea. Ground personnel who had made emergency modifications then crawled into the pencil-thin these fuse- . as lose your wingman. In April 1944 Erich ran up another nine victories. That's the best advice That On can give you. Between 10 April and 10 former wingman. itself a veritable work horse under condi- of emergency. Rail still of JG-52's best leaders now behind him. Evacuation was essen- tial. Lt. The Crimean JG-52 was ordered out. when young Germans followed. Technical Sergeant Joachim Birkner. Erich and day were commonplace.FAME AND SWORDS 111 picture than just scoring a cally large and getting The Russian kill. but his best scoring days were As Kommodore of JG-11 Reich De- and most formidable held a scoring lead of about victories to bring his tally to to the HQ a few more but another wound and ensuing infection virtually put him out of the war. From the day you make your first flight here at the front you must think. four and even five sorties a streak into his He continued his May 1944. you have the battle. Erich's success did not blind the writing on the wall. In his farewell to Erich. The Me-109 proved tions tional. Eight aircraft Erich's orders as a rear guard. each scored twenty-one victories. but attacks left only retreat by 9 was becoming a were May him left to rout. THE BLOND KnIgHt'oF GERMANY 112 lage— two to an aircraft— and were flown out in and his 7th Erich Squadron Hartmann pilots. when removed. be- them with plenty of spare 30-mm cannon slung under the cause the engine was big enough to capacity. I men in my lift aircraft. his intuition again saved him from of an aggressive Russian pilot. and two available. By two the end of victories May. From Roman. There I carried a couple of wings. a useful addition this by Erich relays to the history of the Me-109: "After pulling out the cockpit armor plate and radio.* personally provides a reminiscence concerning emergency evacuation. Rail and Krupinski have all recounted to the authors details of crowding two mechanics into the after-fuselage of the Me-109. North of On one thirty- May mis- destruction at the hands Jassy. The inspection plate for the R/T. operations began against the Roman to in American B-17's and B-24's that were pounding Rumanian to targets knock that country out of the war. provides a hole big enough for men to crawl inside. firmly believe the no problem with power. where an advance commando unit had prepared the base. lot's "During the emergency evacuation from the Crimea men in the fuselage after I put two removing the radio and armor. By 18 May 1944 the Cri- Erich's squadron was again ordered Rumania. sion. is you could actually put four and if the cubic space were Me-109 could have carried five or men. Russians." six Erich got his squadron out of rally of sorts and I Gruppe staged a out of Zarnesti to keep the ever-present Stormoviks the backs of the off Zilistea. A small man can crouch in there. mean venture was German over. The emergency measure saved ground personnel from capture by the Russians. "If they lay men in the on top Me-109 of each other. Erich had confirmed an additional beyond the nine scored in April. the Luftwaffe moni- Hartmann. fuselage. and infantry. saving them from capture by the. * . with his head alongside the pi- head. you have a baggage compartment perhaps four to four and a half feet long. Major Kovacs of the Hungarian Forces. are Captain Pottjondy (Hungarian Brigade).HUNGARIANS WITH THE LUFTWAFFE: Hungarian pilots to VORLAUF1GES B E S TZ Z E U G N I I JG-52 in 1944 against Russia. Erich DAS EICHENLAUB MIT SCHWERTERN ZUM RITTE RKRE U DES EISERNEN KREUZES AM 2. Boyish "Bubi" posed for this photo about 1 August 1944.d. DEN VERLIEHEN. on 20 July 1944 to accom- pany the Swords award to Erich Hartmann. L ' ']>sr . is the certificate signed by Generaloberst Chief of Luftwaffe Personnel. . 20. Erich Captain Gerhard DER FUHRER UND OBERSTE BEFEHLSHABER DERWEHRMACHT Barkhom of JG-52.L. Jul: 1944 Chef des Luf twaff enpersonalants Generaloberst CERTIFICATE: This lorzer. were attached in the struggle the officers here 102nd Hartmann of JG-52. had scored his 239th aerial combat victory to win the honor. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY: HAT Debonair Erich Alfred Hartmann shortly DEM Oberleutnant Erich Hartmann after being decorated with the "Schwer- tern" (swords) by Chancellor Hitler. Captain Helmut Lipfert oj JG-52 and Captain Heinz Sturm ofJG-52. Lt.Ob. S to From aid left. Juli 1944 Hauptqiiartier d. BELOW lets (JG-52) LEFT: Sgt Junger Hartmann re- out a yell as ports "Bull's eye" for his 300th aerial victory. Other pilots (JG-52 into parking position ana (JG-52 ') . SAFELY DOWN! Hartmann shuts down Me-109G-14 (Werk number 166221) and ground crewmen await his arrival. At left is War Correspondent Heinz Erkert. "One more makes 300!" says Junger holding his finger up. an Airacobra. whirls his the engine. listens as Erich hel- Hartmann reports shooting dow n his 299th victim. (JG-52) victories. wearing met.MOMENTOUS OCCASION 24 August 1944: Radio operator Carl Junger. They throw around his neck! It has some needles in it. CEREMONY: Hartmann to it tries brush the needles out of his collar as he gets ready to receive the plaudits of the 9th Gruppe personnel.CELEBRATION WREATH: 0\ The ground crews have prepared a wreath offerns and flowers. 3AC . DIAMONDS FROM A. adjusts the Dia- monds award at Hartmann s collar. were soused on cognac fed them by the conductor on the long overnight train ride to the mountains. Seide- mann was only one ofmany generals who came to see (JG-52) this "Richthofen " of WWII. ADJUTANT ADJUSTS THE MEDAL: Major von Below.ENROUTE TO THE EAGLE'S NEST: Lt KruMajor Barkhorn. HITLER: Erich Hartmann salutes Adolf Hitler when he schanze on 25 August 1944 highest military award. Russia after his to convey his felici- 300th victory. CONGRATULATIONS!: Commanding General of visited the 9th tations to Gruppe Hartmann in General Seidemann. Hartmann pose in the brisk temperatures in the pinski. All except Wiese. Lt. mountains at Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden enroute to Hitler's Eagle Nest on 4 April 1944. a non-drinker. Hitler's Luftwaffe adjutant. reports to the Wolfto receive Germany's . Major Wiese and Lt. the VIII Flying Corps. Droning along over friendly territory. just fine. On 29 May Erich had flown a successful mission against these Russian concentrations. There girls." barked R/T. Orje Blessin on his wing. Erich was a let his little Roman weary. Blessin could be relied on to follow orders. All three aircraft went hurtling toward the deck at full throttle. before. and was returning to his base at with Lt. singing and some Rumanian would be a relief mulled over would provide. we are having less and less to celebrate. As Erich began closing in on the Russian. the ing into one of the best. target fixation. insistent. Blessin was in position. Erich happily the forthcoming party and the relaxation it would be schnapps. "Karaya Two. Erich knew he could shoot down the Russian if the right ma- action. Good comrade Willi had been several years finding himself as a fighter pilot. the Red He had pilot never looked back or took evasive The Russian was so utterly determined to shoot down Blessin he forgot about his own tail. Pull up. 3— a Red fighter about to hold his triggers down on Erich swung his head around to be sure his Erich's wingman." Make a shallow turn to the right so I can . electrical shock. "Break right! Erich into the Break right and go into a steep dive. These days. and he took imme- diate evasive action as a stream of Russian tracer sliced through the air where his fighter had been plunged after the diving German right and went racing instants fighter. The Russian Erich immediately broke after the Russian. close the enemy. and now he was turnWilli Batz. but lancing in on him was an uninvited No. Lieutenant Blessin was a sharp young pilot. neuver were executed. Snapping back to attention. Erich's lifesaving intuition overrode these pleasant thoughts like a small. The party from the incessant grind of operations. thought Erich to himself. and he thoughts roam to the party that was planned that night for new Gruppenkommandeur\ Willi had shot down fourteen planes in three missions.FAME AND SWORDS tors 113 had determined that approximately 375 Russian fighters and 370 ground-attack aircraft faced JG-52's atrophied formations. wingman was still with him. Erich looked . The stick forward. The Stormoviks were intent on their victims. still victories. Erich went and made Russians neglected their tails. Erich shook his final fiery. strike The first and Erich breaking away was on the second Stormovik. shedding burning Watching the black smoke. But for that sharp intuitional warning— the dread feeling in the backside— the smoke might well have been climbing head. Shells blast shook the hammered bullets the Russian machine blew up air as and went tumbling down. into a shallow dive. again. sians than to most of Germany's immortals in the needed 250 He pyre. "Look back now. See what happens when you don't watch your tail.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 114 Blessin obeyed. Once more. Karaya Two. The Russian had both him and Blessin cold. better known gained in to the Rus- his Luftwaffe contemporaries. Down at full tilt com- and hold- Russian exploded from in perfect position for a to point-blank range he and again the Russian staggered and went down burnAnother pass on the third Stormovik." Erich pressed his gun buttons and the cannon and machine guns roared in a Red fighter. the July 1944. a fighter pilot Hartmann reached fame. Speeding away from the scene of battle. a full burst. for to join On victories. Pushing the ing up from behind and below the Stormoviks ing his fire until the last fifty yards. A and full burst. Erich air for that score. into the him and Karaya One to have gone down the same way. Erich went slicing across the Russian's pursuit turn and was soon approaching point-blank range on the Red fighter's right quarter. of the Flying above a layer of ragged cloud. Erich spotted three IL-2's doing their devil's work on German artillery positions. He twenty months of combat. the end of June 1944. and another went ing. as they circled at low altitude strafing passes. explosion. easy it would have been up from Erich Hartmann's funeral more By in gratitude flew back to Roman than triumph. was had 247 1 final year of the war. How and pieces trailing impact. and with it. Erich permanent rugged Stormoviks figured in the historical life Blond Knight. a full burst. Bimmel?" the armorer. I fired only one hundred and thought you should know. his momentarily cooling the exuberance of the obvious agitation gathering. dazzling news gave the celebration . had Rail had been next. advice came from Hitler's HQ been awarded the Swords to that First Lt. had celebration just got under way when Bimmel burst The in. soon to die in the Me-262 been to reach fighter pilot of first victories. party fresh stimulus. like Galland. Bimmel Mertens and his back and took care of the whom crew thumped their young C. "What is "It's it. Ihlefeld and Gerd Barkhorn.FAME AND SWORDS 115 back and saw three smoke palls marking the crashes of the Stormoviks. For three kills. A sir. jet against the American heavies." "Anything wrong?" "No sir. Just as proceedings began to slow down. classical heroes First Lt. no. Willi Batz. lieutenant had qualified for the Swords in the history of the decoration. Moelders and Luetzow. When he landed. daredevils like Heinz Baer and "Guile" Oesau. 250 this level of success. then Gerd Barkhorn and Otto "Bruno" Kittel of JG-54— only five fighter pilots all told. celebrated with them. Erich his Knight's Cross. Other squadron mates chaired the shyly happy Blond Knight from the airfield to the mess. But you twenty rounds. the Blond Knight was the JG-52 since of aces Guenther Rail had reached first. and the world-famed Marseille and Nowotny. Hermann Graf had won the Swords on 18 May 1942— more than two years previously. the exalted de- gree of the Iron Cross standing above the Only one other first Hartmann had Oak Leaves.O. of Erich was the last. said Erich. As a squadron leader with JG-52. The award of the Swords placed Erich Hartmann among Ger- The The pilots boosted the Blond Knight on many's famous soldiers. dedicated leaders like Rail. on the aircraft. Only a handful Major Walter Nowotny. The fighter pilots who had won the Swords were the Luftwaffe's men of legend. Nothing wrong." roar of admiration erupted from the throng of pilots and the schnapps began flowing. No others would share their company. the Gruppenkommandeur. sir. Splintered the scorch marks of an explosion were the backdrop against which a changed Hitler moved to greet * Karaya He was second was the radio or identification of Erich's combat One and his wingman was Karaya Two. did his spirits. 3 The walls. His ensuing little field the Swords. Then his heart could find his thoughts raced to Stuttgart.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY Il6 their shoulders once more and chaired him around the dugout bar. Erich was with them but not one of them. August 1944 Erich entered the wooden barracks building which Hitler had survived the 20 July bomb plot against his life. "Karaya* One! Karaya One! Schwertern (Swords) for Karaya . adulation and parties. young man. Karaya flight call sign flight. thing seemed almost unreal. The smile that flickered occasionally on his handsome face was happy enough. He chased and kill him in turn. . Generals and marshals had won The honor was front-line soldiers. because their award meant another brief leave with Usch. there that night in the dugout bar." One! . HQ Swords from the at Inster- Fiihrer. to receive the to On in lift but Erich was not an ex- he had been when he won the Knight's Cross and the Oak Leaves. cited as great. How crazy this war was. That was To those wanted from who were life was to be with his was after day. Somehow. together with a handful of valiant. Usch. The chanting. Russian boys and they tried to All he really would wonderful. yes. probably out there on the this One minute. visit to Hitler's burg in East Prussia. Erich Hartmann seemed detached and withdrawn. leader of the . structure beams out still of showed the plumb and effects of the blast. deadly scoring this game day He meant medals. His thoughts turned to the devoted Birnmel. he out of place amid the uproar staged in his felt The whole honor. what The Swords were to ensure the ship it really sought from supposed to be playing where alone life. The was Karaya Three and his wingman was Karaya Four. cheering and singing dinned into Erich's brain. Success field killed crazy. sweating over Karaya never fail him. As the young flyers celebrated the award of the second highest decoration of the Third Reich. but the cast of his features was sad. who ended the war with 121 night * Decorated victories. This spared to hand. To the best of his front-line fighting mann remembers would put bomb a Any to escape himself. and reactionary cowards. so untrue that he a his recollection.FAME AND SWORDS 117 a group of ten Luftwaffe heroes. face to face." Erich left the Wolf's redoubt overborne by a dark intuition. that is hopeful period ahead.* Erich was shocked at the ap- pearance of the Fuhrer. Hitler moved slowly. but men. my then in this building that sorry that through this cowardly act other good livered officer as a soldier. do not understand Model and do not officers first I try officers. Schoerner. so that I I think why I believe God may lead Germany in this change the whole course of the war. crying about heavy fighting I and but never are these generals killed or wounded with their men. in his physi- he shook hands with Erich. Most of Rommel. "I message for like this: it "Never would I have believed would be so cowardly. I expect that the Anglo- be turned into another Dunkirk. the Fuhrer had to turn his ear toward whoever spoke. in the . "For the future American invasion are will new weapons I am will optimistic. by the explosion. while the right hung slackly at his ex- His side. were killed and badly wounded. The Fuhrer on one side was deeply enraged. There of incredible power coming my life on July 20. except furthermore that me have them running to losses. and on the other full same ceremony was Major Heinz.Wolfgang Schnaufer. I the truth. He was a shadow of the man Erich right ear deafened left had met he nevertheless had at Berchtesgaden. the top Luftwaffe night-fighter ace. me and could have drawn his pistol and shot me. Hart- HQ their jobs. the compelling quality of personality that had struck Erich cal tended his left few months before immersed now a When awkwardness. it possible that a in this building to kill who was officer German he was taught to all German looked in the pockets of am men me. step find I tell is to my day have never am left alive God while has de- hunt down these counter- my General Staff my generals. Hitler hand. His speech had been slow and quiet. mentum Erich umph The in Hitler. and even what could be seen were clearly gaining in the Luftwaffe itself. but not reassuring— not something that the Fiihrer could have the front. periences of the past year. that the Swords had brought him fame. steadiness he could summon He felt He tri- was un- disturbed by the ruin he older and wiser for the ex- and he knew he would need for at mo- what lay ahead. but deeply could see engulfing Germany. all the . dated by his new eminence. Every henceforth would be studied and celebrated.1 f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY ll8 of hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation. knew you believe in spite of forces of disintegration Germany. Dislike for an ideology or a regime must be set aside in assessing the historical facts of Soviet air power. Front exceeded one hundred and of recording conclusion Hartmann the top-scoring British and fighter aces. and the disasters that have befallen the German people since 1941 may be deemed to have originated in their leaders' underestimation of the Soviet colossus.Chapter Nine HAWKS STALIN Seek out your enemy! Do not ask how strong the enemy is. This conclusion can be justified only in a limited way. the seems inescapable that Hartmann and other high- Eastern Front aces faced inferior opposition— both in planes and pilots. Sketches already presented of fellow aces in JG-52 reveal that scoring combat early in his of the Soviet fighter pilots many German victories. West is outside accepted German aces in then the notable achievements of Soviet industry and Russian fighter aces will be obscured. Americans and British alike have long shared a fatu- ous conceit concerning Russian achievements. Germans. the space race should have deflated . If but little known in the Russian inferiority in planes and pilots as a universal explanation for the success of the Russia. aces Since the Hartmann's on the Eastern German methods verifying victories were accurate and reliable. but where he is to be found. —Motto tively exceeded the American 1939-1945 totals of Erich career. because on many aspects of the Eastern Front air war bearing fighter operations are Germany. For the Americans. .. uncritically convince The over the Steppes. far outstripping the The Germans in this sphere. . t Ill New York: Macmillan. one fighter that was superior to the Me-109 m most the war progressed. and Famous Fighters of the Second World War (London: Macdonald & Co. In evaluating the Eastern Front achievements.: War Planes of the Second World War. first-line aircraft Some often su- of these machines were flown by the top-scoring Allied aces of the war— Russian lots who handily outscored the British and the Americans.Y. of a low standard of living The its Soviet Union's combination with brilliant technical achievements confounds the conventional Western mind and leads to massive errors of judgment. assault In truth. the on air- by the Soviet Union were approximately twice those suffered by the Anglo-American gest air air air forces. Du t also accomplished prodigies of aircraft production. an error is air committed ourselves that he was shooting enemy could and did shoot war and Erich Hartmann's we if down ducks back. There to regard the major arena of craft losses sustained is a natural tendency in Anglo-American aerial conflict. The big- war was fought on the Eastern Front. and unbiased view of Erich Hartmann's victory fore focus primarily tally A must pifair there- on the quality of the Russian opposition. 1961). with perior in performance to the Me-109. 1961). Soviet Air 'and Rocket Forces (Garden City. both and human. Doubleday. * See Asher Lee. technical Published engineering data* precludes the theory of inferior Russian aircraft as a blanket explanation of high From had German scores. "Horrido!" Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe 7 \ dealt extensively with the character of the East- ern Front air war and the differences between this vast conflict and the air struggle in Western countries Germany as the the West. 1968.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 120 now by the sense of universal superiority held by America in attitudes toward things Russian. N. authors in their previous book. Vol. the Russians at least As respects. William Green. the beginning of the Russo-German conflict. (London: Macdonald & Co. 1961). the Soviet aircraft industry not only produced other types of fighters superior to the many vari- ants of the Me-109. Tactical ground support remained the primary mission of the Soviet Air Force even after the 1939 reorganization. the took terrible toll of bomb-carrying Soviet fighters the invaders. Overall nu- merical strength was estimated at about 10. nearly to carry fitted every periority fighters that bomber strikes available aircraft. As a conse- quence. was one of the Luftwaffe's most complete triumphs.STALIN HAWKS 121 Reorganized in 1939 to gradually become a separate service from the in Red Army. including fighters. con- cluded that the Divisions Red Air Force had between forty and containing approximately fifty Air 162 regiments. The Air Division under the reorganization became the largest unit. preparations for . the air The Rata was combat a single- in the Spanish Rata was being replaced by when Germans struck. Less than a quarter of the Russian conversion to modern monoplanes had been achieved when the Luftwaffe arrived to make bonfires the Lagg-3 fighters out of the Soviet parked on bases along the front. Subsequent Soviet Air Force orders forbade Russian pilots of fighters carrying bombs to engage German air superiority fighters. The Soviet Union was in many respects better prepared for the challenges of the air war than were Britain in 1939 1941. was German air su- accompanied Luftwaffe bomber and fighter- bombs. six air regiments German made up of four estimates of Soviet air strength. Special attention and America and planning was devoted in in Russia to building up a reserve of trained pilots. each Air Divi- from three to sion consisting of or five squadrons per regiment. air fleets virtual eradication of Soviet air Russia in the first the power The as a factor in the defense of ninety days.500 airplanes. ness. the I-151 its and I-153. the Soviet Air Force had previously been hampered development through its army tight control. In early encounters. at the time of the invasion of Russia in June 1941. War. biplane introduced to seat. Similarly. The Germans until interrogation of attributed this to a lack of aggressive- downed Russian pilots revealed the truth. so that combat was often refused by intercepting the Russians. Red or fighter forces later variants. gull-wing Civil were equipped primarily with the I-16 Rata. Obsolescent MIG-3 and in 1941. the legend that all month.R. Germans felt superior. Russian losses were severe throughout the war. As a consequence. Never- virtual unanimity concerning the quality of the Guards Fighter Regiments. Despite air combat was some kind of easy picnic for the Germans has enjoyed such long currency that rule out it has become almost The facts the Red Air a historical doctrine. too.S. Hartmann Front combat to the fighter asin the West. being shot down. "Often there were ten of us against three Those are long odds." quality. both technically and psycho- This was especially true of the top theless there is German pilots.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 122 large-scale were so production on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis aircraft advanced by 1941 that the Russians were able to recover rapidly from the air blitzkrieg of June and July 1941. The hails of bomber streams on lead and steel that filled the air made it inevitable that a pilot constantly in action would fly into some stray projectiles someErich likens Eastern the Allied saults time. in contrast to the degeneration of pilot training that plagued the Luftwaffe fighter strategic bomber allowed armament factories and flying schools Luftwaffe. .1944 the Russians dominated Front and were after far superior tactically to their these facts. In day-to-day operations over long periods. mid-air collision was almost as likely as We had to plan our attacks against these we never would have survived. The Russians maintained a steady flow of pilots from their training far schools to man the flood of fighters that poured from Soviet fac- tories. Russian aerial tide that grew air reached the front. the U. any blanket conclusion that flying against Force was easy. all this ma- Germany's lack of a four-engined force. the elite These Russians earned the Germans' of the Soviet fighter arm. it power became an irresistible in strength with the passage of every By mid. respect. the logically. A hundred Russians. to operate vast beyond the reach of the teriel and personnel had From late to be dealt with 1942 onward. the experience of German hordes with great care or As to Russian pilot aces on the Eastern Front varies widely. the air over the Eastern Russian Front 1941 status. but their fighter improved steadily pilots as the war progressed.S. ace with thirty Hawk named kills. and that he might fore escape. and led the searching infantry to the thick- downed German. aggressive. There is a widespread and ill serves the re- irrational prejudice against considering the Eastern Front air war as comparable to the Western Front air struggle. Using Erich Hartmann as an All the leading example. Lavrinekov saw that would probably not locate the German. pilots in history ever faced the of the Germans on the Eastern but the facts are that were half life Front. American and hearing by whose scores British scores. involving a young Stalin Lt. Their operations were vitalized by the same kind of unquenchable morale that characterized the immortal "Few" of the Battle of Britain. The young Russian to the crashed ets in units there- lieutenant landed his fighter next Me-109. strangled him to ace returned immediately to his fighter and took off in a cloud of dust. his fourteen hundred sorties and eight hundred aerial .109 in a flat field. Lavrinekov and watched the German pilot land Luftwaffe pilot scrambled from the cockpit and dashed for cover in a nearby gully filled with trees and underbrush. The Russian the gully. An Vladimir D. German aces on the Eastern Front were either shot down or forced down many times. some flying of the finest fighter aircraft in existence. and pouncdeath with his hands. the Soviet Union's The top Russian as large again as the best have remained in obscurity fighter odds that were the daily way of outstanding fighter aces have not been accorded a chroniclers of the conflict. tactically formidable. Red Army Circling low over the scene. downed an Me. The in battle. Lavrinekov. real fighter types.STALIN HAWKS Crack Soviet They were the fearless and 123 pilots were concentrated in the Guards Regiments. no fair pilots. Lavrinekov found the ing on him. The top-scoring Allied fighter desire to denigrate every- thing Russian on account of ideological enmities cording of history. The Guards Regiments produced the pilots of the Second World War. for a quarter of a century. The aggressive spirit of these Soviet pilots is illustrated in a re- markable incident near Orel. Similarly. leaving his dead foe at the feet of the open-mouthed Russian infantrymen. The exposure rate of these pilots was the highest in history. S. War. but masses of Russian pilots still took their toll of the Germans in the long battle of attrition. but young man it is possible of thirty-one. Bong. made inevitable that he would be He tion of his encounters. were probably the most fighters. the I Attack. Rail.R. tories Pacific victories I. most of them fought against high numerical odds. ern Zone historical count of of Germany work of in 1956. highly polemical ac- supreme experience of which is his admission . the law of averages and sheer chance cal it re- downed one way or another. and seven other Soviet pilots are than the top-scoring Anglo-American against the Luftwaffe. Wherever the Guards Regiments were operating. the numeri- odds against them. during the 1930s. His an unanswered question nearly twenty years that he did so since he was at that time a United States military authorities later. interest his life. Kozhedub is reported to have commanded the North Korean Air Division of fighters in 1951-1952 during the Korean equipped with MIG-15 units were craft which were lighter air- USAF F-86E and F-86F "Sabres" with which they Whether Kozhedub flew any combat sorties in Korea is than the did battle. Congressional Medal of Honor. is pilots Kozhedub's autobiography. at a tactical disadvantage in a propor- estimates that approximately two hun- dred times he found himself under the guns of Soviet While Hartmann.S. stood below the Guards in skill. Ivan Kozhedub was born in 1920 in the Ukraine. got into flying through one of the many avia- tion clubs that flourished in the U. the son of a He factory worker. the Luftwaffe sulted in their being The could be sure of solid opposition. Air Force led him to a decoration approxi- mately corresponding to the U. scored sixty-two aerial vic- war. jets. and believe it Kozhedub added to his sixty-two kills of the Second World War. His career with the Guards Regiments three awards of of the Red Hero of the Soviet Union.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 124 battles. with his forty victories scored in the Theater of Operations.S. more credited with Major Richard ace. The top Soviet ace of the Major General Ivan Kozhedub. is was published What should in the East- and could have been a instead a turgid. feel certain that skilled Russian possible that did fly combat in Korea. Barkhorn and the other top German aces skilled air fighters of all time. superiors He persisted in filing and eventually he wore down by sheer persistence. His transfer was finally his approved. Hero is credited with fifty-nine and during the war he of the Soviet units fre- Colonel Alexander Pokryshkin of the Guards Regiment.STALIN HAWKS to the Communist 12$ Every aspect of party. but achievements of Russian pioneer aviator Valery Chkalov. which distorts even as it colors a brilliant flying career. however. which operated under the Soviet Ossoaviakim scheme. Pokryshkin soon soloed suc- cessfully. Still serving as an aircraft mechanic. He began ing. early school days through to his winning his country's highest decoration. Whatever sense might have induced Red Air of egalitarianism the Russian Revolution in Pokryshkin joined the fighter squadron. and one quently opposed JG-52. "Sacha" Pokryshkin confirmed whose Union also won his Gold three times. Pokryshkin joined a fighter training unit at Kacha. The international fraternity of old aces could recount many similar stories. Pokryshkin was inspired during his Siberian boyhood by the He left at Novosibirsk to seek his fortune via aviation school. and then graduated to powered flight. and passed his pilot's examination. but superiors his filing semiannual requests for transfer to pilot train- mechanical aptitudes were so outstanding that his consistently denied his requests to become Pokryshkin. and was shortly afterward assigned to a regular fighter unit of the Force. his home his enthusiasm turned to dismay when he found that the aviation school was strictly for mechanics and not for flying training. would not be put off or put down. a He flyer. is Star as aerial victories. The most famous Soviet fighter ace. from his career. Pokryshkin also learned parachute jumping. is seen through a red prism. Pokryshkin's career many common elements with those of numerous German and Allied aces. was given a rude He was still jolt when he wearing mechanic's in- . joined the Krasnodar Aviation Club. At the age of twenty-four he took his first hop in October 1937 in a lumbering U-2. requests for transfer to piloting. he learned glider flying. and like Erich Hartmann in Germany. Regardless of the uniform worn or the flag has served under. most fighter aces have been through the much same fires in the same way. written by Captain Rene Paul Fonck of France. hair-trigger initiative— were blunted in millions of fies The men who fighting—high indi- that the qualities essential to success in air viduality. and he sketched maneuvers and those of this routine his was looked on as throughout his combat career. His able. This Second World War for Russia. determined theories and maneuvers tending them to the fit mock aerial combat. favor during this period He by keeping a diary and setting concepts as they developed. and studious. of a had been fight the something inherently bad and bourgeois.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 126 signia on him. a classic book on First World War through his did historians a My down his Air Com- fighter tactics. and his uniform. Pokryshkin was able to avoid dynamic and avid this sidetrack largely interest in aerial tactics. and battled logical barrier as pilots. to- mass psychology in which individualism outlook became structural in the generation of young were to He opponents. steel nerve was the usual Germans who fought them most part had to veri- overcome a psycho- more challenging than the techniques They conquered the latter. young Russians. with the former. trends of post-revolutionary culture in Russia ward the production in his . Fonck was the top Allied fighter ace of the war. and his detailed knowledge of pilots. more and en- They soon accepted him completely. substitute. far of result quick decision. His mechanic's training in mathematics had endowed him with diary his tactical all maintained The a drive for precision. while they considered themselves legitimate The undaunted Pokryshkin soon proved than just an upstart mechanic. His Bible was tactical bats. himself to be was undeni- fine piloting skill aircraft construction gines far exceeded that of his fellow pilots. He was would barely his fellow pilots talk to stigmatized in their eyes because he was an ex- mechanic. but the range of his knowledge would normally have diverted him into service as an instructor. Dogmatic The experience of the that the Russians for the was modern aircraft design. with seventy-five confirmed aerial victories. He in exin- troduced innovations. Pokryshkin practiced Fonck's Serious. modifying and new generations of fighter planes. the elated Pokryshkin: "Success depends on firing from close range. He resorted to his mathematical background for the answer. swift in developing this Sokolov. leaving the tle side. who flew mode and violent Pokryshkin became attack. and he followed the gunnery instructions in the Air Force manuals to the letter. compute the proper initial Pokryshkin drew more maneuverto . When of bringing the other still to learn. These labors brought him to the reached by Erich Hartmann in actual combat Wrote same conclusion many years later. he turned man down by gunfire. He became a great ace because he comprehended from the outset the importance of the individual in aerial combat. He sat down and figured out trajectories. he could see how an exceptional pilot in an inferior aircraft might well defeat a less competent opponent superior machine. Hundreds of rounds flew off into the blue while the drogue suffered three or four hits. A puzzled Pokryshkin could not understand his inability to hit the target in the air. he found he had much When he prac- firing pass after another Sacha couldn't shoot to save himself.STALIN HAWKS Born 127 in 1913. Sokolov "The to be factors of firel" Pokryshkin had devoted himself primarily to aerobatics and maneuvering. Pokryshkin was through childhood his formative before the compulsive elements of Soviet education had years time to work on him in depth. many He air-to-air shooting from a mathematical stand- covered pages with involved calculations. Pokryshkin wrote in his diary: victory are maneuver and named squadron he joined." Convinced that the problem was position for point-blank attack. His approaches were perfect. Through his endless sketches and persistent studies of maneuver. savage strike immediately. His early guide of attack was a veteran fighter pilot with him in the first insisted that the sudden. Hartmann on the German all in a the experi- ence he acquired in Like Erich a devotee of the sudden. This conviction was reinforced by mock combat. bullet velocities and the problems of point. and drew graphs. ticed with a drogue target until his his attention to the actual business he made one ammunition was exhausted. enemy won the psychological bat- and ready pilot rattled shot out of the sky. the young Russian tyro fighter pilots their lives. Lieutenant Semyonov as his wingman. Both found the validity of their conclusions verified in actual combat. pilot. The German fighter burst afire and went roaring earthward. invasion of Russia in 1941. that I firing defi- buttons at a time should already be swerving was taking a big risk. stall turn that brought him around on the Ger- Closing in to point-blank range.THE BLOND K N I G if T O 128 ing diagrams for this purpose of anticipation. "When we 'What in hell landed. fascinated by the fiery spectacle. off GERMANY He wrote of his experiment: was secret and took 1? For a young inaccuracy and all the rules. on me like that? You could kill my hand nor eye deceived me. three at lower altitude German element. The slightest should be pumping lead into the towing plane I instead of the cone. That in-fighting in air combat means. German fighter zoomed and Pokryshkin swift climb toward the higher The pilot of the leading countered with a man's the tail. and with deadly accuracy. his The . The abil- similarity of their concepts and findings seems remarkable. the next day in a fever approached the cone from a I and attacked. an encountered Pokryshkin's With MIG-3 times during the period of Hartmann's service. Exulting over his error that cost many first kill. Pokryshkin in a and two above his Russian element. Pokryshkin found no reason to question the accuracy of At the time was of the German his prewar findings." Pokryshkin through mathematical analysis had found the same basic tactical formula that Erich would ity find for him many Hartmann's native analytical years later. fighters of Two he flew a recce mission to JG-52 later days Jassy. trailing smoke. pressing on the when. Sacha sent a burst into Me-109 from all guns. made the same He watched victim plunging downward. after the first German area in which the fighters many assault. In over six hundred sorties and in fifty-nine victories. the pilot who towed made you crowd in But neither fellow that way'/ continued is what firing the drogue was furious. Pokryshkin hauled back on the stick and began a sighted five Me-ioc/s. "The nite angle as follows. according to aside. a I from short range. Pokryshkin a fully-fledged fighter pilot serving in the Ukraine. half- crouching in his cockpit behind his armor plate— like Erich Hart- mann on His first escape. combat mission— he went hedgehopping home. Pokryshkin put his MIG-3 and into a dive to deck level. Galland almost lost and was wounded. His leadership. Rail ended up in a crash that broke his back and put him at death's door. The bold Pokryshkin. in later battles he found that was prompt and appropriate. Sacha snapped back to business as his port wing was stricken riven by a series of cannon shells and went lancing past tracer his canopy. Taught to fly and fight in horizontal planes before the war. with his mode proved in hot war. He never ceased studying the art of aerial maneuver. He flew in- numerable reconnaissance missions. moves so much his response to a part of his existence that doing the right thing in enemy He had made moves and he was combat— and staying alive as attacks counter- instinctively a result.STALIN HAWKS 129 German's wingman bounced Pokryshkin while he watched the show. Improved aircraft performance and the new low-wing monoplane era tactics. the ver in Russians were rapidly re-educated to the 1942 aerial tors to He realities by 1941- combat. knowledge of aircraft of his . Against the advice more conservative comrades he practiced the snap-roll as a speed-killing maneuver to make pursuing Germans overshoot and thus become his victims. Pokryshkin thus learned this his life fundamental lesson in the same way as two of Germany's finest pilots. new opened vertical maneuver and Pokryshkin was among the most to fighter significant contribu- Russian tactical development. Pokryshkin's innovations were largely responsible for breaking the Soviet Air Force out of the strait jacket of horizontal maneu- which all prewar Soviet fighter doctrine had been confined. used the climbing spiral often for evasion. but seldom tangled with Ger- man and fighters. nevertheless got fighter-to-fighter combat until of attack now clearly opportunity for more little the autumn of 1941. triumph had been tempered by the narrowness of his his first Fighter aces Guenther Rail confess could not resist the of eminence of Adolf Galland and when they to being similarly clobbered watching a spectacular crash. and his abilities as a tutor brought to the front rank of Russian fighter pilot personalities. With good and aircraft knowledge and experience distilling his Maneuver. maneuver and performance combat. down set all these details dugout walls with diagrams. into four words: "Altitude. their weaknesses. forced landings and his comrades were often aghast at the shattered condition of his fighter when he staggered back from battles with the Luftwaffe. The German. What Pokryshkin taught others he had himself wrought in the memory permitted him of war. They painted their aircraft in wild colors. making them aces by experience and tutoring. His photographic fires details of every in sketch form. Over the Kuban Peninsula. times JG-52 radio monitors were startled to hear Russian R/T transmitters switch on to German frequencies. enemy was Pokryshkin's passion for knowing his He insatiable. the Guards like Fighter Regiments were afraid of no one in the Many air. not only kept detailed records of maneuvers. but it was the common possession of the Guards Regiments. Pokryshkin was shot He to recall graphs' German pilots he He made numerous faced. leaders Fire/' Pokryshkin. keep them and He as a He alive prelude took pains to . Pokryshkin developed his basic formula for aerial combat. to of leadership. The Russians would throw down the gauntlet with a challenge in "Beware. Speed.THE BLOND KNIGlfT OF GERMANY T 130 him design and engineering. Pokryshkin resembled Erich Hartmann in yet another way. ace Pokryshkin is in the air!" This kind of fighter pilot morale was probably exceptional on the Russian side. superior to the rugged at length on the qualities to be pilot in and defi- considered the best Soviet fighter planes German bird. in and hung down many times. regiment again mixed for his protracted period with JG-52. believed in the careful guidance of as a to fundamental accomplishment new pilots. but also flew captured German He these maneuvers and wrote ciencies of the German put himself in the place of a He Me-109. his Like the top charts. where a what he believed carefully noting fighters. and in every way were the counterparts of the best fighter units in other air forces. favoring brilliant red patterns. all German pilots. STALIN HAWKS 131 explain the art of maneuver. "Daddy" Moelders had the same kind of precise mentality as Pokryshkin. is owed their credited with over the Luftwaffe. Star as taught them to bring in their shoot- of the top-scoring Russian aces success to his tutoring. and like. many it is of them possible that the Blond Knight did encounter the famous Russian. leader and tactician. allowed them to enjoy a prosperous middle age in contemporary Germany. purposes the authors include a with thirty or more aerial with the Soviet via or forced air historian victories. but nor can it be said with certainty more than eight against formations com- that they were never direct aerial antagonists. As of . nize him His fame is well-earned. In hundred aerial manded by battles. Propagandist distortions of the Russians should not be permitted to obscure Pokryshkin's achievements as a fighter ace. but no one can say for sure. Pokryshkin. Erich more with Colonel Werner Moelders than with any other Luftwaffe pilot and fighter leader. Mosskov. and Miss Jean Alexander of London. Both aces were shot For down historical fighter aces down many times. As Russia's best-known Pokryshkin thus fought ace. fifty victories He Klubov was twice awarded the Gold of the Soviet Union. to Hartmann. by their own present-day admission. The Russian was about the same age as Moelders. number ing eye. she is and the associated. and a Hero who Alexander Klubov. and the German leader's careful direction of young pilots has. and it is appropriate to recog- book since he fought so frequently against Erich in this Hartmann's units There is in JG-52. who was largely responsible for freeing the Luftwaffe of old-fashioned tactics inherited from the First World War. using his profound knowledge backed up by his beloved diagrams. was broken in and trained for leadership by Pokryshkin. and his tactical insight and perseverance in developing new methods are strongly reminis- nevertheless can be equated cent of Moelders. M. British Cassidy Group of researchers with whom This list of Soviet list originated reached the authors air historian. no firm evidence that Pokryshkin and Erich Hartmann ever fought each other aloft. Pokryshkin a great degree tactically thought like. Dimitri Borisovich 50 Klubov. Soviet Aces of World War II: Kozhedub. Vasilii Nikoleevich Skomorokhov. Georgi Dmitrievich Morgunov. Ivan Nikifirovich Golovachev. Mikhail Yevdekimovich Gul'tyaev. Nikolai Sazonovich 35 Gnido. Anatoli Gavrilovich Kuznetsov. Sultan 32 32 32 31 31 3° list of Soviet . Nikolai Fedorovich 39 38 Koldunov. Ivan Markovich 48 46 46 46 Vorozheikin. Ivan Nikitich Chislov. Viktor Fedorovich Golubev. Aleksei Konstantinovich 32 Stepanenko. Pavel Mikhailovich Lavrinekov. Alexander Ivanovich 59 58 Rechkalov. Aleksei Vasil'evich 40 Golubev.THE BLOND KNIGHT* OF GERMANY 132 November 1967 it is believed to be the most accurate aces available. Mikhail Sergeovich Krasnov. Nikolai Mikhailovich Kostilev. Andreii Yegorovich Zelenkin. Aleksandr Vasil'ovich Lukyanov. Ivan Il'ich Kamozin. Grigorii Kapitanovich Dolgikh. Kirill Alekseevich 57 52 Glinka. Aleksandr Ivanovich Babak. Sergei Danilovich Pivovarov. Fedor Mikhailovich Borovykh. Vladimir Dmitrievich 37 37 36 36 36 36 35 35 35 Pavlushkin. Nikolai Fedorovich Ryazanov. Mikhail Mikhailovich 34 34 34 34 32 32 Komelkov. Arsenii Vasil'evich Kubarev. Petr Andreevich Kotchekov. Aleksandr Mikhailovich Chubkob. Niklaev Dmitrievich Yevstigneev. Sergei 43 42 Popkov. Grigorli Andreevich Gulaev. Vitalii Ivanovich 41 Alelyukhin. Viktor Vasil'evich Akmet-Khan. Vasilii Fedorovich Luganskii. Aleksandr Fedorovich 50 Pilipenko. Ivan Nikitch 62 Pokryshkin. Pavel Yekovlevich Kirilyuk. Sergei Ivanovich 34 34 Sytov. Fedor Fedorovich Bobrov. Petr Yakovlevich 30 Makharov. Ivan Dmitrievich 30 Likholetov. Aleksei Stepanovich 30 . Vladimir Ivanovich 30 30 Glinka. Valentin Nikoleevich 30 Pokryshev. Petr Afanas'evich 30 Khlobystov.STALIN HAWKS 133 Arkhipenko. Boris Borisovich 30 Likhobabiyi. were tactically ever before. American and about the same numbers MIGs hordes of YAKs. Stormoviks and at an alarming sharper ment now than aircraft ace-leaders most rate. An German aggressive targets on his pilot on the Eastern Front could doorstep in the abounded within fifteen summer minutes of of 1944. take-off. and their red-painted Guards Regitalent. Pokryshkin.Chapter Ten DOWN AND DIAMONDS 300 If Aye be Jousting's rightful King. he had obliterated more July 1944 aircraft. Air Force aircraft he found the numerical superiority of the Red more evident than were present in ever. numerous rhubarbs and continuing success and for Erich. Red this find aircraft meant Between 20 and 22 August 1944. in the entire Luftwaffe— running neck . Uncertain communications and confirmations of victories had Erich and Gerd— scoring honors was delays in official the man he admired most and neck for several weeks. Laggs. as always. These men were dangerous. he shot down another thirty-two With 282 victories to his credit. than fifteen squadrons of Soviet aircraft. Rechlakov and like but the were multiplying fighter pilots were manned by top-grade whom of The Russian British lend-lease had fifty or more others. —Anonymous en week Erich returned to the Russian Front during the third in July 1944. The Guards had Kozhedub. His only rival now for top- Gerd Barkhorn. victories against the Luftwaffe. then Sov'reigns be my Peers. incredulous. but within a short time there were others to share his distinction. Walter Nowotny Komonly to be out- . with 300 Hartmann. but a challenge of a different kind still lay ahead. but were hot on Gollob's heels.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS A 135 great dogfighter. 23 August 1944. possibility for Erich the brilliant but underestimated other historic new mark. and then victories The as the days rolled on. Eight victories in three He had missions brought his score to 290 victories. Like Rail before him. the gifted Colonel went on Germany had been proud and almost 100 victories now seemed a remote an imminent When tension in the squadron Werner "Daddy" exceeded von Richthofen's First World War when record of 80 victories. it Oesau and others the 200 victory mark. Barely four years ago. Erich had a big day. By comparison. of Ploesti against the USAAF in ing the ceiling of his hospital away at the On Red Air Badly wounded in the defense June of 1944. Gerd was kept study- room while Erich kept hammering Force. but a lucky Ivan or an accident might rob him became more marked Moelders had first of the prize. A fever of anticipation gripped Erich's squadron mates as the incredible total of three historic hundred aerial victories drew The attainment lay within his grasp. Consistent his scoring more once he found shooting eye. of mando. he his and steady owed his in eminence to this quality than to wildly spectacular days of multiple downings. all challenge to Erich's leadership was over. Barkhorn stood out in what the Germans called the "circus" type of air fighting. passed Gerd Barkhorn and was now the top-scoring ace not only of the Luftwaffe. had JG-54 and was an- In a blaze of glory on the Eastern Hermann Graf had broken Nowotny lifted later of the raised the record to Me-262 250 jet victories. to pass 100 victories. near. historical oddity. Gordon Gollob Moelders's record to 150 victories on 29 August 1942 Front. When Barkhorn was transferred soon afterward to the Reich Defense. but of all the air forces in all the wars. Barkhorn suffered wounds that kept him out of the air for long periods. aces like Luetzow. stark early departure naked save for a rising to the challenge of the without him. He wanted her to have it was uncertain that Erich would ever return prisonment. black-haired dynamo who fought hard and lived hard. Poland.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 136 stripped by Guenther Rail. onetime in a wingman and long-time squadron mate of the Blond Knight. he was back flying combat. as a keepsake. all when how stirrings sorry to the dust that remained of the a pile of twisted metal. Hartmann. Just as he was uncomprehendingly crossed the his pilots letting watched. The magic 300 mark Gerd Barkhorn and Erich glittered tantalizingly now. had the presence of mind to write down his version of events the day after Erich's greatest triumph. Junger pair of sunglasses. stood up. end over end. bringing up the rear. grass strip after a Polish farmer making a sudden change of direction with horses and two huge hay wagons. "Thank God the Earth has me again. Junger down. Carl Junger was an aggressive. hours later in Warsaw. Otto Kittel. unrecognizable as Erich was about to say accident. out of which an innocent horse came flying pling noises subsided as the pilots cloud. alive when it from Soviet im- . Junger hit the bucolic convoy with a tremendous crash. Hartmann recalls one occasion in Krakau. Junger suddenly crawled out of the shambles. When fighter was went sprinting over they got to the crash site. a scant eight victories away for Hartmann. when a furious binge JG-52 fighter ace until three in the for morning preceded the squadron's Warsaw. and the scene disappeared behind a huge pall of dust and straw. Loud crum- an aircraft. and with sunglasses still in place. Carl Junger later sent the story he wrote on 24 August 1944 to Usch Hartmann. he was that Junger had to sounded from under the die by pile of twisted structure. Two on lay poleaxed and incapable of The squadron left his cot. morning. A own right. The high excitement of this time has fortunately been preserved contemporary account. came in his While Erich and in for a landing. said. Junger appeared in a lone Me-109." Next day. Master Sergeant Carl Junger. sent eight Ivans into eternity it?' The day and had All of us were tense before. Meanwhile Can he do it today or must is ordered. the first down of his vic- to have passed the the best fighter pilot in the world. Erich Hartmann. wait another day? Suddenly another mission . Everyone scrambles to the machines. Refueling and rearming seemed there were arguments we to take forever. and our squadron leader did not waste the chance. First Lt. Hals und Beinbruchl could hardly wait for the two ships to become operational again. the blond-haired Chief in the lead. day unprecedented in the Chief. our Chief raised his figure to had two hun- dred and ninety. And then another and another and came toward our . "Exactly one hour later. and then six times. and bets amongst the rest of us. in two missions shot and with planes. made another pass and wagged again. wild The Chief had two hundred and Only four more "We field. good spirits were in evidence all over the field. thus reducing opera- tional time to half a day. "Even The yesterday. Leaves with Swords. He and therefore three hundred mark. . My A us. noon did until it clear up. to go. Everyone cheered and shouted. question that buzzed from lip to lip was: 'Will the three- hundred mark topple today? Can Bubi do with excitement and anticipation. is is number the this raised hundred and one. two aircraft appeared on the horizon The familiarly-marked Me-109 of our twenty-two-year-old 'Old Man' wagged its wings. . Yesterday morning the weather did not look Not promising. pulled up. Right after he lifted off with his wingman we started counting the minutes.DOWN AND DIAMONDS 300 137 THE EDGE OF AN ADVANCED AIRFIELD "AT 24 August 1944 by Master Sergeant Carl Junger "Yesterday was a great day for combat history of holder of the eleven enemy tories to three Oak flying. After lunch came the first mission. ninety-six kills now. with five joy. "The other.THE BLOND KNIGHT Of'gERMANY 138 "He clambers easily into the cockpit. His features do not betray his emo- Only tions. "They pause faced into the wind. by which the very terse. Then. who He Two and We R/T listening to the walk to a conversations hands us earphones and we plug in and . With where already everyone man with earphones between the listen. a reporter is we What is will the drive to the advanced area. but the listeners on the ground are wholly absorbed by the breath-taking excitement. a turning of the propeller. two words. his sign. everybody two poor is gathering around the operator and those receivers of his headset. reporter with Sergeant Junger correspondent Heinz Eckert. who were unique experience. Then comes take-off. Sometimes. He buckles himself in. finally the They smooth down and the Chief starts. sometimes only one. this. The roar of a final run-up reaches our ears. . his Quietly and with deliberation he begins the cockpit check for this decisive and historic mission— one that him will bring there. The ships. and often in dramatic crescendo individual other in dialogues. characterize this happening. in a fever of anticipation. when within a few minutes one enemy aircraft after another is being shot down. . as the slender fighters race forward ships. air-to-air is communication. Then head of crew begins to start the faster until the starter is machines." . Only the most essential is pilots said. where one word may stand for a whole sentence. about the corners of a slightly harsh line plays cool one. Billows of dust swirl up engines are running. on that who plugged historic in day was war headphones during the epic mission and gave this contemporary account of the en- suing action. First slowly. "Now. as steady and unexcited as ever. course east. the and then ever RPM. from the sun-dried earth lift gracefully into the next hour bring? air. there are long breaks between the sometimes address and reply follow each staccato counterpoint. running at the highest and a slight jerk. inform each and even this by words of certain meaning. It might happen any moment. A mouth. easing his fighter to the runway with his wingman behind him. it "At was a to the For those all fighter pilots. Impact out. fighter echelon.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS The operator is 139 fingering the buttons of his set . height 3000 meters. there's they're P-2's. Airacobras . with self-irony—a joke and knowledge of himself all rolled * Bull's-eye Hartmann means into one. 'Watch out backward and upwards! Airas to the right! Bull's-eye!' 16:07: 'Watch out upwards!' 16:09: 'We'll get this one!' 16:10: 'Attention! Bull's-eye!' Call of wingman: 'Congratulations on the three hundredth!' Ground Hartmann: 'Congratulations to "During the next five !' minutes.' 16:17: 'Eight kilometers east of Ostrowiez. ." "direct hit" in the fighter language at this time. them! 16:19: 'Get at 16:23: Wingman behind us to the 'Roger!' 16:37: 'Go One left. I'll rock the wings five times. Six light bombers. the operator cannot take any more messages. he is a little nervous. Everything goes crazy. dammit!' 'Bull's-eye! for burst!' two aircraft with them/ 16:27: 'Single is . then?' 15:50: Hartmann: 'Enemy echelon over Sandowiez approach- to hell ing/ damn! . 16:20: / . there are one of our own.' sat with us in front of a tent. circling. he was called for take-off on mission. height 2000 meters. Her photo stood on the table. . . . "He said: 'There is air- . Then it goes on. looking thoughtful same time. a hair on my chest. . / 16:00: 'Bull's-eye!'* 16:03: 'Bull's-eye!' 16:06: . Squadron watch out! 'Eighth "15:51: . "15:44: tions?' Hartmann to ground: 'Have 'None/ 'Why the Ground you any enemy observa- do they chase us up. to a cooling wind. . Ah . / 16:29: 'Look out Wing to Hartmann: 'Congratulations!' "Only an hour before he at the . . . shirt we had been and daydreaming talking about his bride-to-be. another echelon. Hartmann: 'Look to craft to the left! That's back!' . 16:35: down for a fighter front open We can't get at them. . now I'm going to be a man!' At that moment. the curtain closed over a little at his chest this historic piece of insight into his ego. —Authors employed by Erich . "16:15: 'Six kilometers west of Sandowiez. as though afraid of missing the call of victory. He had looked down and laughed the merry laugh of a youth. . . uttered lightly and laughingly. landing. He cannot understand a word because of the ensuing hubbub. . . There and captains and lieutenants mixed cheek-by-jowl with are majors mob the ground personnel. and we wait eagerly will and with nostrils. Lt.' Hartmann taxies his One comes drumand concentra- his pulls his machine up. Hartmann waggles his wings five successive passes. Lt. JG-52's . Not drop is the crowd. there Gruppenkommandeur. only one time is everyone else stands and waits. my palm This time. united by of pay homage. hope he comes I clap am tion that lie "After the behind The can only think. Everyone is a Chief comes soon. is canopy open. Shields are painted. Without envy. There in their happy. and crowd of comrades. Willi is hiss no more Batz. Karaya in over the field. late in the uproar. "My ming on common have a bottle of champagne and two open the wire around the I top of the champagne bottle now. Everyone who can leave his ioned. "As the engine roar dies away into a turns for the last time. for the not favor us so his 'I can be understood only by a few. air in a great curve.him at I I I wish was seemingly his command. Wreaths are being victories redemption. Everything becomes wildly rapidly braided in the final few minutes before the Chief's return. lost. The this hope my soon. quickly.1 THEBLONDKNIG HT -p OF GERMANY T Master Sergeant Junger again takes up the narrative at the on the squadron's frenetic scene 'The news airfield. He runs the big motor up again. perfect landing. amidst the exultant cheering of He over the sorrowful one resources of energy this feat fifth pass. jumps and the propeller restraint. and the cork a bang. with Bimmel proud and square among them. "Soon the ships must come back. moment when he will stop his engine. lets the slip stream play about his who can squeeze his hand and congratulate Bimmel Mertens. up on the The acting ship. and 301st of the 300th came upon us like a busy. . rough banners fash- The ground crew is milling around like a swarm of bees. But he Quickly Suddenly. my I desire to glasses under arm. 'To avoid being flies through the the opening. his crew chief. inscriptions are painted. makes a machine easily to its waiting berth. post streams toward the parking spot of the Chief's plane. At the Colonel's prompting. we know impatient. put on ice. "After an enormous feast. down from one who was present is crowding in on him back. black night are our spectators. The is placed a predeter- spreading. deeply impressed and moved by the up. fire is present. touch the ground. The leap- ing flames give the faces a unique expression. and without restraint we Colonel Hrabak all sit sitting is down around our beside him and is Chief. the crowd began to thin a and we all As little walked toward our quarters. everyone him on the to shake his hand. bid the Chief good night day. around the Chiefs A little special to hold a special party with Every bit of alcoholic beverage in semicircle with straw as cushions tent. joyfully toasting him. and he lei off sits on the shoulders of two that was fashioned at the last minute neck. This is his day." There had been comradeship between them from the day Erich arrived at the front. pat glance.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS 141 Kommodore. pump the Chief's hand. When the time came for Hrabak to get some additional . the Chief must recount the last suspenseful moments of his aerial battle. For a moment. even though a one-time occasion. chairs and tables had been brought. will ever forget. is fire is lit. When ashes. We lift him he gets out of the cockpit. suppressing their excitement as he tells the story. "The Chief and we become as his feet asks to be put No his shoulder-high perch. the moment the aircraft the Bimmel Mertens. or at least to capture his will ever forget those minutes. Colonel Dieter Hrabak. They springs reporters intervene hung around is his and momentarily take charge as they get their photographs. comrades. one of them the proud "A up beside him. So this came adventureful to called to Colonel Hrabak's tent. the peak of excitement passed. which none among us Next day Erich was wood falls into occasion. "In the meantime. Everyone listens intently. and we all drink with the Chief until shortly after midnight. Bimmel and sight is The Chief wants his technicians. mined hour. we all stand the last piece of and go to bed. preparations for a bration are made. "The bottles are passed. its close. everyone is Only the moon and stars A cele- built in the middle. A At deep. As they shoot the Chief from various it is angles. Erich *OF along that all he reached three hundred if he would be awarded the Diamonds. full circle. Erich's hand. to receive the award to from the Fiihrer." known Erich had victories his fighter's finest tribute to Congratulations! congratulations. You are row GERMANY win the Oak Leaves that now hung had been proud throat. have been awarded the Dia- . . in this . "Only seven monds day-fighter pilots* whole war. fine Now comrade things to fly as his safe had come Hrabak reached out and pumped "Bubi. Gollob. Paule was a part of this success. Galland. bration party for the Diamonds. now in Russian And Bimmel. awarded you the Diamonds. He tent. borrow- and bargaining. was a Wreathed in smiles. The has Fiihrer to report the day after tomor- the Wolf's redoubt at Insterburg. He would see Usch again. Hrabak was still talking. own thoughts. Erich. Marseille (posthumously). we must of course have a big celeHrabak's words mingled with the whirl of Erich's . One thought came uppermost. he have done without him? But only work of many. what would one man got the award for the hands. but the official advice the Fiihrer's HQ still hit him with terrific from impact. The celebration party went boomingly. would Two years ago Erich excel all Germany's air would never have heroes within such thought of poor Paule Rossmann. and JG-52 is proud of you. ".THE BLOND KNIGHT 14in order to victories Keeping such a his leader. . as the pilots replenished the squadron's supply of alcoholic beverages by cajoling. It is a rare honor. and Hartmann." Hrabak wrung Erich's hand again and he stumbled back out of the Kommodores believed that he a short time. before you go. Nowotny. at his Kommodores wingman. because there would be home leave after the visit to the Wolf's redoubt. mind He was prepared in for the exalted decoration. Another joyous night passed around the fire. Erich's head was still pounding when he climbed into his Me-109 ing * Moelders. that was the military way. Graf. the Fiihrer terror Hitler had unleashed was changed atmosphere of the Wolf's redoubt reflected in the as Erich reported to receive his Diamonds." The security officer went pale. while Erich droned westward to the Wolfs redoubt. Fear and suspicion were evident on all Fuhrer's aides sides.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS 143 maps that he would use the following day and checked the navigate to Insterburg. tell the Fiihrer that I do not want to receive the Dia- monds if he has no Vertrauen* in his front-line officers. or inner zone. with an absolute prohibition against sidearms in the third. to high comply with the Erich felt from security himself balk. The Security precautions were ultra-tight. award. keeping watch over the lone Me-109 until was well behind the it Then with lines. in with English to . The * Literally in at Salzburg the previous year He had met him long-suffering forced to sober again prior to the Swords von Below had a lot of experience German." will see Colonel von Below. please. He had been up the Blond Knight when he arrived in a tipsy condition. "You want me to tell the Fiihrer that you will not Diamonds? Because "Yes. bomb Since the unsuccessful July 20 to quickly eliminate the plotters had moved and everyone remotely connected The with those directly involved. "true-believe"— roughly equivalent personal faith in the integrity of another. plot. Hartmann. Erich spoke coolly to the officer. He humiliated by the suspicion inherent in the regulation. I I said. Con- trolling the rage that surged inside SS security "Please him. a final wing-waggling salute they flew back to war." "Please do. To get his Diamonds." As Hitler's Luftwaffe aide. Tell receive the of the pistol regulation?" him what "Wait. Most soldiers and take regulation felt to receive would have been glad enough Hitler off their pistols. HQ had divided the into three zones of security. please. Erich would have to enter the third summoned decorations zone. comrades flew around him. Colonel von Below had already en- countered Erich Hartmann before. As his fighter leaped into the of his elated to an escort air. Now please and get your Diamonds/' felt down himself cooling as he walked into the Fuhrer's reception room. But such vast differences between the Allies— the and Americans on the one hand. You must know this. "Militarily." Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel. His face was haggard and he looked completely exhausted. * . Soon the Russians British will be fighting the British and Americans only alternative is for us to and you know what that will as well as ourselves. a weary expression of resignation on "Hartmann. The be overrun by the Bolshevist hordes. you can wear your come in Erich pistol if you his face. Hitler came in and took no notice of the presence of the weapon. Erich walked across the it to the an adjoining building room and got his pistol belt for and put on. and that the right arm still his side. he took off his cap and pistol belt and hung them on the stand provided. and Kommodore of Schlachtgeschwader-2 (SG-2). In the normal way. were sunken and dull. They sat down. Hartmann. Together they walked to another building containing the dining room. the Blond Knight saw that the "I one good arm was trembling. blond Colonel von Below stalked out to the security officer's desk. This time. The tall. If refused the Diamonds. leading Stuka pilot of the Luftwaffe. mean for the fatherland. As the tired old man who had once held the world in thrall handed Erich the Diamonds. pilots. Erich noticed that the Fiihrer was markedly hung limply at Hitler's eyes more stooped. insist. he spoke in different terms from those he had used on the previous two occasions when Erich was in his presence.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 144 young fighter Now. and Hitler began discussing the war. Fiihrer' s we had more like you and Rudel."* said Hitler. some coffee and brief inquiry after Erich's family. there are is lost. and the Russians on the other— that we have only to hold on and wait. Hitler would probably go on a rampage. would have cavalier Hartmarm for this brave blond boy the old to be a modifier of security regulations. The Fiihrer said nothing. wish After Fiihrer indicated that they would go lunch. the war politically. Hitler sat with After Hartmann and queried him about conditions at the front. A HAPPY FIGHTER PILOT: After his 301st victory. . The General of the Fighters."CONGRA TULA TIONS" Hitler congratulates mann as the World's Hart- most suc- cessful fighter pilot (301 aerial victories at that moment of meeting) on 25 August 1944. Goring grounded Hartmann from further combat. HITLER INTERROGATES HARTMANN: decoration ceremony. Adolf Galland went to bats for Hartmann and talked the Reichs-Marschal into rescinding the order. (Hoffmann) PICTURE FOR POSTERITY: Erich Hartmann and Major von Below pose togetherjust before Hartmann has discussion with Hitler. Note spiral on tulip-petal nose ible in propellorhub. a feature believed by Luftwaffe pilots to confuse enemy ground gunners. neighbor's pet while Erich home on .BLACK D&VIL OF THE UKRAINE: The black ofHartmann's ME-109 is clearly visthis photo taken late in 1944. his victory. 1st. Lt. 23 NOVEMBER 1944: Mertens cockpit. sits on canopy (Luftwaffe Photo) Crew chief Heinz "Bimmel" sill with Hartmann in the Hartmann had just landed after scoring 327th aerial OBERLEUTNANT AND HUNDE: Hartmann cuddles a leave. Also note Hart- mann's 1000-mission flight cap. " not?" "Reichsmarschall Goering has ordered that bombers come— day. by forcing them to take that a crash that wrong. Then perhaps my generals misinform me?" "Perhaps. came down twice as occupied is in a heavily wooded by partisans. hard So I flying against the Hartmann had not heard that two fighter pilots returning by Germany had been killed by the partisans. Both times I sir. To We off convert all pilots would take too long— at save all our efforts for lose too and land many in to competent least a year. "When I I tell me they are your experience?" served in the Central Sector of the Eastern Front.* materiel depot where the Americans. necessarily strument is is flyers we should a certainty. mein Fuhrer.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS The Fuhrer had heard many 145 about stories on guerrilla activity the Eastern Front. sir. marked on our maps walked out and never saw area an enemy." "Common knowledge? Hmmmm." Hitler then abruptly changed the conversation to the air war over Germany. bothered us at any time. good we any time the fly good weather or visibility or not." "How do you know this. Hartmann?" opinion. partisans. "You have flown only on the Eastern Front. Hartmann. yes." "And "In this my * mein Fuhrer. we do not approach correctly." "I see. But partisans have not know Rumania an air was bombed by that once in aircraft were stored was reported as due to partisan activity. "Partisans. in "Why this my opinion. and it I I many don't know. bad. Hartmann. leave in pilots un- weather so bad in- believe Amer- train from . My generals What everywhere and do tremendous damage. But what do you think about these bombing attacks on Germany by the Anglo-Americans?" "From what problem I have seen and heard. Then I am more sure than ever before that a lot of my generals do not give me accurate "It information. night. Hartmann?" was common knowledge in our Gruppe. The up abruptly." assumed an absent expression. Then bombing could be deterred. It think our home-front propaganda is practically is criminal. a devastatingly effective tactic . Me-109. They can barely get the Me-109 up and back safely as it is. * Unbeknown to Erich Hartmann." Hitler looked incredibly tired. Erich went on with Hitler his story. They come and go mein and Fiihrer. people come to every day with ideas for rockets. withdrawals." At this."* The think the I Fiihrer fidgeted with his lunch as they spoke. with in Russia less get young men coming than sixty hours' and only twenty hours of that combat with such slender I sir. Hitler sat up and showed some life. operations. suicidally. the I me all war slumped you say may well be is From lost militarily. am in his chair. submarines. Eastern Front fighter losses. to blame. Hitler's handshake was slack and perfunctory. guns. my to total flying time. training insufficient is now for fighter pilots?" know "I squadron it is insufficient. he knew he would never see Hitler alive again. you think "Tell me. "Hartmann. His concept was to mount massive fighter ditions were to use it. the time. this was the course of action being urged almost daily on Goering by the embattled General of the Fighters. Now there is I no longer any .THE BLOND KNIGHT Of GERMANY 146 icans in blue-sky weather— daylight operations. "How?" he said. tanks. favorable. to be allowed to go on operations. Erich left the Wolfs redoubt that twenty-fifth of August Fiihrer stood was at When . new and with crazy inventions. offensives. late. They have to in the fly This accounts for most of our training." . and Erich knew the interview an end. Hartmann. As said. But now all sides it is too one who must decide. strikes when conwhen he was permitted Adolf Galland. without fighting. "They know they are not ready to fly combat. "These young boys come immediately. But they come to the front pleading fanatically. true. I and are shot down to us in waves like this. They would marry now. thoughts while the big motors thundered.300 DOWN AND DIAMONDS He flew back to Russia and spect the beautiful decoration his 147 comrades crowded around to and congratulate him yet in- The mind the again. and damn the war. brave gaiety of his fighting pilots could not drive from his conviction that the fatherland was disintegrating. and that final defeat could not now be averted. carrying . He had 301 victories. Usch would be his 302nd victory. Orders for ten days' leave came through the following day. was to fly He back to Berlin-Gatow for an interview with General Adolf Galland and go on leave to Stuttgart from there. In the cavernous interior of the Ju-52 transport he lost himself in his him home. Usch was only hours away now. On the train journey from Berlin to Stuttgart. Erich's piloting skill undoubtedly suited him to the task Galland mind.Chapter Eleven 302ND VICTORY Looking ahead is part of the challenge of living. —Captain Eddie Rickenbacker ch's interview with General Galland at his Berlin-Gatow HQ of the Fighter land wanted to transfer Erich to the Me-262 Test This unit was combining fighter with limited jet and had fighting record in Arm Adolf was brief and to the point. valued comradeship as saw the merit of Erich's request. Gal- Commando. Erich followed with his transfer to the Test Commando commander had an uncanny a direct request that be canceled. and more eager than ever to see Usch. He canceled Erich's assignment and rescinded an order that had taken the Blond combat operations after he had received the Diamonds. for rest Pilots' and recupera- tion prior to return to the Russian Front. Galland instinct for detecting as a hidden mo- and Erich's request rang true. Galland vital to the Fighter Arm's morale. Explaining to Galland his deep attachment to JG-52 and his comrades. Knight off Galland then cut orders assigning Erich to the Fighter Home (Jagdfliegerheim) in Bad Wiessee. to the jets. but the Blond Knight did not wish to transfer. and his conviction that he was best serving his country on the Russian Front. Erich left Galland's greatly relieved that he HQ would remain with JG-52. and he tives in his subordinates. Erich made up . flight testing of the revolutionary twin- combat operations. to wait any more. Sensing her kissed her again as they sat "You will be my down three disquiet. increasingly diffi- he leaned over and in the car.302nd victory 149 mind that previous marriage plans would be set aside." don't even have a dress to get married in. we're going to get married We're not going The face . he and Usch had his decided to wait until he was promoted to captain before getting married. one. He had been ordered there. Diamonds. "Is that That Usch what you're saying is "No. But we must get have the leave and the opportunity. . 1944." . changed by the war Now in everything had been and by Erich's receipt of the situation. priority for until . But things have changed." As they walked out to the car. . Getting the I Diamonds has changed things. Usch was waiting when Erich piled out of the train in Stuttgart. Usch. I Usch looked have many They probably won't even get I married will get home then. The only one that matters. on this leave. hundred and second he victory. Christmas leave. Usch's face lightened. darling. not just just to everyone now. Erich Hartmann? another victory?" another victory. "But Erich." whispered. A year ago. and that meant they would not be able to get married in Weil or Stuttgart. too. know. last Just favor of a wedding month they that arrangement aside set at Christmas. Erich saw that Usch's face got a Traveling about inside cult little longer as he delivered this news." unhappy. men now. Today if you like." Hartmann looked at him in surprise. at the rest and recuperation center for fighter pilots. . his "Usch Christmas. in my Group "But Erich. He embraced her and kissed her. when they had become officially engaged. "I all smiles. Erich explained they could get married down in Bad Wiessee. Germany was becoming and hazardous. ." a little "You can buy married while We at the front— men with families. we just decided last month that we would wait future Mrs. " he said. and he Wiessee Two for the knew she would come Bad to wedding." "Certainly there to I will. "Everything here is set. meet her.THE BLOND KNlfcHT OF GERMANY 150 Erich kissed Usch again. He left Usch prepar- most important day of her life. Hartmann's voice was reassuring. a with much expense ir- in- telephoned his father in Weil in a fever of appre- hension. Tea dances fighter pilots were held every weekend. nalized. else. Usch would ing frenziedly for the come down by train via Munich on Friday. Bad Wiessee was a perfect place for a honeymoon. air- a nearby lake with sailboats for the idyllic backwater in which the war could be forgotten. Father. "Of course she'll come. All the arrangements are fi- Usch has got to come. The plans would were one thing. champagne. which included a citizens' re- ception for Erich at the Sports Palace in Weil. Erich started and arranged for the to the local courthouse marriage license and other necessary documentation. then Erich was off to the Fighter Pilots' Home in Bad Wiessee. large cen- Plenty of were on hand to assure a gay atmosphere. with a a comfortable banquet hall—a perfect place for the reception. This give them time to conclude final details together. the actual events were something Things went smoothly enough Home tral was for Erich. Manicured grounds and completed an tired fighter pilots. Installing himself in the Fighter Pilots' He went organizing. Could you telephone the Luftwaffe provost there and explain to him? Perhaps he will help her get to the "Father. want you to be sure that she gets the train out of Stuttgart on Friday. arriving at noon." Dr. whirlwind days followed. Reception arrangements were lined and an orchestra revocably volved. Just be . I railway station. The wedding would take place on the following Saturday. for committed He up— food. Now don't worry about it." my boy. Home. to which young women flocked from the surrounding areas for the attentions of the dashing young men. The Fighter Pilots' and rambling building. general catering dancing at the reception. Erich was soon to wedding. m." he said. an oppressive hotel cellar com- meeting her bridegroom. The bride- groom's bachelor friends concentrate on getting him drunk for the last time as a bachelor. looking for Usch. he reflected on the solid and quiet support he had always received from his father. As the train whistle blew for departure. out.302nd victory 151 As Erich hung up the phone. the Fighter Pilots' Home. As the train pulled into Usch had Munich. and the bride and groom clean up the mess the following day as their Elf's first domestic task as man and wife. "Usch must have missed her train connection. Night began rather early for Erich. Erich strode quickly down the length of the train. The as Erich was probably difficulties that Stuttgart railway station con- had been bombed Checking into the makeshift railway timetables. Usch was not aboard. compartment by compartment. the bridegroom was undergoing a different kind of ordeal. The celebrants then hurl old pottery and china into a fireplace. Wreathed in smiles and bursting with anticipation. to run to the nearest air-raid shelter as soon as she got out of the Three hours train. The Luftwaffe kindly sent a motorcycle and sidecar to collect her at 9 a. Shortly before noon. Erich drove to Alfred Rossbach. but Usch was not among them. resident physician Gmiind for station with Dr. in pletely disrupted her schedule for bride on her wedding eve At the Fighter with the Diamonds at ordeal. but by that time the dark-haired bride was well on her way to Munich. Usch found she would have to get an early morning train from Kornwestheim in north Stuttgart in order to reach Bad Wiessee by noon. irresolute woman would have abandoned a journey fraught with the fronted Usch. "Elf's Night" prenuptial is a German celebrations tradition corresponding to similar other in Western nations. Erich quickly checked the train again. change-point for Gmiind. Usch was just as make for her to determined to get to Bad Wiessee the An trip.. the closest railway station to Bad Wiessee. Disembarking passengers were soon all off the train. the air-raid sirens were wailing. For a was an unexpected and nerve-clanking it Home Pilots' his throat meanwhile. The doctor enjoyed the wartime luxury of a small car. . Erich nodded his agreement and off they went. Rossbach describes the ensuing events: Night started very "Elf's early in the afternoon in my happy alcoholic mood. in Elf's Night began West Germany. and put on made its uniform for the rounded up and way to the courthouse. Bad Wiessee. 'She has thought the Bubi. and prescribed the proper "Let's go back to the Fighter Pilots' Home palliative. Rossbach rose to the professional challenge inherent in the crisis. and dutifully met. Today a successful physician Dr. Erich had almost given up hope. it. Let's find out it." The next train was due in two hours. We Gmiind sta- in a short time we were broke proceedings briefly to drive again to the off tion to meet Usch all in a very no Usch. after midnight. Erich. but this time the bride arrived. The dilemma champagne and cognac. Still was fought with large quantities of after a while things did had not seem anything like as serious as they previously. Erich's comrades from wedding ceremony. and they drove back to Bad Wiessee. A few fighter pilots goggled approvingly through their alcoholic haze at the shy Usch. who was into quickly taken to a nearby guesthouse. When they got back to the for Erich. Erich was upset. The mood of the Elf's Night critical. "Two more trains arrived. party but is backing out' And for no became even more Walter Krupinski spoke up. chugging back over the country roads to home. Dr. She was glad to bed and leave her beaming bridegroom to the mercy fall of the elves. and at the next train. Erich did not feel very strong the next morning. Rossbach's professional manner was soothing. she still one awful better of moment Erich looked as though he believed him. but he rallied to the challenge of the day. room. "She meet will get the when we can next train. and have a drink/' said the doctor. Witnesses and the party his best friends were . which we bride. had knocked out the telephone exchange and he was unable to complete the call. even more upset when he tried to He was The bombing call Stuttgart. Usch was exhausted but happy." At the last train.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 152 Dr. I can say today was a memorable and successful wedding. Gerd Barkhorn. bride and groom me on and we the right as all wedding: at the head. with the British and the Americans pushed into the sea together. Even the spell of the honeymoon was broken by the good news. the wedding party got under Home. were present. Erich and Usch would have immediately gone and repeated the ceremony Protestant church in Bad Wiessee. Bride and groom and then Barkhorn and myself that it all had to go through it. Honeymoon days in the tranquil countryside around Bad Wiessee made the war seem incredibly remote— until the Ardennes offensive flooded Germany with new hope. Berlin Radio blared out the probabil- of a second Dunkirk. and small adjourned to a luxurious suite prepared for them in the nearby guesthouse. A couple of hours the Fighter Pilots' later. Erich knew the odds against the fatherland were long." The simple civil ceremony climaxed a great love. Newspapers were splashed with victory headlines as the Allied forces reeled under the German Army's ities assault. Elf's Night and the day's events began to have their effect on Erich. As church in the same formation. Champagne flowed fighter pilots made mann's expense. the party of reeling fighter pilots celebrated the 302nd victory far into the morning. Willi Batz and Walter Krupinski. but as the evening wore on. Barkhorn to the entered the church. A church it ceremony would have turned out. to wait until later— much later as ment in but there was no in a church. Under normal German custom. we were all witnesses. but he heard the Ardennes news with soaring enthu- . Sugar-coated bad news had long been a steady diet in Germany. Erich's imprison- Russia imposed an eleven-year delay on the church wedding. and Batz recalls the "Gerd Barkhorn and myself were Bubi's wedding Here we were. Hart- the most of it. While they slept. The Blond Knight and his lady bade their guests good night.302nd victory 153 JG-52. with swords drawn and held aloft in a saber arch. A band played for dancing. and the way at freely at Dr. we left left the surprised at the portal to find a formation of Luftwaffe officers in full uniform. As a fighting airman. " left Bad Wiessee to return Weil." Usch's face fell. Usch was pregnant and the Ardennes was being written down German in the catalog of the families at failures. I don't feel I front." said Erich. field to do. wonderful. "Erich. "Do what you have A few hours He taxied the from which he had taken in his mother's wind. The happy reunion with home was overshadowed by Erich's imminent re- turn to the Russian Front. a man's to hear news O tF GERMANY Such success could change like this.THE BLOND KNIGBT 154 He wanted siasm. where an Me-109 would be waiting to speed him back to the front. But "I still I've got to has two weeks to run. "Erich. ship to the end of the many same times in his gliders and Gunning the Storch into the beautifully to his touch. would be wiser . He set course for Krakau. little off so two-seater. Rossbach's "This room mind as he stepped into to listen to radio reports of fresh triumphs. he felt Klemm her lift I'll help you get ready. your leave know. life. I Erich was Not now. moment As Usch's lovely wave and then she was gone. "No. Erich. What's bothering you?" Usch already knew Erich better than he knew himself. back at the the time. still Eight days after the wedding. These thoughts were racing Dr. I keep thinking about have any right to be here in such happiness while they are out there fighting. "But Erich. don't have to wait." Erich was clambering into a Storch at later. Usch." Dr. As the days passed he grew restive. Under his breath he face went flashing by below. Rossbach was aghast. "It's them my all Gruppe. in Erich's possible for it's me to have a family. something is wrong. I'm going to go back. . I can have a family/' the impulsive boy." You understand why. in times like these you a family. when they to to wait to have . Doctor. Boblingen Airport. was a to . there cursed the war blackly. go back. "We're going to have a big is and that means victory. don't you?" Tears were welling up in her eyes as Usch nodded and smiled wanly. not yet master of himself. The good-bye was hard this time. The roar of the planes. living in the Weil under Dr. and Hartmann home sharply to into the city of Stuttgart overhead. Ten whole days. embrace before they Wegenburg Tunnel. but there was strain. Erich felt on his disquieting thoughts. after only four days. "Ten days. the air-raid sirens were wailing and he and Usch had to run for There was time only it. Erich?" His face brightened. as they the shelter of the tunnel and headed deeply disturbed and was silent. but that could not eliminate the larger tensions of the times. home Usch broke in to Weil. she told Erich. emergency came through reassigning Erich to JG-52. well enough. As Erich had feared." Less than wonderful was the telegram that came four days later. Every night they went to the cellar. plunged The into the shelter of the pressure of war Usch looked under a on two bombs thundered Erich as for a brief fronts reached home no doubt that she was She was three months pregnant. but men the married as with families returned to their units after Christmas. but Boblingen and Stuttgart had both been pounded. His the thick of the action down in Gruppe was Hungary. Sleep was fitful for the whole family. Erich was ordered to a special instrument course at Konigsberg Neumark. others were released for a brief struck lucky. Erich arrived in Stuttgart New on Year's Eve. Hartmann's good at care. These somber left tidings clouded the joy of their reunion. but it when he New Year's leave. The Russians crushed that dream with their offensive into Hungary. the crash of barking of the flak kept them all sleepless. bombs and the Weil had not been bombed. It's going to be wonderful.302nd victory The newlyweds 155 did not see each other at Christmas 1944. The day orders in after he arrived at Konigsberg Neumark. Weil im Schonbuch was twenty miles from Stuttgart and only four miles from Boblingen but the bombers never touched the little town. "How long is your leave. he was unable to get away from the front. Erich consoled himself with the prospect of another leave after the instrument course. and instrument . Invading troops would be unlikely to go near was remote from the main The rural surroundings old castle The and belongings on the Van de out in the it. his closest rival. Erich's heart was happier than when he had left the front. hard in March received another urgent telegram. confided his fears to his adjutant. When they said good-bye in the German countryside. With his father's help he managed to borrow an old truck. far ahead of Gerd Barkhorn. the his score to 336 victories. Getting Usch to to somewhere safer than Stuttgart. In the ensuing wild days Blond Knight ran up of battle. Captain Will Kamp. and sense of security conveyed would help keep Usch happy until the baby by the arrived. move safety. a charming old castle far country. south had immediately suggested that Usch there until after the baby was born. or at least family had a Van de home Kamp in the country at Van de Schongau. Real fear welled up in him as he thought of the Russian hordes swarming into the fatherland. and drove Usch and Kamp home in all their worldly goods to the Schongau. Concern for her welfare had given him more bad moments than the Red Air Force as the war burned inexorably westward. was uppermost in his mind. when Erich JG-52 was fighting still CEASE OPERATIONAL FLYING IMMEDIATELY REPORT LECHFELD FOR CONVERSION TRAINING ON ME-262 TURBO Erich was convinced as he flew back to Lechfeld that the war was irretrievably teriel lost. which he drove over to Usch's place in Rottenbuch. with which the He had seen the vast flood of men and maRed Army was going to inundate Germany. The baby was coming He had soon. Erich felt the anxiety that had been burning inside . Erich gratefully ac- cepted his adjutant's offer. After reporting at Lechfeld.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 156 courses were not necessary to find and shoot down the hordes of Russian aircraft involved in the offensive. Things in Schongau made it seem like the happy prewar years had returned. Erich borrowed a Storch and flew over to Boblingen. whose of Lechfeld. him subside as the Van de Kamp family made Usch welcome in her new home. since it arteries. shirtsleeved ace of aces piled their furniture truck. In the Me-262 he would bring down sixteen more British and American machines* to end the war with 220 confirmed * Lieutenant Colonel II with sixteen kills in of Experts. Hermann Graf of his fellow pilots. 120 of them aircraft of the Heinz Baer was the top-scoring the Me-262. and flying could not runway was patched.302nd victory 157 Verdant peace surrounded them. that The RAF birds came swooping down showed near the Lechfeld In charge of of By jet transition training air heroes. As dark-haired and radiant loved one disappeared from view. medium- with a hawkishly handsome face. to the shambles was one Heinz German "Pritzl" Baer. A dark-haired. to his credit at this time. was not known as well Hartmann. For a few precious moments now they felt like carefree kids in love again. Usch. Col. The despite the presence there of the fastest fighter in the world. He was the last formed by Adolf Galland. base was bombed until after the early every morning. Two his throat.m. public as Erich or Adolf Galland. Flying was only possible for about an hour and a half. World War of the Squadron . but in the estimation none stood above him. Heinz Baer was a He wore the Swords at have worn the Diamonds. USAAF because at 12:30 every afternoon formations of P-38's swept in at treetop height and hosed the base down with gunfire. JV-44. and by hundred and four rights should victories stood and he had fought on every front where German fighters met the enemy. which usually took until start about 10:30 a. victories. Erich kissed tenderly. His lips And don't worry for me/' he said. more Mosquitos filled the with the smooth but terrifying thunder of their Merlin en- gines. "Be brave. except that their Usch hearts sang with the thought of their child. Lechfeld was hardly a place to inspire confidence. sized man hero's hero. night. Mosquito fighter-bombers sometimes followed up with ten or fifteen tons of air high explosive. would not touch hers again for ten and a half years. jet ace of CO. Germany's greatest "Pritzl" to strafe amid this Lt. his him Erich turned his thoughts to the challenge waiting at Lech- feld— the revolutionary "Turbo" fighter— the jet-propelled Me-262 that he would learn to The airfield at fly in the coming weeks. any lights base. with his penetrating thin mustache arresting figure. For years. over the irrational edict of Hitler that the machine was to be used as a bomber. "Hello. This political intrigue and Galland's struggles lay outside the ken of the young Blond Knight. After a series of increasingly acrimonious confrontations. Galland came to the base at the end of March. He was too busy battling on the Eastern Front while the drama of the Me-262 was being acted out behind the scenes. The black-maned former General of the Fighter Arm. with the witty and aircraft was therefore irrepressible "Pritzl" al- Baer making laughter out of even the hard conditions at Lechfeld. Their expecta- tion was that Galland would be killed. and overpowering aura of personality was He greeted Erich with characteristic humor. had made many enemies including Goering and Himmler. which was said to be the JV-44 squadron badge. and Goering then gave him permission Hitler unit and prove his to form a jet fighter contentions about the machine.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 158 Western Allies." he said. had been assigns and and nullified. Checking out in the most fun for Erich. Galland had fought a bitter and for exhausting battle to get the Me-262 into action as a fighter plane. The young in his struggle. "So I eyes. Erich found him little changed on the surface. and the bureaucfighter general racy behind the Luftwaffe General Staff had been a frustrating drag on progress. Nearly every pilot selected JV-44 ne W some degree of the Knight's Cross. Galland's strategic which history already blocked. mein General" said Erich. Erich. frustrated tactical recommendations. he had been relieved of his command. pencilstill an . have heard. I am now a squadron commander. Baer's job now was to prepare the finest pilots in the Luftwaffe to take the Me-262 into battle as a fighter. and Erich was ordered to report to his office. Only the immortal Marseille would down more Anglo-American machines. In his fourth wartime meeting with Adolf Galland. A for was being assembled stellar collection of fighter pilot talent Adolf Galland's JV-44— an later fighter all-jet unit that would be called the Squadron of Experts. to the stamp of genius. much older and more experienced than all senior colonels. with all those big aces with long service and senior rank. Baer gen- pondered the Squadron of . . Colonel Steinhoff. Kommodore of in telegram came to Lechfeld from JG-52. Colonel Gordon Gollob made a fortuitous . was a young captain and he had long time getting to be captain. "I want you to join my squadron. "What will I do in such a squadron. He waved Erich away. are the top-scoring fighter pilot of the world. . . mein General?" "Why. The following day an urgent Hermann Graf. The interview was over. Erich. but beside Galland's experts in JV-44 ne was a httle boy of twenty-two— and he knew it. prospect dis- turbed Erich deeply. The unit was under heavy combat pressure.302nd victory 159 "I'm getting some top pilots together to take the Me-262 action as a fighter." "But mein General. Erich Experts idea. Galland was glowing with enthusiasm." Galland hardly seemed to notice Erich's lack of enthusiasm. Steinhoff. Graf's request proved a timely intervention in Erich's dilemma. lieutenant colonels They were and majors and many of them had commanded He been a Fighter Wings. and moment later a telephone was thrust into the young hand. into Major . a eral's Walking back to his quarters." Krupinski. Major Hohagen. and had some control over his fate. and cursed his luck. and that I do not wish will certainly to fly again as happen if I someone else's join your squadron. . that was true. Two days later. where he felt he belonged. He wondered how he was going to get out of the Squadron of Experts. Graf requested Erich's urgent return to com- mand of I/JG-52. He'd rather be back with I/JG-52 on the Eastern Front. There he was a Gruppenkommandeur. they were men. he. Erich kicked a piece of shattered brick out of his way as he walked along. Luetzow. you'll fly with You of course. Colonel Luetzow. He had the most victories. which was now operating Czechoslovakia. wingman. us." Baer had told Erich during his Me-262 check-out that Galland would probably want him to fly The with JV-44. and was one of the nine Luftwaffe fighter aces to win the coveted decoration. and wanted to see how the Me-262 training program was progressing the Fighter knew Gollob was the officer with the authority to send him back to JG-52." Austrian with a good leader's intuition. Erich on the Eastern Front. I am proud of my unit and I believe I can do more there than flying the Me-262 here. Gollob had intense interest in new aerial armament. new struggle with the . I feel as if I am doing nothing to help my With JG-52 Kommodore. he wore the Diamonds. due to the constant bombing and strafing. Colonel country. sir. Like Erich. he know what was going on in right. sir*' "Why? Don't you like the Me-262?" 'The Me-262 is fine. And my my return. I'll sec that the orders are issued. sir. He managed an interview with the new General of the Fighters. Hartmann. but I have been with the men in my Gruppe ever since I went to the front. return to your Gruppe. You may to Erich's mind. he would curse and through the grim had stayed with Galland in JV-44. But these ideas were far from his mind in the spring of 1945 as he elatedly sped away from Lechfeld." "Any other reasons?" "Because we fly so seldom in the Me-262. Gollob nodded. Erich had an Me-109 headed back to the Eastern Front. has requested An positive. visit to He was Adolf Galland's successor as General of Arm." Within hours. precipitate desire to return to JG-52. "I would like to request transfer back to my Gruppe in JG-52 at Lechfeld.THE BLOND KNitHT OF GERMANY 160 Lechfeld. and an accomplished fighter ace in his own right with 150 victories. seemed "All I will be doing something Graf. Awaiting him was a prison years he often wished that he final scries of battles that would include Mustangs and the Americans of the a USAAF. In his in his hands again and was later years. Chapter Twelve MUSTANGS The Mustang created records from the day of —William Green Famous ying back to his vakia. . first clash with the Americans came the disastrous Sevastopol battle and subsequent pell-mell evacuation of the Crimea. were at a serious disadvantage combat with the Mustangs. Some good men and many aircraft had been lost by JG-52 in the struggle to defend Ploesti and Bucharest. The P-51 was a fast. Erich found battles with American his Gruppe its inspired conception. The old model Me-ioc/s used on the Eastern Front. As he flew closer to the front he reviewed in his first. without methanol injection emergency for high-altitude power. suffered by comparison with the P-51. as Rumania. Erich felt certain he would have to fight them again mind his soon. fierce encounters with Orders leading to the USAAF fighters. Deutsch Brod in Czechoslo- thoughts turning constantly to the earlier fighters in maneuverable and rugged bird. which JG-52 had been forced to send up against the Mustangs in Rumania the previous year. These older Me-ioc/s. . good or better than the Soviet YAK-9. in World War Fighters of the Second at . Now that the Ameriin cans were ranging into Czechoslovakia with their inexhaustible Mustangs. Crash orders pulled I/JG-52 out of the Eastern Front battle and assigned the formation to oil-field pro- . or for escape. pressure fields on the Luftwaffe The USAAF to begin its after German chose this time of heavy attacks on the Ploesti oil near Bucharest. Boring through the tresses." he told Erich. flak all flak Ploesti Smoke a trails couple of reaching earthward showed that the kills. all clear. damage. No enemy He checked fighter escort his was . banging and puffing its black bursts was massive. the USAAF heavies hove into view with the precision of a American well-run Kommodore. closely followed all took off by the second Schwarm. Between 1100 and 1300 hours. was railroad.THE BLOND K N it H T OF GERMANY 162 tection on the Rumanian Front. The barrage racing with his squadron toward Ploesti. in had scored on came gaggles of B-17 For- staggered horizontally and vertically in formations of ten to fifteen ships. a few minutes' flying time The date was 23 June 1944. Refueling of Erich's squadron had barely finished when the order came to scramble. "We first. They in good order. "We need no maximum force to and cause them maximum can bring them with minimum effort. so clambered back into was it a Schwann his bird who strange technician taxied to the Junger was flying end of the as Erich's signaled strip. JG-52's delighted by the American penchant for ac- curate timing. came a second huge gaggle of B-17's. He and the warm engine caught immediately. Erich's squadron was ordered to operate from a grass strip at Zilistea. Ground crews sent on from Ploesti. droning from the west. ron's mission: protect other through to Erich's tried to get The Americans had been running their bombing operations over Rumania as if their intention was to make interception of their formations by German fighters as easy as possible. He flew down to Rumania with his squadron. Erich was on about a level with the Fortresses.wingman. The squad- JG-52 fighters while they the "Fat Dogs"— the bombers. because of the way they plan their operations. even if a little incredulous at standing patrols. Bimmel was missing from the Zilistea advance party. found the Zilistea strip and led his pilots in for a landing. ahead to the makeshift base were waiting. with Lieutenant Puis and Sergeant Wester composing the second Rotte. Every day the Americans came over at the same time." Erich could hear Hrabak's words ringing in his mind bear on as he went The German flak was over the sky. altimeter. Master Sergeant Carl . Four miles farther back. Twenty-one thousand feet. Colonel Dieter Hrabak. the Messerschmitt easing around to his touch. especially The when it was He drew get a shot at the bombers." he said into his R/T. windshield." he filling his more rapidly gun buttons. shrank fighters 250 meters . to the distance again. More debris empennage from the disintegrating Mustang showered against the of Erich's kite. . The distance between rapidly. the white and blue star insignia was close enough to . Erich"— 150 meters . black and red fireball engulfed what was left of the fighter. The . sliced across his a target too tempting to ignore. Three hundred meters 200 meters— "closer. The the P-51 and inside Erich could see the red an inferno. American formation. said aloud to himself. Pieces flew off Erich's wings. Erich friend. while smoking chunks of wing and tail went tumbling earthward. He him showed him that both his eased the stick forward to dive down on the bombers. "Attack the fighters. A quick glance back. Again he saw explosion. . . climbing south into the sun in a wide curve. soaring upward. .500 feet as he finished his climbing turn in an ideal position to attack the formation of A bombers. One went the stick back and Karaya felt the sun was his at his back. altimeter needle spun up to 25. . .MUSTANGS 163 That meant he would in sight. closing in rapidly behind the rear ship in -the unsuspecting the two meters touch. 100 . quick glance around Schwarms were intact. Erich. even and wobble. The P-51 filled his windshield. No matter. this time. Erich judged his bounce perfectly. A Mustangs suddenly tight formation of four line of vision three thousand feet below. off "No time next Mustang was already At 100 meters he pressed engine door peeled glare of The a fell plume of black smoke. the American fighter and thundered against Smoke and fire billowed from the Mustang as Erich pulled left and up. a Down came Mustang sag watch No his fires. the Ameri- into an uncontrollable spin. A big. The Me-109's went screaming down on the Mustangs. Emitting can fighter snap-rolled and P-51 was a goner. His guns roared for two seconds. . Erich snapped back to business. . Looking in down he saw droning along below them. The Blond A tangs. but it was too late. white stream of glycol added contrast to the color pattern. then pulled his gers. tongue of flame licking backward along the empen- The American pulled up and stalled. . 150 ." on propeller and spangled their way back through the engine compartment and the full length of the fuselage to the Erich's get. . inside the Mustang's left turn. . Another perfect bounce beckoned. and nearby but still bomb- the two closer. Erich. Erich saw a ten-foot nage. A long burst. Diving under his foe and looking up at the riddled P-51. ." The American leader had spotted "Don't watch crashes. 100 meters. The Mustang's canopy flashed clear of the cartwheeling fighter and the pilot struggled . He pulled his P-51 around to the left in a standard rate turn. . with a bright off machine went spinning down. 200 . as Erich "He should have broken hard sparkled Erich tanks. then went tumbling earthward. . . but it looked as tail. A buttons and half the Mustang's wing sheared As the flash. Get the leader. "Jump! Jump! For God's sake.THE BLOND KNIGfiTot GERMANY 164 Pulling up. the Mustang's left. it though every round found Red and black smoke came billowing from finished its tar- the Mustang. Erich watched the burning wreck for a sign that the pilot might still be alive. Musdown came touch on the gun perfect attack on the stricken after the . . Hits his brilliantly the trig- had expected. Erich watched his second element flame two other Mustangs ers quick succession. "Fool!" said Erich aloud. ammo. and seconds later a thick. Erich. jump!" Erich was calling out as though the American pilot could hear him. Schwann went sweeping American wingman Knight's the distance . fire. "Attack the fighters again/' he said on the R/T. other P-51's in a turn away from his position. Erich could see the pilot clambering out of the cockpit. Erich thought the it was an incredibly clumsy maneuver until he saw that American pilot One pulled Karaya still carried external hard as he could and clamped fighter right as fuel The and flew right into the burst of down on P-51 rolled over to the other side. but no confirmed The Mustangs were doing a solid job of protecting bombers. aborting Erich's attacks on the bombers. "Mustangs?" Bimmel bellowed the question. More to get out. all smiles as usual. Time "Back to in stooging contrails around here were showing. the bomber stream would draw whole squadrons of the for Mustangs in vigorous defense of the heavies. Bimmel beamed as he saw the sign for four victories. the ship with fuel. checked the filled full belts windshield and canopy and made for all guns. Erich's Schwarm had some damaged aircraft. There was no point without any ammunition. Erich's fifth others. knowing Erich would be partially deaf for a few minutes. and a single Schwarm of Luftwaffe fighters heading kills. he in to himself. Three more missions in the next few days were long on fighting but short on success. One for battle. so finding the ing the heavies was a rugged task. and there were hits on the enemy. The Americans came winging in each day on bombers was their railroad timetable.MUSTANGS 165 clear of his coffin. triumph to refuel and rearm. Switching off. Hard dogfighting and whirlwind battles with the rugged Mustangs produced no results either way. Next maybe you won't be so lucky. Bimmel was waiting to guide him into the parking area after touchdown. A sense of relief arose in Erich as the American's chute blossomed. High Mustangs were coming. He made sure there were Karaya oil. Erich pulled back the canopy and held up four fingers of his left hand for Bimmel to see. home base at Roman/' he As they went barreling back said on the R/T. "You were lucky today. taken in the first battle The easy. with a held his mission against good interception Schwarm the Americans began like at 20." At Roman. He wiped the a thorough visual inspection of the fighter. Erich glanced back and saw wingman Carl Junger was with him watching the crash. Erich nodded and Bimmel whistled a little as he set to work once more preparing was quietly talking time. Erich. Attack- beating the Mustangs had had put the American pilots on their toes. at 23.000 feet as top cover for the the He attackmg .000 feet in clear skies. They were sharply alert. Erich's came rushing and behind. Erich could two more 109's from another squadron. Pushing after the P-51's. "Dive down and watch from below. "Four against one!" Erich saw red. whose pilot . but not the 20-mm cannon on Four hundred tance came checkered P-51 as he . . climbing at heading for the bombers. 300 down looked gun buttons. Behind Mustangs full German element were this climbing hard and closing in loose trail. Far beneath the bombers. couldn't do anything more for They them now. 100 meters . Three more Mustangs were lined up ready for a firing pass. being blasted clear and whipped backward by the slipstream. . A The as devastating as blast of fire He pressed his and an explosion shook Karaya One blew up. fighters never wavered. The as big as a barn. They were lucky them either. in dis- Mustang with its windshield was all on the rearmost American from below at a perfect thirty-degree attack angle. the in split seconds. 200 . as the P-51 . American leader kept the stricken maximum Me-109 as the Small pieces of the Messerschmitt were firing.000 feet or higher." Erich told wingman Junger.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY i66 Schwarm assigned to assault the bombers. Watching the four 109's going in to attack. .. the American fighters hadn't seen The Mustangs were sand feet intent now on bouncing the Me-109's a thou- below Erich. Erich went lancing down them from above and behind. with the Mustangs about to attack. pair Damn of friendly He them.50-caliber guns were deadly.. the Me-109. . . The Mustang Me-109 bore-sighted and was pouring fire into the German fighter. Erich snapped on his see boost and fast four on the R/T. taking his stick forward. probably from 28. Erich switched instantly to the third Mustang. or the German top cover could have been bounced and shot down. hadn't seen the Mustangs. flashing tail . He leader already had a lone swept in on the American four from behind at Smoke was pouring from dive speed. unsuspecting Messerschmitts. nor had anyone else in his Schwarm. His job was to protect the other Schwarm. Erich spotted a gaggle of Mustangs plunging down on them from He above. "Look back! Mustangs! Look back! Mustangs!" The climbing couldn't hear. American . make I'll felt his against his power. . down Erich stroked the stick forward. keep your fly. aerial baseball Hard right— hard left— a storm hard right— more gunfire. and now it was Erich's turn to behind you! Bubi. "Bubi. Break!" Break! Sergeant Junger's alarm rasped in his headphones. . you know you'd be dead. but fired his they'll see . He dis- began talking guardian angel. their Erich looked in his mirror and quickly to each side. That made as fast as it rough. and he'd gained some tance as a result. he like that. the Mustangs hot on wingman. That would He helmeted head bounced against the canopy as negative G's boosted safety belt. . diving and eyes bulging in their sockets. feel the lash." The two four-ship elements and sandwiched P-51's split into Erich neatly." he radioed his it Junger a chance. from two of the Mustangs of tracer from the other side . aloud to himself. "You know you won't If fire hit them to him. Erich. The American kept flying. . Mustangs were tearing of the deadly after Damn! Eight him. . and "All right Erich. Erich. The horde of them strung out behind Erich now were determined that this would not escape lone Messerschmitt vengeance. he was. "Hard They were turns. They open too soon. Erich." . but he was in a tight spot. his heavy left spirals at full him hard "Back to base on your own. . left . with blast of gunfire hard left and the the Blond Knight as the ball. They're not top shooters. alone. Hard right . his tail. . and in the blood-draining turns where the Mustangs sometimes swung close own guns. hard they knew what . The Mustang took an all-guns volley of hits from Karaya One and began burning. Erich. or you'll have bullets in your whiskey stomach. You're lucky again. There were too give damned many American fighters for him to deal with anyway. the Blond Knight went plummeting down.a MUSTANGS 167 seemed momentarily paralyzed." He One around reefed Karaya game began. Fly like you never flew before. . as though acting as his own head now. . . "You're lucky. too far out. His negative-G break had momentarily foiled them. In hard. Real hard turns. beating He was them by actually a hair in each turn and drawing away a few yards each time. and sitting in a murderous turns in these labor. gaining slightly on the Mustangs." He made another try with his guns when there was a slight chance of hitting a P-51 in one of the tight turns. Erich. but they were keeping going to be theirs even if up the they had to split "Keep going. Erich. Gave you the is "Good his boyhood swam thing you liked gymnastics. but this time his guns were dead. His adrenalin-charged body was pouring out sweat. a fast bailout." if on the dash glared red. Your coordination strength to keep your hide whole. the periodic hammering American guns and the of the groaning of his overstressed Karaya One. In seconds the tracer. near the base will take tail." Erich swung into another grinding turn." The eight relentless Americans and the lone German went ratracing across the Rumanian sky. Erich. They few yards. Even Amid uniform was becoming his damp. Besides. The Americans might have been losing a were staying glued to the Blond Knight's wildly. Keep going. the roar of the American fifties ringing out at intervals and Erich dodging the tracer. The sports of before his mind's eye. it The kill was eight different ways. quick .THE BLOND KNlfcHT OF GERMANY 168 May them a bit. but they tail. thoughts of the past poured through Erich's head. the sound of your own when they've nearly got you. "Damn!" The fuel warning almost out of fuel fighter even "Make but easy. All through the numbing turns Erich had kept way back toward slowly working his his base. saving you now. Hauling the Messerschmitt round was an ordeal of hard steam bath. The these leeches off your flak pressure. guns makes you he could rattle feel better feel the perspiration down running his body under his uniform. firing often but couldn't quite pull enough lead on their quarry to score a hit. His face was streaming and his vest shirt though he were as were saturated. Flip her over on her back. Karaya One was and he was too far from the base to land the light he dared. Swinging under his silk umbrella. By God. Coming out of the next turn. A bone-bruising jerk shook every joint in his body as he was jarred He upright in the parachute harness. He felt even happier as the eight Americans formed up on their leader and went streaking off to the north. For German fighter pilot fighting between soldiers. He thought how horrible it would be if they defenseless didn't.* Erich felt happy to be alive. He him in a wild kaleidoscope as his own booted feet he went tumbling pulled the D-ring. thought of Usch. wheeling Mustangs and back into the it over. victorious pilots of ing airmen. again. earth and trees. As the 109 went soaring upward and with all his strength. may have seemed out by pilots was unthinkable to it strafe an enemy hanging in his parachute. There was a rustling of silk and cord followed by the plumping sound of the opening umbrella. all nations avoided shooting at parachut- . You are a lucky a boy. Erich sucked back on the stick of his belly. pit he released the stick flashed before earthward. there was manly wave. Was he going to die by mid-air strafing. and fall to earth as a bundle of bloody rags? A Mustang lined up on him as though entrails contracted into a tight ball. few yards away. he plexiglas cover and the wind howled and around the cockpit.MUSTANGS He 169 released his safety belt. you'll have a birthday party tonight. and the Mustang banked around. made the pilot look in- The American's hand went up. but the Luftwaffe lived code to the end. As he came out of the next tripped the emergency release for the canopy." * In general. Erich. the Blond Knight wondered if his American foes would act the same way. Sky. went whipping away tore in the slipstream The turn. was swinging helpless in his chute surrounded by eight angry Mustangs. hauling and shot clear of the doomed aircraft. Then An for a firing pass. "You are lucky. Erich's For one blinding instant he the American fighter went roaring past a ugly face under a white and yellow helmet glared at Erich through huge goggles that describably malevolent. They regarded that not as war and this but as murder. This chivalrous tradition of place in total war. As he came floating down to the good green earth he told himself again and. By now. We always made Bubi. bad news. Batz recalls the struggle to defend Ploesti in these terms: "In the latter part of May we were forced into combat on two Fighters were direly needed everywhere. Col. When in . the old type Me-109 would not cut against the Mustangs. and the certainty that they would worse. pilots Without methanol The air at aircraft HQ was full had been shot were killed and a number of others wounded. always in but I know he was from greater successful against the Mustangs and saved us losses. Erich Hartmann's Captain (now Gruppenkommandeur during Lt. but also placed heavy demands on our Russians and in the south in American four-engined bombers. Today [1967] I do not recall how many Bubi shot down in Rumania minor losses. both against the fronts. the head oil fields. and Bubi would take his squadron and protect the rear against the Mustangs. Nearly half the Gruppe's of Two down.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 170 He came down a little less army truck took him back than four miles from the base. Almost a year had passed since Rumania. Rumania guarding the Ploesti oil I remember well those hard times. because they not only called upon all our resources as fighting pilots. He accomplished his tasks bril- This type of four-motored aircraft was not familiar to us Eastern Front pilots. Higher it HQ ordered an immediate halt to fighter attacks on the Americans because of these heavy become losses. a long-time this period was comrade and ad- mirer of the Blond Knight. which in the spring of 1944. and an to his squadron. they would he landed at Deutsch Brod. even with experienced pilots. I fighter pilot. "In defending the Ploesti own request. as he droned through his air journey back to Czechoslovakia. injection.) Willi Batz." Erich reviewed these had taken place five battles with the P-51 Mustangs. He but because of Bubi we suffered relatively managed to protect us. hold the Mustangs abeyance and keep them off our necks. the whole Gruppe. liantly. his com- he had battled the Americans certainly be stronger. at his always went up together. against fields ground support forces. Only because of Bubi's experience were we able to find success against the bombers. The Americans hadn't seen Erich above them. heading for Prague and climbing hard. Erich counted about Pe-2's. circling slowly three The Mustangs began thousand feet above the Russian top cover. At 21.MUSTANGS 171 rades in I/JG-52 confirmed his apprehensions. "We'll make one pass only. They didn't Americans. Soon the strangers could be recognized. on . The Red Erich switched on his fight- R/T. Russians and Americans were now obviously watching each other instead of their tails. but a 109/s series from the incoming strangers eliminated them flashes of silver as friends. Down through the Mustangs. His first thought was that more were coming in to join the attack. a little higher than his element. a mixed formation of lend-lease A-20 Douglas thirty Bostons and Russian twenty-five fighters. Erich was ready to push the stick down on the enemy force. With the sun behind him and an altitude advantage. cept the bombers. were penetrating into Czechoslovakian American fighters Within skies regularly.000 feet he leveled off and began scanning the skies for the enemy. ers hove into view. of the A Russian bombing raid was reported headed for Prague.000 feet. He hesitated. The Russian force soon bombers. Then from the corner of his eye he caught forward and go diving intuition pricked at sight of a line of contrails. descend- ing and closing in from the west. Polished metal surfaces had long ago been done away with on German fighters. Flying top cover was a force of about YAK-n's and P-39 were at about 12. a few days. His him. The timing was perfect. All flash the sun. Erich switched on his R/T. Mustangs! The and silvery craft his wingman came in about three thousand feet below Erich as they held their altitude. "Attack in two elements. He Bimmel had was to take up a Schwarm to inter- everything ready and Erich was air- borne in minutes. he was perfectly set up for a classic bounce. Erich got the order to scramble. the Blond Knight was again tangling with the Mustangs USAAF." With the sun at his back. Airacobras. Polished surfaces usually meant one thing- in Luftwaffe ships were painted. The awful suck of gravity on his body drew Erich into a mo- He mentary gray-out. Looking back. chunks of as movement. Erich saw an unexpected and savage consequence of his lightning attack." At power the two Me-109's went screaming down on the full upper circle of shook briefly never Mustangs. Erich's engine was screaming and Karaya One was shuddering he tore on down at through the Russian fighter cover. with him. With down a rolling-out beside Erich. mortal. Erich checked his His wingman was tail. stick to maintain his released some of the back pressure As the 109 moaned through vision. of control. element? He still bailed out Timing and Erich saw the his turn. the structure as its it rushed to Mustang went diving smoking heavily and shedding stricken final impact. gun buttons and saw Hits! Hits! pieces Yes. The suspicious Red dogfighting with the Mustangs! Americans when Erich drove pilots must have thought the Americans had attacked them. and aircraft all What of the second down through the Allied Another Mustang came down blazing. but its pilot The second element came formation. In a shal- in to fill his wind- shield at point-blank range. Erich's burst thundered into the P~5i .THE BLOND KNlGHT OF GERMANY T 172 down through top cover. searched the sky. s engine compartment and the American ship nosed up suddenly. on the its pull- out curve and came up near level with the bombers. Going too squeezed blasted away from one bomber. tumbling The P-51 staggered and went and smoking and dumping low turn Erich found the next Mustang rushing down out debris. and the Russian down through the bombers. Now the Bostons. slashing silk billow behind the tumbling flyer. their camouflaged but indiscernible from above. Erich's fighter with a burst of gunfire and the rearmost Mustang knew what hit him. The Russian YAK's and Airacobras were The Russians were watching the home his attack. Panic . No chance to fire rushing up like full throttle on the hell. pulled out. On his fast. out of control. but nothing and down through the bombers and then the brain- glazing pull-out. He fighters. Erich joined up with the second element as all it four 109's went racing away. Closing like lightning. There would be no more battles between Erich and the Mustangs. felt safe as pouncing on every enemy they could find. In battling the Americans. from ing until on the writes of vigilance in the air better than eight vigi- Hartmann. gripped the Russian The Russo-American From the milling droves dogfight continued at a furious pace. I first idea that when I was or could be better than any other moment. but an advantage My rule for airfighting this: "THE PILOT WHO SEES THE OTHER FIRST READY HAS HALF THE VICTORY. of planes Erich saw three YAK-n's come flaming down. As Allies. as in the battles with Erich Today Erich hundred I my landing on 8 last May my own 1945. because at this basis of his aerial battles: "In a kind of auto-suggestion. I had the feeling of absolute superiority. Sometimes their confidence led to diminished lance. numerous and sure of themselves. The end of the war was imminent. never had the pilot in the air flight to the instant moment. I air. I found I could before my comrades— sometimes minutes before them." with which I was born. They jettisoned their bomb loads. while a Mustang went limping off to the south belching glycol. Erich shook his head with incredulity. Clouds and Today I am sure that never knew I was there before I opened in the air of the big sun were hate and love in enemy worked for planes long feeling world. My my kills my dogfights were fast factor always spot unknown factors. felt From bad during that crash in train- never slept in the always had a bad feeling after take-off. "I was afraid eighty per cent of fire. other. Erich is Hartmann AL- redressed a technical . and were confident. the Russians and the Americans seemed to have little trust in each Hartmann could not restrain a hearty belly laugh as his Me-109 nosed down and streaked for home. I My recognized stomach my foes. and simple on that account. The Americans seemed to know they had won the war. In big gaggles they they ranged over Europe at will. But one me more than any other. blasting a stretch of empty countryside. They were abandoning their mission.MUSTANGS 173 bomber pilots. This was not experience or skill. then swung around on a reverse course. . he triumphed over and shoot him down. and downed seven of the formidable Mustangs. When the disadvantage by skill odds in combat were eight to one against him and the Mustangs had him cold. fairly. He their best efforts to outfly can pursuers had not forgotten their sportsmanship.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 174 and experience. fought and did not stoop him lived to tell the tale because his Ameri- to murder. whose demise was confirmed. and wear our thin uniform of civilization awkwardly. Intent on the blazing scene in Briinn. the closest main center to Deutsch Brod. he could see columns and vehicles ter of of Russian troops swarming toward the cen- the town. A smoke pall hung over Briinn like a big black mushroom.000 Using the main road feet. toward the nearby town of Briinn. and climbing to 12. The enemy was probably already in the town. the Red pilots did not see Erich and his wingman on the perch. how Mission: Find out far the Russian spearheads were from Deutsch Brod. unopposed. —George Bernard Shaw 15 y 8 May 1945. headed as a line of reference. Erich flew east. Lieuten- Wing Staff was Graf who were at ordered the Blond Knight's final war operation. and it coming to lost all cohesion. gaggle of eight YAK- 7 's flying around the He spotted a loose same smoke cloud. Erich could see heavy fires in Russians were either bombarding the place or had already begun occupation. The smoke cloud. The German effort in and the Russian juggernaut ant Colonel Czechoslovakia had rolled on Hermann Graf and Deutsch Brod with Erich's I virtually the JG-52 Gruppe. The Russians were below him. Erich stiffened in his seat. Circling around the the town. operations by I/JG-52 were clearly an end. On the eastern outskirts.Chapter Thirteen SURRENDER We are still savages at heart. Karaya One's instrument panel clock read 0830 as Erich took off with a wingman. and . 7 pulled up into a loop flicked his wing to signal "attack" to his forward and sent Karaya stick One wingman. Russians were less fortunate.Decide" phase of another attack on the wheeling YAKs when he caught sight of a flash in the air high above him. the wrecked gun but- broke away in a smoothly coordinated later short burst struck Snapping over. began burning and went tumbling down out of control. The came winging down range filled Erich's and hung there two hundred rapidly to He pressed his YAK home solidly into the Russian fighter. but he had no intention of going back to assess the damage the two Allies were doing to each other. Once He had again the back immediately lost them. his into firing posi- Red fighter burned fiercely field outside and added its smoke to the thickening cloud over Briinn. The YAK. and the Red YAKs and Mus- tangs were whirling in a savage dogfight over Briinn. The tons and seconds strike. one right below Erich. He had downed and 91 twin-engined his last mission and shot 261 single-engined fighters. Exploding in a the town. More flashes from their polished surfaces left no doubt as to their identity— Mustangs. gushing black smoke. The Blond Knight Seemingly in a victory salute to the Red YAK. Erich saw no aircraft go down. Erich put Karaya One's nose down. As he set Karaya One down on the improvised airstrip at Deutsch Brod. and with his wing- man close beside him plunged into the sanctuary of the smoke pall. Erich looked he had eluded the Mustangs. The situation was not without humor. he knew he had flown down his last foe. the windshield.7 Hartmann's 352nd victory.THE BLOND KlflGHT OF GERMANY 176 they were jinking around the sky as if they were taking part in an show. aircraft in slightly over two and a half years . In a potential sandwich between Russians and was Erich Americans. but the USAAF Air Force had mistaken each other's identity. air Army on the ground. Erich was in the "See . The YAK feet. pushed lancing down tion just as the Russian reached the top of his loop inverted. Twelve aircraft were flying in tight formation. Bursting out of the smoke cloud on the west side and heading for Deutsch Brod to be sure at full throttle. MIKOYAN& GUREVICH MiG-1. was a MiG-1. On 52nd LaGG-3. combat was over a 19th sortie." Erich Hartmann's first aerial Stormovik on 5 November 1942 over Digora in the Caucasas. his victory He was flying his sortie. LA VOCHKIN— GORB UNO V— G UDKO V La GG-3. this one over a DOUGLAS A-20 "BOSTON. January 1943 and on his 41st combat Hartmann's second victory. over Annavir. 9 February 1943 and on Erich Hartmann scored his third aerial victory. . "Hartmann's fourth victory was on lOthFebruary 1943 on his 54th sortie. which came on 27 sortie.ILYUSHIN IL2 "STORMOVIK. which was over a Kerch Peninsula.POLIKARPO V U-2. It was shot his seventh victory down and his his first 91st American "Airacobra" on sortie. U-2 above the Hartmann became an ace with his fifth victory. He was flying his 68th sortie. . " Hartmann 15 April 1943. BELL 39 "AIRACOBRA. YAKOLE V YAK. It was his 262nd sortie and the victim was a Yak-1.1 On his . This was on Erich's 1 3 1 st sortie.POLIKARPOV R-5. 244th sortie. 1 August 1943 on Hartmann encountered the Yak-7 a few days before the Yak. he scored his 44th victory this one over a Yak-7.7. Erich scored his 6 1 st victory. YAKOLE V YAK-1 On 6th August over Kharkov. LAVOCHKIN La-5. It Hartmann's 8th victory was over an R-5 used by the Soviets as a was Erich's eighth victory and his 1 13th sortie. Hartmann's 13th victory came on 7 May 1943. . light night bomber. over a La-5 (Lavochkin dropped the LaGG designation after the LaGG-3). YAKOLEV YAKS.* £=* — > I g o _ l P£TL victories.9. YAKOLEV YAK. few of these Yak-92 fell to Hartmann's guns after May of 1944. . Hartmann encountered A the Yak-3s after January 1st of 1944. all over Kharkov. " Hartmann matched wits with Americanflown Mustangs near Bucharest and Ploesti on June 23rd and 25th. NORTH AMERICAN P-51 "MUSTANG. Hartmann scored his 64th. On his 264th sortie. 1944. 65th and 66th knocking down two Pe-2s and a Yak-1. And over." Graf's finger pointed to the town of Strakonitz on an area map spread out before him. Small advanced tank units are re- ported in villages right up to the demarcation line— that's the Moldau River—between the American and Russian the Russians are in Briinn. They both knew Karaya One would never fly again. GRAF AND HARTMANN BOTH FLY IMMEDIATELY TO DORTMUND AND SURRENDER TO BRITISH FORCES ALL OTHER JG-52 PERSONNEL WILL SURRENDER AT DEUTSCH BROD TO SOVIET FORCES. "Yes. We're in a pincer here. As Karaya One's engine hissed into silence. Lieutenant Colonel Graf was looking glum and strained when Erich walked into the Kommodore's tent to make his mission reever faithful port. sir. For us. Bubi." Graf handed Erich a radio message. of the war was now only hours away for I/JG-52. "The Russians are already occupying Briinn. Me-109 his f° r the last time. The Blond Knight shook his head.SURRENDER 177 The end of combat." sir?" first. Erich dragged back the canopy to hear bad news from Bimmel. "American Army tank units are occupying Strakonitz." Graf nodded. GENERAL SEIDEMANN AIR FLEET Hermann Graf's face was twisted into a wry grin. that is I have the order." said As Erich swung down from We are lucky there Bimmel. COMMANDER He looked di- rectly at Erich. the war "Do you mean we surrender. "I figured that. in the runway. one hundred kilometers to the West. Erich caught Bimmel's eye. "but I had to be sure. the Bimmel made ready to refuel and rearm the fighter. But is zones. "The General doesn't want you and me to fall into Russian . you and I must make a decision for us alone. "The Russians have been are no holes shelling the field." he said. that things will go hard with two winners of the Diamonds. The area reeked . Bubi. So we forget the order. refugees fleeing from the Russians—all of them defenseless.S. would fighters fly They no more." are going to obey General Seidemann's order?" said Erich. nition for the Messerschmitts. the pet-cocks on Karaya One. Airmen slopped gasoline over the once-proud and made ready Messerschmitts would Bimmel opened to put make a JG-52 to the torch. all fuel. It sir. would be wrong for us to leave. We are going to destroy everything. Do you think that I can go and jump in a 109 and fly to Dortmund. and stay with our We people. bility of seeing that about a convoy with which they the aircraft Erich strode out on the burning up what was left field and munitions were destroyed. Open all fuel lines of the aircraft and assemble the aircraft as closely together as posCollect sible. Twenty-five hell of a bonfire. Over two thousand women." Graf flicked the decoration at his throat." details and reach Pisek in the American zone. also forget Graf plunged into would try about surrendering to the Russians. but sian artillery would would have the the hundreds of kill packing up for their "Collect all final set about the grim business of There was if field still fuel and ammu- they took off again the Rusbore-sighted women and children move. The 109's stood with their long noses pointed at the sky. and of JG-52. They'll probably stand us up against craft shot and shoot us on a wall "Then we sight. Army." "I'm glad you agree. munitions at the armorers' hut. children and old people— relatives of wing personnel.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 178 He knows hands. Graf stepped over and threw back the tent flap. nearly five hundred and fifty Russian airdown between us." Erich rapped out the orders and personnel sprang to comply. Bubi. Their safety had and a barrage who were now to come first. where they would He then assigned Erich the responsi- surrender to the U. We it. "You and me. Break open all ammunition boxes ready to destroy munitions. "Look out there. and just leave them?" "I agree can't do with you. Singed hair and two burned hands were Erich's souvenirs of Karaya's fiery farewell. Sitting in the cockpit.SURRENDER 179 of gasoline as the twenty-five aircraft drained. The column of civilians was moving away. tents on the ground. on the field and drums of gasoline were upended were similarly to spill their con- to be sure that all the women and children were gone. Damn! He could be burned alive on the ground! Out! Out! Bimmel stood made to dash for transfixed as the fighter exploded into fire. and thus avoided Soviet captivity. and afterward continued hitchhiking westward. but the smoldering figure of the Blond Knight burst out of the flames.* As the fire went leaping through the dump of fuel. in followed as the In seconds. Karaya enveloped in flames and Erich scrambled wildly out of the cockpit. He the ship. Bimmel ran and jumped aboard a departing truck as soon as he saw his chief was unharmed. Karaya One was sinking to earth on * Sergeant its col- Heinz "Bimmel" Mertens rode the truck to the American lines. "Keep back. combat they never flared like that. punctuated by heavier blasts as drums A pillar of smoke swirled up into the morning. it was a hard moment for the fighter pilots of JG-52. ammunition and aircraft. and the heavy. Erich took one backward glance. Bimmel! I'm going to fire the moment had come. pyre of Germany's most successful Fighter last Wing. That was the last Erich saw of Bimmel." Bimmel sprang clear as Erich pressed Karaya One's gun buttons was astonished by for the last time. He was at home in Kapellan within three weeks. Erich checked shepherded by the personnel of JG-52. Defeat had scaly wings. Their beloved Me-109's were quickly engulfed in fire. Erich At high speed the size of the flashes from the gun muzzles. black cloud formed an appropriate marker for the of fuel detonated. As Erich piled into a waiting staff car. . gasoline vapor was ignited by the One was A mighty gun flash flashes. Seeing their mounts burning on the ground by their own hand undermined even some of the tough guys who had ridden them into battle. the ammunition and cantrusted non shells began exploding. The sad Erich jumped into the cockpit of Karaya One. ammunition off into the woods. A wore the fronts. he had flying training of refugee Russians to take the Air Force. German Air Force.THE BLOND KNI&HT OF GERMANY 180 lapsing undercarriage. am Lieutenant Colonel Graf. Army tanks ing the scene from the turret. taking with him in the Kremlin. As Kommodore been organizing the air against German the side Red of JG-210. his intimate knowledge of the Such was the lunacy abroad in the men world at that time. In the late afternoon the column was nearing Pisek. Grasser victories. together with German civilian refugees. Commanding Officer of Fighter Wing 52. the fighter disap- was his last act as an shared this unusual duty with Lt. 1 Group of my wing. a truckload of American HQ in Pisek. the Americans immediately turned Vlasov over to the Russians and he was hanged. cer. These Russian air units flying on the were envisioned forces fighting with the as air support for the Russian rebel German Army under General Vlasov." The American turret of his tank officer plucked a walkie-talkie from inside the and began talking to his few minutes. Grasser was a steadying professional presence at a difficult time. Graf and Major Hartmann Grasser. We surrender to the United States Army. before the end at Deutsch Brod. The American drivers stopped their vehicles when they saw the Germans streaming toward them across the open fields. one- time hero of the defense of Moscow. who had flown with distinction on all Oak Leaves and was credited with 103 Battle of Britain ace Trained before the war as a professional Luftwaffe offi- Grasser was for a long time adjutant to the immortal Colonel Werner "Daddy" Moelders. At the end of the war. The people with us are the "I personnel of that unit. head of the strange column. ground. had joined them with his wing Kommodore staff just officer of Hermann who of JG-210. Erich saw a moving cautiously down the road. Commanding Officer of No. This is Major Hartmann.S.S. Leading straggling assemblage the Luftwaffe. and as it hit the peared behind a consuming curtain of Erich this made odd and his way to the He fire. . GFs from Within a the 90th U. Graf and Erich approached the leading tank and saluted the American officer watchfew U. Col. of their weapons. were beyond the was the easternmost Army. In high Allied councils. Erich heard the ultra-correct Grasser speak to a fresh-faced American second lieutenant who took his watch. To lose wristwatches and other personal The Americans glances. Erich felt a prorelief. In areas of Germany already under Soviet occupation. German wristwatches were highly regarded as souvenirs by Al- and the captured personnel of JG-52 had to relinquish their captors.S. The Americans already had wristwatches of lied troops. photo albums and other records. book. Erich lost his log- seized by the souvenir hunters. treated some of the German women to admiring them alone with their families. spared word that JG-52 would not be turned over to the Soviets. What vision Erich did not know was that the U. Pilsen objective of the U. the Russian troops against the had indulged in sexual debauchery German women hardly paralleled in modern men and their families would be Erich gave thanks that his this debauchery. out and began herding the Germans into a The Americans Germans relieved the were permitted to retain their pistols field The GFs piled beside the road. 16th Armored Division working with executing unauthorized reconnaissance eastern limits imposed by thrusts their orders. as the American officers had given their times. Everything worth taking was and at this time. "Surely you have sufficient wristwatches in a rich country like America?" The young American grinned and nodded his head.S. and their this puzzled Major Hartmann Grasser. but left found sense of souvenirs was a small price to pay for the security of being in American hands. But these are souvenirs. Third far it. Officers and were charged with main- taining discipline. Czech civilians and a few American soldiers pounced on the Ger- man staff cars and other vehicles. "Sure we do. The fate of these items re- mains unknown. That makes them differ- ent. Russia . 90th Infantry Di- and the U. theirs to own.S.SURRENDER l8l Infantry Division pulled up beside the tanks." While the Americans were organizing the German captives. Mifflin Co. but was aimed primarily at professional men by the U. was the professional it officers of the German forbidden by law to belong to any political party— including the Nazi party— who were largely innocent of political involve- ment. ranging fifty thousand from children up soldiers to old from other The and open-air camp soon civilian refugees of all men and women. forces. to the This doctrine was or airmen This meant that was passed the postwar years.* German fought against the Soviet Union. ston Churchill. Strangely enough. The punishment of these goal. Boston. who simply drifted Sec Closing the Ring by Winston lished a guards began to close their eyes to the large bers of "prisoners" dis- the compound. The extermination of fifty thousand was joshingly referred Roosevelt at the Teheran Conference. The idea that prisoners of war should be conveyed to the Union Soviet by the forces of another after legitimate capture Allied power. seeking to Churchill. Conditions soon became deplorable and sanitation problem. * serv- S. when be seized officers to it by Stalin and Win- between Roosevelt becoming an was not to to the horror of off as a joke perilously close to German much uncommon in the night at their active project in for professional homes and spir- ited off to years of slavery in Russian prison camps.W. 1951). off westward. Thousands more refugees and banded German units poured into soldiers contained over ages. The The American officers by Houghton major were hard put to maintain order at times. treatment by that have in latter years brought hardship to icemen captured Erich's in a in column Asian these processes many American conflicts. was a sharp departure from prior procedures. which was guarded at each end by an American tank. such conveyance being for the specific purpose of punishment.T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 182 had been selected as Czechoslovakia's liberator.O. Precedents were established in P. Army had to be east of Pilsen advancing Russians.S. num- 373~374 (pub- . pp. Germans captured all handed over who had was a firm Soviet professional extended to cover any later and Stalin German officers What came soldiers German officers.. of refugees and surrendering soldiers was placed chicken-wire enclosure near Schiittenhofen in western Bo- hemia. than guards simply figured that the refu- off foraging for themselves and finding their on practically starving to death while they slept the ground in the Schuttenhofen pen. in captivity that Hartrear. the convoy stopped.m. For eight days in American hands they had been without food. told they would be mov- ing out by truck at 4 p. and Erich and were in a his companions were ordered meadow surrounded by Russian hensive Germans tumbled out diately began separating the German to get soldiers. The Americans found that their Allies were quite capable as individuals of descending to the worst excesses . that the entire burg. they were given a glimpse of the fate to which they had unwittingly delivered Ger- man civilian women and girls. On 16 May Hermann Graf and Hartmann They were Grasser be delivered to Regens- of prisoners was to for processing. The situation at this eral region. and Many Americans gave ad- many of them with maps and and GI rations. Before the Americans could drive away. Erich Rumors went around mann and after men would his the Americans told Erich. but was essentially the most practical course of humani- their attitude The tarianism open to them. down. home within a few weeks by Hartmann was not about a week be moved to the so lucky.SURRENDER 183 way home find their vice to the escapees. Erich was glad to be moving out to an area where organization would be better. gees would be better way home. innocent of any crime save being born in Germany. 1945. column Germany. that afternoon. subsisting on meager dry foodstuffs they had carried with them into captivity and on minor donations of food and chocolate by friendly individual GFs. Most of them managed to get hitchhiking and foot-slogging. The Germans were loaded into trucks and driven away from the Pisek area. the Russians women from imme- the men. After a drive of a few miles. as best they could. camp. The action of the assisted meager handouts of chocolate Americans was not sanctioned by any military order or decree. They As the appre- of the trucks. and in many others in the accounts for the large numbers of same gen- Germans who say today that they were prisoners of the Americans for only a few days. and ripping the clothes from their bodies began raping them in front of their Russian comrades. the Russians fell made ominous their clutches and last threat to their on the German women. the American guards had the presence of This chivalry did not the air and shouting sit mind to haul them into the truck beds. Half an hour later. Russians grabbed every The German female twelve-year-old daughter of dragged behind a tank by her mother's in sight. paralyzed by the spectacle. the ravaged child around the tank. Firing wildly in at the Americans. clawed their way up the sides in search of sanctuary. soldier he woman. Fascist pig!" gasping. She collapsed like a broken came crawling back doll. the Russians moves toward the U. "You of the four soldiers with boot into the woman's stomach with damned of Her thrust into their bellies. Other Russians hurled the women and girls to the ground. his face him slammed his force. well with the Russians. the agonized and the GFs standing bug-eyed with wonder Germans. The full indulgence removed. Tears pouring down her appeal while the watching rels German men prayers stood with gun bar- corporal stepped back from the One contorted by a sneer. crying and croaking. The single rifle The age. that the and spare her Soviet soldiers should take her went unanswered. Army trucks. unable to stand and completely nude. she wept out yelled. in the U. and alternately prayed to her God.S. The unarmed German men were lined up and a row of halfdrunk Red Army soldiers swayingly covered them with rifles and machine guns. When two stripped bare. trucks. ran crying to their trucks and The Americans seemed young German girls.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 184 human of The young GFs from Keokuk and Kokomo savagery. . regardless the slain killer. got a good close-up of the Bear in action. her cheeks. wife of a sergeant and mother of a twelve-year-old girl. woman was Other Russians joined him. who had all The young mother rolled over killed her with a kicked her then shot through the head.S. begged on her knees to a Russian corporal. A young German woman in her early thirties. The Russian his child. The GFs let in gunned their vehicles away down the road. Erich and his stared into the muzzles of With blood on their lusts their uniforms the Russians came grinning men machine guns. to let a there was nothing prominent about the crippled The Germans urged their Russian guards Burp guns at the ready. her and his final to attend to the child. child's plight. . radation had been meted out to them already. to relieve the who had slaked machine gunners standing guard over the Luftwaffe men. The full measure of misery and degwith them. Sometimes smirking. and some- thing akin to sanity began to settle over the scene. they finished Some were driven away in trucks.SURRENDER 185 Against the backdrop of the unspeakable scene in the once peaceful meadow. Hard-case pilots A debauch of such violence could not maintain wrenching intensity. but more was to come. Then a ring of thirty tanks was drawn up around the meadow and the area secured for the night. Erich fought down an overpowering impulse to retch. Eight. never to be seen again. As each brute pitilessly raped time after They showed no satisfied feelings other himself amid the wildly screams and groans of the women. Those who came back collapsed in the arms of their distraught husbands and fathers.and nine-year-old time by hulking Russian than hate and terrified She was dead whimperings tearing the hearts out of Erich lust. occasionally even a the Russian soldiers returned the women and little girls as crestfallen. then who had survived hundreds of air battles and many wounds broke down and wept unashamedly. were girls soldiers. raped as they lay unconscious. The Germans were herded into a rough encampment in the meadow. sometimes stolid. Sick to heart in a way he had never known in his life. dragging the women and what little pitiful husbands and girls from comfort they had found in the presence of their fathers. in men. German medic through an hour. Russian soldiers came again and again among the Germans. The rape went on throughout the night. Mothers who tried to protect in- fant daughters were clubbed senseless and dragged aside. Gradually lusts its soul- were quenched. They were allowed to go down to the lake and wash. the Russian let powerless them help the girl. Erich began quietly talking to himself as the emotional impact of the scene bludgeoned "You must at his fighting heart. in accordance with a new Red Army directive. he forever. the the Russians had finished with them. and then hung themselves with improvised ropes from the sides of trucks. now. and soldiers of GERMANY (Jf same way. needed no reports to know what had happened. The German NCOs and enlisted men sepaother officers. Erich. They chose death as the alternative to a living death. Russian soldiers violated compound during the night. order by coming to the kidnaping and raping a pitiless to When officers' girl. Russian general arrived and took in the scene in an instant. You must survive to hardly believe yourself. Those who awoke found themselves involved saw itself a sergeant empty wife's into their and stiffness wrist of death. stay alive. The plunder and rape of eastern Germany had already become infamous around the world. as you look at it. artery far somber death scene that in a memories The As Erich awoke. and then had quietly drained out of slit own his them while Erich wrist slept not away. of number of dawn rayed into the armor-ringed Germans did not stir. this itself as . Life The it." The debauch ended A day a later just as abruptly as it had begun.THE BLOND KNICfHT l86 The women were abating only in the predawn hours. shafts first a large would burn hurled back JG-52 had a hard decision to make that night. disposed of his eleven-year-old daughter the artery. matter what happens. He He issued im- mediate orders forbidding these excesses. like rag dolls when of many them made When meadow. and Russian punishment proved the native son as to the late enemy. and daughter his wife sergeant lying near had him in the quietly slashed his with an improvised dagger. The women were placed in general ordered the rated from Erich and the the custody of the officers and the Russian soldiers were ordered to stay away from this area. tell You others no what you will never forget what kind of things men can do when they descend beneath the level of animals. Other men had suffocated their wives and children. women soon changed to women and girls in many play. force. Rarely did they meet an enemy face to face. after his escape from Russian capture. This. even though back in Germany. the situation in the prison compound stabilized. Erich never forgot the trating lessons of this time. barely twenty-three years old as he stood in the watched the swinging corpses. There was no court Three sol- martial. had given him an unforgettable glimpse of the savage ground war. Fear for the welfare of the a different cases Mothers went to Soviet went German emotion— shame. while those German women who had changed their minds more food for their children. Russian literature arresting barbarism.SURRENDER The raped diers 187 girl was asked to identify her were picked out of a line-up. no appeal and no further question that the Russian general's orders were to be obeyed. modern war. The hands of the three soldiers were bound behind hung their backs with telephone wire. The single to the Russian victors for sex officers and sold their bodies for week the distraught German men began to feel the effects of starvation and to show it externally. The emotional consequence was an indescribable inner turmoil in which Erich participated to the full. For Erich Hartmann. On the occasions when they met an enemy pilot on the ground after having shot him down. Erich's night with the infantry platoon on the line. Dwelling in his later years in the shadow of the Soviet colossus. Now this was more of sheer inhumanity of the kind of mentality created by the it. Usch. assailants. as Erich was to under- stand in the years that lay ahead. both of the Germans and of their fellow in full view The lesson and they were promptly in discipline went home with singular soldiers. but in the ground war brutality and subhuman conduct of all kinds was the rule. was it as meadow and shocking as the rape binge. the pene- realistic . the fight was over for both of them. He bitter. After a about the Russians stayed lively and began growing plump. and hanging became a way of full is life of such during and immediately following the 1917 Revolution. too. After the hanging of the three soldiers. taught his wife. Chivalry had survived in an attenuated form among combat pilots. was the Russian mentality. Combat flyers seldom captured anybody. was now to become part of his way of life. From would leave him the mass of recollections. a brutal decade that with many black memories. and to the example set by his humanitarian father. good and bad. Flatter him and stay with will protect you against all others. one would stand out with ineradicable starkness and vividity— the Dantean nightmare in the meadow. people. The resilience of youth had brought him through hundred combat missions in a heroic career that surpassed. Authors' Note: Events described their shocking effect in this chapter have been set down solely to show on Erich Hartmann. every Western wife should be aware of this approach to dealing with people of Eastern mentality" That was the lesson that came out of Erich's anguish in the meadow. but there was barely enough bounce in resoundfourteen would never be him to confront such bestiality in forced silence. including the Russian people. you have suffer only one man and you can avoid the brutality and de- officer him. Erich was only a handful of years removed from a fair-haired Korntal Hochschule boy who could not abide a bully. Go to the highest-ranked and do your charming with him. that he would carry into the evening of his life. exposed for the first time to mass and not for the purpose of fomenting hatred of the Russian authors are in total agreement with Colonel Hartmann that the basic kindness inside all human beings. at a maniac's touch. that his as he shuddered through the rapings beloved Usch was safe in Stuttgart. In this way. sexual savagery. to He humanization of belonging to every man. and that made the emotional impact of these events all the more ing.THE BLOND KNIQHT OF GERMANY l88 approach to a similar situation should it ever be thrust upon her by events: "Never hesitate in such circumstances. Conduct alien to everything he had been taught as a German soldier. Ahead of him lay ten and a half years in Russian prisons. The ." adds: "In the kind of age in which might well be overturned we are living. and hangings. Others take you only over the dead And he will be able to where civilization body of your protector. He thanked God in his emotional extremity. thus aided by human ignorance or indifference. and to "take the proud German women" so The aged were fair game. Psychotic leaders. This phenomenon lies behind every irrational social movement. has been plagued throughout and therefore its history lulled into their acceptance. The who despots lead millions of fundamentally kind people again and again to ruin. by such hap- The time is at ." he ranted. Savage sexual debauchery has been a perennial concomitant of mankind's worst social aberration— war. of the human love impulse lies at clear evidence that frustration the root of the social sickness all that convulses the world. These pathological mass misuses of the sex function evoke from the uncomprehending dividual no more profound reaction than a resigned shrug. are able to manipulate the colossal energies made available by the frustrations of destitute millions. The Red Army its excesses against the German civil population by Ehrenburg's psychotic exhortations to vengeance. "Never forget that every German child you see is the child of a Fascist.SURRENDER 189 can arrest the endless cycle of war and peace most human in affairs. could not prevail under modern conditions without the services of propagandists— specialists in presenting and legend Germany. The Russian troops were urged to kill the Fascists wherever they found them. Red Army orders eventually halted that they might forget the hard battles. these excesses. truth as Ilya was incited to and fact. if permitted to become upper- is adamantly opposed to the Colonel Hartmann fomentation of new hatreds between peoples. in- Men accept that such things "always" go on and will "always" continue and thus they evade the to go on. including both Red Communism and Black Fascismlittle-understood antithetical expressions political stemming from an identical power source. but not before Ehrenburg's evil genius its had done work. Mankind penings. Goebbels this role in filled lie Nazi Ehrenburg was the Soviet Goebbels. The mass debauch that ensued sent a wave rolling into the Bohemian meadow where Erich Hartmann saw it break. Even the innocent children of Germany were targets of Ehrenburg's hateful diatribes. federal prison in 1957. The basis of the sexual excesses inseparable from the ultimate human sickness of war. has been well identified by Reich and his followers.S.. His books and experimental jour- nals—including Mass Psychology of Fascism—were burned by the U. Reich died terror in a U. The psychic pestilence is internatiorfal and world-wide. throws up and sustains the Hitlers and Stalins and their propagandist lackeys. before presenting the it Hartmann's decade in Russian jails. No nation enjoys immunity. is written. Honest outrage and from struggling mankind. these findings have evaded in their application to mass problems. The authors considered story of Erich mandatory.D.S. the work of the late first clinical is With fied that of probably the most significant social work of this centhe psychic plague was identi- scientific psychoanalysis. tury. Fascism. The hard-won discoveries of Freud and pioneers concerning the human psyche and character struc- light of other To ture have provided the answers. The NKVD in Russia. social massacre at strain the integrity of the American Re- Machinations to suppress the knowledge capable of cating this pestilence public that deems and Communist work efficiently well informed. wielders of illegal activities blight The is power over millions. who supervised the workers' psychoanalytic clinics in the critical years pre- The Mass Psychology ceding Hitler's advent. onetime German is assistant to Freud. and all other secret police organizations esses that sustain the SD in of a kindred order are gathering-grounds for psychopaths. . As this home and war abroad public. Dr. to establish that they write with an understanding of the psychological proc- modern dictatorships. Nazi Germany. His 1932 book. of such organizations ever to be lifted authors wish to to the oppressors. government. with which and all free at the existence make their is rational if and this clear their unalterable opposition sympathy men must necessary for the oppressed— a stance surely find themselves in agreement. itself eradi- and beyond the ken of a A fugitive from the Fascist whose etiology he exposed. Wilhelm Reich. Especially germane M. been date.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 190 hand when men will have to confront themselves frankly in the new knowledge. treat them with humanity. intelligent. . Hermann Graf and the rest of were taken with the womenfolk to a bistritz. . physically resilient work was beyond ques- tough and strong young and highly at Neubistritz took three man of twenty-three. The ranting polemic of the . Little pose was to more than let Soviet Commissars and camp bureaucracy take a firmer grip on his at Neu- a barbed-wire stockade. and let them have no reason to complain. Provide everything necessary for them. The Russians men from were not concerned with the health of Erich and his any humanitarian motives. the camp's pur- quill-drivers Blond Knight and transit Gruppes I its captives. but their capacity as laborers. Names. serial numbers and basic military data were perfunctorily recorded. tion. —General George Washington's instructions to Colonel Webb concerning prisoners taken in the Battle of Trenton -Alfter conqueror. after which the Ger- mans spent several days awaiting their fate. officers their introduction to the Russian soldier in his role of Erich. . Erich found himself musing over the evident Russian intention to make them into forced laborers. Physical examinations were given to the Germans. .Chapter Fourteen SOVIET PRISONER . . began the formal cataloguing of the men. ranks. He as an evaluation of Erich's physical capacity to was a lean. but the Russians were interested in something more captives in a Luftwaffe that realistic no longer than the status of their existed. Bureaucratic formalities weeks to complete. Erich noticed that the commis- straightened immediately had turned away. Erich tried to squelch some of the rumors that were sweeping the Men in suspense will speculate. A from capitalist the depths of the Industrial Revolution would have saluted their instinct for A cheap labor. "Budweis. pure Vienna by train. these idolators of Marx and Lenin had no their other thought but to enslave their late enemies." Erich knew the town. We from there you will The Russian sar's face are taking you down That to is officers. but "Siberia" began whispering Budweis a Russian commissar at put an end to the rumors. propaganda. and the rumors grew more and more imaginative. all evil in time of triumph. the Germans but he could do nothing but bid the kindly Sascha good-bye and board a rackety train the . Russian guards rudely camp. he was grateful to be sitting up with Sascha be- hind the two horses that pulled the baggage cart. he soon warmed "Where are we going?" said name was Sascha. but moved them out of the pen and started marching them southeast along a dusty road. to Erich. Erich. Erich was when he thought skeptical.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 192 Communists about man by exploitation of one ning through his mind. Graf and a group of their "We are not taking you to Russia. Erich was assigned to load the effects of the old people in a baggage cart. propaganda. Erich established contact with the Russian." smiled blandly. The word its way through the column. in the capitalist world. Marx and Lenin situation lay at the root of another kept run- asserted that this vicious Now. make Since the Russians obviously intended that the column the journey on foot. In a short time. veillance of and directed to ride the cart under the personal sur- an armed Red Army master sergeant. For five dusty days the dispirited prisoners trudged along. move from Neubistritz was imminent. and go home. manu- try to Rumor-mongering halted when facture a destiny for themselves. He spoke soothingly to Erich. imagine and even to no avail. His Noncommittal at first. Budweis was at least sixty miles distant. SOVIET PRISONER 193 following day. The Germans climbed out officials was dragged into a siding and the train They were herded stiffly. Black at the sight of the beaten tough old major from the German censed by the cowardly attack. Two down his rage. 225 miles east of Budapest. and plings was obviously jarring of the filthy coaches. shouting and gesShunted back and forth with much slamming of cou- officers ticulating. The Maramures pen was run by sticks to Budapest. was farther east than Vienna. * and Russia. but this soon changed. Erich's hatred for bullies rage welled but the second night red-trousered sadists caught a pilot in the latrine during the night. A paratroops was similarly in- Two other pilots from Erich's Sighet/Maramures. the train being diverted. The Erich's hopes of an early return train A dispute over occupa- was being sent instead to Budapest. Big trouble in Vienna. went running up and down outside. tion of the city. looting. hour later on all fours. the and armed with in exotic red trousers long. a He up in him and young beat the defenseless man crawled back into the barracks an whimpering wreck. know that their young pilot. and home began Budapest fading. fighting. a Rumanian town on the border of the Ukrainian SSR. Spirits brightened as the train kept rattling south- ward. into another barbed-wire pen. These were bad tidings. When they went lurching away from the siding. bloody and unconscious. The and Russian guards train screeched to a halt in a country siding.* Erich caught the words "plague" and "quarantine" as they were shouted back and forth between Rumanian and Russian guards. Riots. Erich could see that they were no longer heading for Vienna. A Russian officer gave them the story in broken German. Erich had to constantly fight the bullies went too far. had lived in him since boyhood. Hours after passing Budapest there was another more shouting and running. heavy beat the prisoners unmercifully at the slightest provocation. . They were at the town jarring halt and of Sighet in the Carpathians. Erich overheard enough conversation to that they would not now be going probable destination lay beyond— in Guards clad Rumanian Communists. closer to Russia. The jam-packed baggage quickly became giddyingly car was as hot as a furnace. dumped them The sound music to of the bodily into the latrine. and second They lay lieutenants. but the leveling effects of their confinement were in turn with sergeants irresistible. One- on the wagon floor. and searchinto The filthy coaches men had been jammed on the ride to had been mounted on top of lights which Erich and Budapest. A week later. At intervals they sauntered out of the barracks toward the latrine. third of the men would There was no room lie down for sixty of at a time them to lie or even sit at one time. They nodded and smiled others appeared without sticks. the Germans were ordered to reboard the train. Lying down for two hours and then standing for four. Erich sprang out of the shadows as one of the bullies raised his club to strike one of the decoys. both would-be disciplinarians lay unconscious on the ground. they began the ordeal of Russian confinement. red trousers two bullies wallowing in the padded back their ears as they They picked up muck was to the barracks. ing wildly in the gloom. Two the red-trousered guards were missing the following day. eager to sadists German and fenseless two latrine. down and stood up Other senior officers . pump- the paratroop major's elbows and heard the breath go hissing out of the this assault. bulging with heavily-armed Russian guards. were relegated Sixty status. were now his several cars. They were to second-class stuffed into a small freight car in almost intoler- able discomfort. Erich nodded to the paratroop major. In seconds. In the gloom of the soon loomed with their clubs. Smashing his and then driving blows into face felt the man He saw crumple. Germans. the fall on another de- thrash him. of The as they quietly patrolled the pen. including Erich. stale. The air Erich set up a basic routine for lessening the worst aspects of their sardine-can existence.T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 194 group joined them. Machine guns bristled now from the rackety coaches. second bully under fists with his belly into the guard's Erich all his force. the guards and and all. Hermann Graf and Erich were two of Germany's most famous heroes and winners of the Diamonds. were stacked in enormous the ing and futile labor. They were deep in Russia and going deeper. Through cracks in the through Kiev. After a month of this backbreak- Russians as fuel. lack of food and the feeling of being lost to the world slowly corroded his will. hunch they had marsh he had read about in his He was right. The swamp stretched as far as the eye could see on all sides. Erich had arrived in the center of a vast peat school geography books. On every Lurching through the vast swamp. Erich could see dense marshes and bogs.SOVIET PRISONER in the car 195 were Colonel Hein Heuer and Major Arthur Riele. moved around a small base camp. baggage wagon. rails. ride. they were marched out to the swamp fringe to dig peat. They rumbled Moscow and Vologda. used by the piles. not more than a platoon. Navigation necessary to find skill was un- out where they were going. Lumps of peat. The train passed through Kirov one morning and went rattling on into a swampy area. This was their only accommodation. Each morning Germans loaded the previous day's production aboard the one train that came into the swamp camp daily. side the mire went stretching away to the horizon. The Russians told them to build shelters for themselves. Chills of self-doubt began flowing in for the first time. Erich saw in an instant why the Russians needed only a handful of guards. Hollow-eyed and gaunt from their grueling spilled a under the out gratefully into the fresh air. made all the more desperate by the him status he . the Germans but when they finished They were at the end of nowhere. the ground When the train and ballast began slowing down. Everything was done by hand. Anyone who wanted to escape was welcome to try. the train was traveling on the only solid piece of earth in sight. Erich stretching they could see and his men hacked no cause for joy. Constant hard labor. crude dugouts from the ground and roofed them over with wood and branches. Rounded up after dawn each morning with about a thousand infantrymen already confined in the camp. For two weeks they jolted eastward. Erich could feel himself cracking. Rank and decorations were soon forgotten in the common desire to share the floor for each long-awaited two-hour period. A few Russian soldiers. Hahn had been in Russian hands since 21 February 1943. Fifteen hundred Germans looked by their leader to him freewill consent. only about two hundred survived the first winter. Hahn by comparison which he had been presents the following sketch of Gryazovets in I Tell the Truth. at Gryazovets as "like a home Hahn describes the environment for convalescents" with some of the dank and isolated prisons in confined since his wartime capture. and remained there after I left. men when he sustain his could grind ebbing away? In this became the means feel his crisis. Five weeks after arrival in the officers in own worked later.THE BLOND KNIQHT OF GERMANY 196 among held He was his comrades. when he was shot down on the Eastern Front after running up forty kills against the Red Air Force to add to his sixty-eight victories against the British in the West. The slave Russians did not feed them. and what happened after his departure: "The following year. Captain Werner Engelmann joined us at Gryazovets. ness like this men together in a desolate wilder- swamp. He had been in the swamp camp at Kirov. "The camp accommodations camp administration. More than two visibly affected when he recalls the dismal camp at Kirov. he is this order was carried out. all staff above— were ordered to a Gryazovets. structure and discipline behind Holding a group of leadership. In his book I Tell the Truth. and forced them to work and work until they literally starved to death. where they were all being literally death. them. Gryazovets at the time of Erich Hartmann's transfer there. Erich had reached the border the area— rank of major and special officers' line of How to of his deliverance. His story was shattering. December 1982. Of the fifteen hundred Germans who were sent there with me and in other batches. was a task to which Erich hardly felt equal. top German was in camp at Gryazovets was Major Hans "Assi" Hahn* one of the pilots of the Battle of Britain with JG-2 Richthofen. to lead In the military there was rank. the hospital and so-called convalescent *Assi Hahn died 18 The home largely consisted of barracks." By comparison with Kirov. his camp at endurance when decades could he ability to stand the status as a Luftwaffe major swamp penal colony. the officers' a high-style establishment. . merely for propaganda purposes. the cafe was a coffee to induce "When . the Communists were deprived of all possibility of * Presumably to report these conversations later to the from Russia. were far from being a monolithic bloc of determined resisters. the out- wardly luxurious Gryazovets was a veritable jungle. These were the circumstances under which he was introduced to the strange and divided world of German P. did not take it him long his morale. . The background to the divided loyalties of many imprisoned Germans is to be found in the political make-up of pre-Hitler Germany. further en- new outlook on life. promenade and on Sunday concerts were held in the so-called birchwoods. whether officers or not. Hitler's seizure of power grew out of the Communist threat. . . The camp was where you could get a The manager of who would use his was at the bridge. When the weather was nice. In this respect. . easy assignment with access to hanced his A all job in the kitchen. he soon got his spirits up and his bounce back. divided war prisoners to talk. a bowling nastics.SOVIET PRISONER 197 were accommodated in old wooden houses. The stream. The soccer field was in a meadow outside the barbed wire.'s in Russia. ice-shooting by camp would take place. fresh from the Kirov swamp camp. After brief hospitalization to ensure that to recover he had not brought typhus back with him from the swamp. In the camp there was a second meadow at our disposal for athletics and gymthe elite of In the spring. little . "One could hardly have wanted anything been for the fact that everything When better if it hadn't was merely a front. when there were millions of convinced Communists and the Communist party was a major factor in elections. into two parts by a cup of real coffee for a ruble." Erich arrived in this environment of relative luxury. In- carcerated Germans. members of the camp could bathe there when they felt like it.W.O. mornings the dance band played in the cafe. —Authors for favors or later release NKVD in return .* the stream was iced over in the winter. to which he and his Nazis were mortally opposed. After Hitler became Chancellor. alley the was opened. and in the summer. rather dangerous fellow. a relatively the food he needed. cafe. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 198 movement was suppressed. There is no evidence that millions of Communists who lived obtaining power, and the nevertheless in pre-Hitler party or Germany—whether members not— relinquished their convictions. of Communist the Hence should not it be surprising that following the catharsis of Germany's defeat and under the stimulus of Soviet confinement, allied many Germans became with the Soviet cause. Organizations like the so-called National Committee and the German League were formed Officers' camps. Politicians like in the Russian prison Ulbricht and Pieck were members new East groups before the Russians released them to run the German government. at Stalingrad, Field Marshal von Paulus, was another notable most notorious was General von anti-Fascist, Seydlitz, with eventually confined in Novocherkassk Blond Knight had political world of his first German jail, experiences who of such surrendered and probably the whom many with Erich was years after the the bewildering prisoners of war. Establishing the differ- ences between anti-Fascists and pro-Communists, between Ger- man and masquerading pro-Soviet nationalists would have been a challenge In late 1945, stool pigeons, to a learned political scientist. the twenty-three-year-old and politically naive Hartmann had to find his way among these many factionsof them representing themselves as devoted to his welfare. Erich all Those who seemed to do best in a material sense collected in the movement, and the Antifa became the focus of the pro-Soviet forces. Hermann Graf was drawn to this faction, and tried to swing Erich to the same line of thought. Erich was disturbed to find informers and stool pigeons among his countrymen on all sides. Fellow Germans repeatedly asked him Antifa to (i.e. anti-Fascist ) embrace the Communist philosophy, and confess his crimes against the Soviet people. Even his assignment to the kitchen, though he did not know NKVD it at the time, was the opening gambit al- in him into the service of the Soviets. A heavy emotional blow came in Gryazovets when Hermann Graf succumbed to an NKVD campaign aimed at his compromise. Graf was a man Erich admired, and his last commanding officer in the Luftwaffe. As outlined in an earlier chapter, Graf was among an effort to bring SOVIET PRISONER 199 the greatest popular heroes of the war in Germany, as well as a redoubtable fighting pilot with 212 victories to his credit. As one of the nine fighter aces to win the valuable prize to the NKVD Diamonds, Hermann Graf was a because of his decorations and fame. Allegations about Graf's conduct in Russia, book I Tell pariah in Assi Hahn's made Hermann Graf something German fighter pilots, although the the Truth, have among time hero made surviving is still and alive resides in Diisseldorf. of a one- During the war, he proved himself a capable leader and a brave man, and he was widely admired as a fighter by those he led, including Erich Hart- mann. Graf kept on flying combat after he won the Diamonds, when he could have stepped down. Since Erich Hartmann served under Graf in JG-52, surrendered with him, passed into Russian confinement with him and generally knew him account of Graf's actions in Gryazovets are well, his of significance: "At the end of the war, Hermann Graf was very famous. Propaganda and publicity concerning him was spread He derneath my were He was opinion, a nice fellow and a hell of a fighter. it all, he was a man many of his a long and al- But un- of essentially simple character. had not been given the advantages of as over Germany. famous football team 'The Red Fighters/ led the ways, in all He careful education, later critics.* "After the surrender, he was stripped of his fame and reduced from one day to the next to plodding along dissatisfaction with the at menial jobs. His change was evidently something he could not control. "One day he came staying here/ and he the Soviet side. I me and said, Tve asked me if I would to told him I changed join him my mind about in switching to had no such intention. He said, 'All the old regulations are gone, and each of us must choose either the Anglo-American way or the Russian way. There any more. I have decided that Soon afterward, he wrote I want to is no Germany be on the Russian side/ to the Russian administration, offering * His critics also forget that Graf's deliberate disobedience Seidemann's order to fly to Dortmund and of General surrender to the British, was a courageous act in behalf of several thousand defenseless German civilians. T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 200 his services to the Soviet lower in the He was Red Union, and offering to take one rank Air Force than he had held in the Luftwaffe. soon afterward flown out of Gryazovets to a camp near Moscow. He wrote P.O.W. newspaper a laudatory article in the about the Red Air Force, and told the Russians about his experi- He ences against the Anglo-American air forces during the war. came back to Germany in 1950." Graf thus was repatriated five years that the onetime Kommodore real value to the Russian cause unlikely that Hermann Graf before Erich Hartmann, but of JG-52 contributed anything of doubtful. History will say is could tell it is the Russians anything they did not already know, or have access to through espionage. Graf's combat courage— were Nevertheless, the NKVD com- limited abilities— despite his unquestioned of doubtful utility to the Soviets. promised him, and he has dwelt in the shadows ever since in the German fighter pilot fraternity. At the time Graf confessed had endured prisoners psywar effort of the tenant colonel in his little his change of heart to Erich, Soviet compared with what lay ahead. The NKVD had hardly begun. Graf was thirties, and considerably more mature than twenty-three-year-old Erich. The two a lieu- winners of the Diamonds gave each other their word of honor that neither of them would ever surrender his decoration to the Russians. The would Brilliants be thrown away.* Erich was summoned Klingbeil of the priate a NKVD, few days Captain later to the office of a renegade German with the inappro- nickname of "Dad." Hermann Graf's Diamonds were ing on his desk. Erich was shocked. Klingbeil demanded ly- Erich's Diamonds. "I threw mine in the tain his river," stammered Erich, struggling to re- composure. Diamonds remained at home in Weil during and after the war, and he has them today. An American soldier took a paste copy from him when he surrendered in Czechoslovakia, and he had a second paste copy with him in Russia. Surrender of the Diamonds to * Erich the Hartmann's NKVD decoration. original, authentic was a symbolical act, unrelated to the monetary value of the SOVIET PRISONER "Dad" 201 Klingbeil's face darkened. Then he gloatingly held out Grafs decoration. "You should have the good nel Graf. that all He has turned his sense of your old Diamonds over Kommodore, Coloand confessed to us, he did in wartime was wrong." NKVD, Graf had not only been compromised by the had gone back on was shattering. his word honor to Erich. The of If a fighter like who to himself, then effect but also on Erich Graf could go under, Erich thought could be trusted? When he subsequently confronted Graf about breaking his word of honor, his former Kommodore was him so that henceforth they The basis they parted. rier ashamed as to must go be almost their separate ways, for Erich. Graf's defection young officers, them was movement and the NKVD made men whose and its which Graf had into new a experience was a powerful psychological weapon Erich's natural analytical ability soon led Antifa and on that strange, impenetrable, yet intangible bar- that suddenly appeared between against in agony. Erich told full use of this asset. him away from tried to draw him. The views he shared were those branded by the German German officers become tools stooges as "Fascists." They were the NKVD actually decent determined to maintain their self-respect and not of the NKVD psychopaths. Erich allied himself with this bloc of recalcitrant Germans and began his long struggle with the NKVD. rate quarters and These resistant staff officers classed as agitators were placed in sepa- by the prison administration, which consisted of Red-lining Germans under the Stalingrad warjudge Schumann. These renegades announced that Hartmann's group of agitators could have no ters, thereby cutting them off visitors in their segregated quar- from contact with the rest of the camp. Erich went over the head of mander, and demanded that ful NKVD com- be restored. His force- Schumann visiting rights to the presentation on behalf of the staff officers resulted in the NKVD German lackeys. Furthermore, the Hartmann group, Dr. Bauer, overruling their renegade the Politburo's representative in was removed following Erich's representations. These dramatic concessions seemed too good to be true. Erich got the old fighter T t THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 202 apprehensive feeling in the backside. Something was afoot. pilot's Summoned soon afterward to the mander, Erich found Captain Uvarov of years older than Erich, the Blond Knight. just like German boy typical Uvarov offered Erich "Please Erich definitely he used to get ter watch and rette in a genial NKVD mood. A com- couple He could have passed anywhere for a in appearance. Seated in a comfortable chair, a cigarette. felt said. the same feeling in the backside in the air this fellow, sat the Uvarov had blond hair and blue eyes down, Erich," he sit office of when a Russian fighter got he told himself. down, nodding his He on his now that tail. Bet- took the proffered ciga- thanks to the Russian but officer remaining deadpan. Uvarov leaned back in his chair and blew smoke in the air. "Are you satisfied and happy now that Bauer has been removed, Erich?" The Blond Knight nodded. "Then you can see how anxious we When Erich. are to get along with you, you want something done, we do our best to oblige." "That's very kind of you." "Yes, who we are kind even to our biggest enemies, those like you to work in the kitchen, so "The kitchen you can eat as you why we assigned much as you like." destroyed hundreds of our aircraft. That is job has been pleasant enough," said Erich. "Perhaps then, you would care to show some good will toward us— reciprocate the cooperation we have shown you." Erich knew Uvarov was on his tail now. He waited open him to fire. "There are a number of group who men among is a the staff officers in your are guilty of serious crimes against the Russian people. They have shot civilians, burned We know that they are secretly Here for list villages Fascists and destroyed factories. and make propaganda. of the names." down the list. Colonel Wolf, Colonel Ackermann, Colonel Van Camp, Colonel von Tempelhof. Lieutenant Colonel Prager. Majors Hahn, Ewald, Ellerbrock and others. Most Erich ran his eye SOVIET PRISONER were professional 203 soldiers, committed since boyhood conduct in war. Erich looked up from the list to honorable at Uvarov. "What do you want me to do about these men?" Uvarov took the bait. "Listen to them. Find out what they did during the war— the war crimes they committed— shooting The Russian was speaking faster and "Report everything to us about their thing. burning." civilians, looting, faster. past, their families. Every- We know we can rely on you to bring them to justice." Erich retained his deadpan. "And what happens to me if I Uvarov was sure he had do this work for you?" now. a pigeon "Why, after youVe written down back to Germany on the first train. everything for us, you will go When can we expect the first report from you, Erich?" cannot ever make such a report." Erich spoke slowly and "I quietly, in contrast to the Russian's agitated tone. Uvarov shot forward in his chair. "What do you mean you won't make was such a report?" His voice shrill. "I mean I able officers. wanton will not do what you ask. They would be killing of civilians. own gain— to become not do it, now or ever." To as try and inform on such men a stukatcha*—is unspeakably dirty. across the desk to Erich. it," he is The document was not in says that being threatened. It Otherwise sign it. know." He I my will thrust a paper written in Russian. is my language, what does it—" you certify I will Uvarov's face was * Stool pigeon. you were interrogated without routine." "Please translate the paper into all I his fury. for said. "This document "The paper honor- outraged and angry as you over Uvarov was obviously fighting down "Sign First, these are all not sign. It German and could be for now a savage mask. I will be glad to my own death for THE BLOND KNIGHT 6f GERMANY 204 "Damn you, Hartmann, I am You a Soviet officer. take my word for that." "I will not sign unless "You damned it is in German." You will work for us or by God I guarantee that you'll never see Germany again." Uvarov hammered the last sentence home by pounding on the desk with his Fascist. fist. Erich took a on final puff and crushed his cigarette it out on the ashtray beside the Russian's hand. "You can do what you about sending like able to do anything about that. informer for the But I me home. am I not absolutely refuse to be an NKVD under any circumstances." Uvarov' s face was purple with rage and the veins bulged in his neck. "Damned You damned Fascist! day in the kitchen detail easy work and detail, that'll canceled. is Hartmann! Your Fascist, a full belly. You'll go to You holi- No more hear that! work on the road-building sweat the insolence out of you." "Is that all?" "No, by God, cer. that's not You've insulted me, a Soviet all. For that you get ten days in the bunker. Take him away!" Erich stood up and extended "I am his hands as Ten though you hear? for handcuffs. ready." As the guards prodded him out the door with marveled inwardly at his own pulse to spring across the desk powering. Somehow he had and the rewards were their rifles ability to control himself. and throttle The Uvarov had been he im- over- kept cool and in the process his will had conquered Uvarov. There were no medals this, days, offi- different. You were for victories like paid off with time in the bunker. The filthy hole to which he was encounter with and six feet NKVD Nine consigned was his feet long, four feet high, the stone-walled chamber had heat of any kind. in discipline. now A a dirt floor first wide and no shaft about three inches in diameter located one corner of the bunker and screened with wire mesh, pro- vided the dungeon's total resources of light and ventilation. Be- SOVIET PRISONER 20$ neath the shaft stood an open can that served as a latrine. There was no furniture. Each morning, guards shoved six hundred grams of bread, two liters of water and five grams of sugar into the hellhole. Sleeping on the ground, half-frozen, completely alone, able to tell night from day only by staring up the shaft, Erich knew the bunker was designed to break down the fiercest will. Isolation, stench and could melt resolution. Starvation could sap defiance. With- chill out a focus for his thoughts, he might just as well be on the moon. He turned his mind to Usch. He ran through his memories of their childhood love and adored movie films. He recalled every detail of their like old trysts in the theater in Weil, their days in dancing class, and the happy unions and tender partings of the war days. games trying whether to decide He played mental baby was a boy or a their The child would be born by now. Perhaps it had fair —or maybe the child would be another dark-haired, like Usch. He knew he would like that. From the time of his at Gryazovets, Erich first had him indescribable became like a friendly gave a re- hair, like girl. him beautiful girl confinement in the wretched bunker deep feeling of contact with Usch that inner comfort. ether, The blackness around through whose medium he him could reach out and find his beloved as though time and space did not Something exist. him came inside alive when he turned his thoughts to Usch in these black dungeons, as though he had plugged in a tiny but powerful dynamo that energized his being. The it love and harmony of his in confinement, eventually sick home life, and his ability to focus on proved stronger than the worst that men could do to him. The ordeal of the first years in Soviet custody Hartmann is summarized in on 30 October 1947, and subsequently smuggled out of Russia by a returning prisoner of war. A few such smuggled letters provided Usch Hart- a letter written by Erich mann to his wife with the only uncensored contact she had with Erich during the ten and a half years of his imprisonment. Official tions communica- remained limited to twenty-five words on a postcard— during the times when the NKVD did not capriciously reduce the per- THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 206 mitted words to five or ten. This 1947 letter tells its own story of an imprisoned man's bitterness and frustration. "Camp 7150 "Oct 30, 1947 "My darlingest Uschmutti: "Tomorrow another transport leaves here— maybe this letter will reach you. Now, shortly, my story: Taken prisoner by the Americans on 8 May 1945, and delivered to the Russians on 14 May. On 25 May 1945 we started out from Budweis, via Vienna, Budapest, the Carpathians, the Ukraine, Kiev, Moscow to Kirov. In a camp in a swamp we met 1,000 infantrymen and approximately 100 officers, all in pretty bad shape, poor food and miserable treatment. In Kirov, I became the leader of the officers' group. Graf was with The infantrymen were worked of five them me and was in charge of so hard that they died like flies, all. two to a day. "On August 17 we raised the devil with the Russian administration were loaded and brought to this camp, now called Camp 71 50, 60 km south of Vologda. I am still in this officers' camp. Accommodations are in large barracks— one room for each 400 men, with narrow plank beds, the whole arrangement revolting. I am sure that cattle in Germany are better housed than we are. But of course, one gets used to it, even sanitary facilities that are like 1,000 years ago. Medical attention is passable. Food consists of 600 grams of bread, 30 grams of butter (about one ounce), 40 grams of sugar, with two thin soups each day (total of about a pint), and about three-quarters of a and all officers pint of porridge. "One is eternally hungry. buckets being provided for is no bathtub, only small wooden People living under such conditions There this. appear as you might expect, and dystrophy is common. I personally which helps me see this life through. "The camp is administered by the NKVD, the Russian secret police, aided by renegade Germans. Among these is a German military judge who is mightily afraid of the Russians, but does his share organizationwise. The others are mostly political swine and traitors and similar types in charge of the camps. They call themselves the 'Antifa.' Looked at closer they are former SS medics, Hitler Youth leaders, SA commanders and similar hash. I don't know what the Russians mean to do seem to assimilate food well, with them, yesterday they betrayed us and tomorrow they will change flags again. Such people make imprisonment hell for us. "Until about nine months ago, there was continual strong political on had pressure brought to bear us. Every suspect was put to a political upon us all. Political attitudes test, and that, of course, its work and general treatment of governed the kind of clothing, type appearance, one could From their given to the individual prisoner. lay. prisoners the various guess where the sympathies of reaction SOVIET PRISONER was shocked to "I 207 for once, see, the German with officer corps no profession nor rank where one could say they had all resisted successfully. Colonels steal, turn traitor, denounce their comrades and play informers for the NKVD. I can tell you that its I pants down. There is have learned to look at people through strong glasses to see if there is anything behind the make-up— the outer facade. "We three its get a change of laundry every one or two months, once every months Now summer. in winter covers this dirty country with white coat, and bedbugs and hundreds of thousands. their much I fleas are for exterior circumstances. "As a German TEPOU our constant companions in do not exaggerate [Hero] Now I am their numbers. So to myself. personally rather well treated by the Russians, probably because of the consistency of my behavior. Once NKVD board— a sort of trial— but I was rewas brought before an leased because I immediately asked to be shot. They did not accept. The other methods they use I will not describe. You have probably already heard about them. "I did not know anybody when I came to this camp, only Graf was with me. He soon went over to the 'Antifa' and then wanted to influence me constantly. In this area I was entirely ignorant, and let them lead me astray during the first months, up to a point, but I soon saw through their game and went my own way as a 'fascist/ "Thank God my own countrymen now keep away from me. Informers turned me in to the NKVD, and I suddenly faced this trial in the middle of the night. I was accused of being an archfascist, a saboteur and the instigator of a resistance movement. Here were the Middle Ages with their inquisition methods, but I did not fail to make the proper answers. I was able to refute all accusations, until the Russians themselves recognized what my countrymen had tried to do to me, and the then punished the informers. After this, I was left in I NKVD relative peace. "Graf was sent to Moscow and follows a downward path there. The year we were forced to work—even the staff officers. Work here is the worst type of slavery imaginable, worse, I believe, than in Roman times. Can you conceive of six or eight civilized, educated human beings first strapped into a harness and Roadwork is all done with —and all work is to meet pulling a wagon, like horses before a plow? spades, heavy woodcutting with hand-axes specified quotas or food was immediately reduced. "At the end of 1945, a sudden command was issued that staff officers thereafter were only permitted to volunteer for work. Since not born to work for the Russians, I I felt I was ceased work immediately. Threats, exhortations and flattering inducements were "I that time only new all turned down. end of 1948, and also at exerted by the West, and if there is no do not count on being freed if A new pressure is until the war would make the outlook black for counting on getting home with the assistance of the West. war. us. We are THE BLOND K N FG H T O F GERMANY r 208 is the only thing we have to look forward to in here. "We'll meet again. I can only hope that the living well. Your last of it passes quickly. The shows what it is in that respect— 25 words per month. and "Mail NKVD everything else here reflects the effects of this mentality. A thin layer poor and in rags— their idea of the freest and happiest country. the rest and that we can see each other again and lie one says in soldier-talk. in their eyes." Eight more years of persuasion and pressure would pass before the yoke was lifted from the stout shoulders of Erich Hartmann. embrace again. Until then. fight through it. In my thoughts I have my arms about you. One could write a book on the effects of their bom stupidity mingled with their inferiority complexes. Erich. . "So here you have a picture of how I am. and courage!' Without combat there is no conquest and no bonus without price. and together we'll soar. in each other's arms. and nothing is given to us for free. An increase from 10 words per month is true progress. 'stand it. or in the friendly him body and soul— Usch. No one in Russia cares dirt we can do anything we what happens to you. "Do you know that we could go right to Stuttgart. —Major Hartmann Grasser Soviet prisoner. erally where he lived. to you— right in here on a tray— the heads of your wife and baby son?" Erich felt the blood drain from his face. Hart- mann. there was but one focus for his mind. His stomach felt like The NKVD man pressed his helpless victim. with our East German operatives. could .Chapter Fifteen PERSUASION AND PRESSURE Only those who have endured Soviet imprisonment opinions concerning are entitled to valid it. one anchor in the black ocean that threatened to engulf The bright visions he could conjure in Zuffenhausen." The NKVD officer thrust his sallow "What would you say if we brought face close against Erich's. up of her in her parents' Hartmann home hold at bay the forces of disintegration. and spirit your wife right out of Germany? Remember how we reached Trotsky? And General Miller in Paris? We can reach out anywhere in the world to anyone we want. home in Weil." The Russian officer's blood-chilling threat was hitting Erich litjelly. 1945-1949 ^STou Fascist pig! dirty pletely in our power? Don't you know that you Germans are in the eyes of the world? like with Don't you know that you are com- Here you— anything. In the solitary-confinement bunkers in total darkness. that as with her and his loved ones. Hartmann! Damn you to hell! Why work NKVD won't you for us?" Scenes such as this were enacted in half a dozen different Soviet prisons. his antagonist returned his gaze.» f THE BLOND RNIGTT OF GERMANY 210 As long he knew Usch was safe at home. Erich NKVD attacks the open threat to his on his felt he could somehow endure mind. and the by The engineers. in his brutal decade. If his friends. they might well remember was called upon him and his German NKVD. associates Air Force. in the prison environment ceaseless propaganda. right into the Russian's eyes. I know that. You have the power. ruin as a self-respecting individual. "Damn you. with eighteen or twenty different NKVD persecutors ad- vancing their proposals in every conceivable form. He NKVD took a grip on himself and looked squarely back at the officer. But I am not going to work for you against my country and my prison comrades. postwar period. effective than direct physical vengeance. Com- . Pressure to break the will of the individual never diminished. NKVD lies filled and cal torture in the pattern of the German prisoner was the primary weapon Insufficient food crumbling the ego. Then the man slammed his fist into the palm of his hand. prisoners in Russia were under the control of the This army of ex-servicemen became an army of and many were starved to death in the Russians could have put the skilled and technicians dulged The itself to work initial German in rebuilding Russia. Erich's answer was always the and superior officers find same— him today a how much that quality and how it stood between stubborn man. in Soviet interests NKVD but the its launched a psywar program more in- captives. Inducements ranged from savage blackmail threats to a contract to join the East German NO. "You can do anything you wish. The paralyzing main source was well all of strength had fear to he felt at this be concealed. suspicion. artisans instead in the irrational degradation of secret police later slaves. For a minute. with hopelessness. Physi- Gestapo was strictly forbidden Soviet regulations as characteristic of capitalist exploiters." Erich maintained a steady gaze. we had a pilot named Marwho shot down over one hundred and fifty British aircraft. Russian. cannot be the Black Devil. "No." Erich knew enough Russian to realize they were discussing his hair. The first Russian walked over to Erich and pointed at his flaxen thatch. when digested the mass of data concerning matched up staff its captives that At Gryazovets. down Hartmann is the a natural linguist. Erich shook his head. seille I for a dull student. with a few American Western Front. was escorted into the room. his companion. that you shot down three hundred and fifty-two aircraft on the Russian Front. the gested at the surrender. We have that documented here. Erich learned of the Russian prohibition against beating oners not long after his capture. "There is no use your denying. "Then that would make you the top-scoring fighter pilot of Ger- many!" The Russian was excited now." he said. am sure we have the wrong man. Erich smiled indulgently. He speaks very good English as well as ." said the Russian to golden He hair. "he has blond hair. French and German. Hartmann.* The second NKVD man banged his hand down on the dossier. pris- the Russian bureaucracy NKVD had it in- intelligence name with Karaya One and the dreaded He was summoned to an interview with They were poring over his dossier when he Erich's Black Devil of the South. * shot On only Russian aircraft. "I am not the most successful German fighter pilot. NKVD two officers. One NKVD man was doggedly shaking his head." he said in Russian. machines." the Russian argued. "Look.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE 211 promise of the individual and destruction of his integrity by NKVD methods proved more potent in serving Soviet ends. They had addressed him in Deutsch. "I NKVD The second officer looked downcast." "But no other pilot in any air force shot down such a large num- ber of aircraft." Erich nodded noncommittally. like a schoolmaster elucidating a mathematical fact "Well. experience with the out flights less felt The jet. price government would pay it The Russian looked I would be rich if our today. "Will you admit that you were the Black Devil?" "That is what was called on the Russian radio during the war. and had taken them to Russia for evaluation. So The I am not the leading pilot. He down in his soiled and bat- looked like anything but the formi- dable Black Devil.THE BLOND KNfGHT^F GERMANY 212 In our air force. but there he was. Further grilling over a period of several hours also revealed that Erich had flown the Me-262 tional aircraft of the war. Erich could see no further point eventually know masquerade. Erich was accordingly interrogated at length concerning the jet fighter. The came thick and fast their down and came at him as they pumped him for flyers. days after his identity as the Black . several Devil had been established. said NKVD men." protested one of the have always had "I months my hair." I said Erich." The second NKVD man settled back behind and your people gave tapped the "A the desk and dossier. Finally. jet fighter. These bloodhounds would in his the facts no matter what he told them. They did not like Erich sat deadpan until they settled again. The that this was special knowledge that little to a few check- NKVD would be of his neverthe- useful." fair was painted with aircraft Erich." Russians exploded into puzzled and angry exchanges be- tween themselves. one British-flown aircraft was considered the equal of three Russian-flown machines. Russians had captured several Me-262's intact. a common prisoner." Erich up and tered Luftwaffe uniform. "For a couple of a black pattern me the name Black Devil at that time. on your head during the war. questions downgrading of this confirmation of the material in the dossier. the most advanced opera- The Blond Knight made which had been confined under Heinz Baer at Lechfeld. "But your hair is golden. the most feared fighter pilot on the Eastern Front. Operating these advanced aircraft was a serious problem without the background acquired by the Germans. to automatically assume that pilot also implied expertise as his emi- an aeronautical lengthy interview became steadily more acrimonious officer kept pressing him for information he did not possess. hurled himself at his tor- mentor. "I can that." With a shout of fury the and slashed Erich triggered Erich's across the NKVD lieutenant sprang to his feet across the face with his cane. in particular this. and the things the pilot must you tell the sensitivity of the throttles. He exasperating. like a farmer. too. the combination. He it looked have been raised on a farm. I have already told you you how to fly it. What I cannot in the aircraft or precisely tell how you is I have told the kind of parts that are they work. temper into a savage cloud of the Russian's head. Swinging the chair in a high down on The The arc. you are holding things back. His image The Russians seemed nence combat as a engineer.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE 213 Erich was able to offer only limited assistance to the even in telling them had only flown that he it about ten times. he brought officer collapsed it crashing on the floor un- ." lieutenant was not an air force problem all the you more officer." The Russian obviously unconvinced. He blow leaped room. "Major Hartmann. all NKVD. tried again. conscious. reading questions about jet aircraft was obvious that he had no to Erich like a real Blond Knight accordingly been from a questionnaire. for. and knowledge of man who might He had aviation. you can I watch tell how to start the aircraft. The tried explaining his situation in terms comprehensible to a peasant. and picking up a chair. He he knew about the Me-262. He is You know how able to do that. stinging red. scowled. I am couples a horse to a wagon. But he does not know what and a farmer also to drive goes on inside the horse. "With a jet aircraft. not tell The and us all we wish this made to know? You must NKVD bullying Erich's Why will tell us. The Russian as a explained as the most world nevertheless worked against successful fighter pilot in the him. I am a pilot and not an engineer. He he was ready for the worst. the Russian pointed his finger at Erich accusingly. eh?" The lieutenant gestured toward the food and drink. Hartmann. Erich lunged into the bread and poured down a draught of the fiery vodka." Erich spent forty-eight hours in the hellhole. involving severe disciplinary penalties for the lieutenant ever heard about it. you see. You can probably use some food and drink. Truly the Russians were a peo- to the NKVD whose oppressors defied prisoners told Erich that the rational codes of behavior. Hartmann. he was sure he was going to be beaten or shot. came on the guards third day to hustle him out When of the bunker. Now In no man had been fiercely angry with he was offering food and drink with a smile on his mood face." Erich nodded his acceptance of the Russian's apology. No think you should go back with the other am sorry that I struck you with my cane. "Help yourself. "I am sitting chair for you. or shoot </F He opened him. a smile playing about his slab for Russian had a bottle of vodka and some bread on the "Ah. was amazed to find the room waiting NKVD lieutenant sitting in the him. cold and lack of food heightened his anxiety about his fate. "The bunker for you. if his superiors . and the isolation. to evaluate Russian psychology. Erich mulled over the man. watched him. the lieutenant smiled broadly and tapped the chair he was sitting on. This him. everything going. NKVD Veteran man's striking him with the cane was a serious offense against the Russian regulations." Erich was flabbergasted. GERMANY They would the door of the in- As they shook and patted called the guard. felt for sure. I on the chair Now I this time. As he was room in which he had assaulted the Rus- he had resigned himself to a beating. Erich him beat room and terrogation the NKVD cold fear gripping him. led directly back into the sian officer. table. As the guards took him back strange action of the ple compound.THE BLOND KNICHT 214 His anger slaked. Take him to the bunker. Hartmann. Blinking and hiding from the light like a mole. how is The face. As the standing Erich set down The Russian the vodka glass. prisoners. lieutenant conscious. In ten and a half years of Russian confinement. His man—he hits" his guards refer to how this minor hap- pening had become a part of his image as a recalcitrant and trou- blesome prisoner. method Their armory contained more effi- Physical beatings were thus looked of persuasion by the weapons cient NKVD. embellishing every nega- amplifying every adverse report. Stripped of any means of having their plight redressed. The take all Russians flatly told the time it NKVD would down. Years interpreter girl Several times through the years he him on Erich Hartmann. at "Be relevant entry: how you handle careful as "the Hitter. as an inferior and these weapons were multiplied in potency by the pervasive hopelessness in which the Germans well as physically lost. The NKVD their victims that the needed to break them proceeded on the basis that as omnipotent captors they had all ." showed him the this had heard but he had not realized reac- in his dossier. the blow across the face with the cane was the only direct physical punishment tion to the Russian's inflicted blow was duly entered Shakhty prison. for breaking a man's upon will. raised under the aegis of the occupying Allied powers.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE 21$ This proved to be the truth. Anything that would help convince the prisoner he was forsaken was brought into psychological the NKVD utility. Nuremthe barbed-wire pens on the Pontifications about justice resonating around the halls of berg raised only empty echoes in Steppes. Russian-occupied East prisoners the details of postwar convulsions. and a porupture litical The prisoners were politically as the German government had gone down A new civilian government had to be led their wretched lives. soon developed between Germany and the remainder of the country. many Germans simply gave up hope. for in ruins with the Nazis. Ger- in Russian prisons by the thousands. As the struggle of the infant Ger- man man Federal Republic to find soldiers rotted and died its feet spread over the years. German officer prisoners that their imprisonment and full were often told by loss of rights had been approved by the Allies at Teheran. a Russian later. The NKVD delightedly reported to the their fatherland's tive fact. the invading better. thirty miles wide. Exacerbating the misery of sibility of escape. German Russian society in the time of Erich Hartmann's confinement was organized so as to inside the Soviet own their prisoners was the impos- Union virtually preclude escape from proper. had to reckon zone on the which was to double the German bribe and the Russian informer keep all the money. the Soviet Union would lose at least a million citizens as refugees to the West. Russian political prisoners incarcerated at various times mann asserted that without this reverse border defense. A able border escape zone. Border guards on the ground and helicopter and light aircraft patrols overhead sealed the border effectively. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 210 the resources necessary to make new to relations firmly laid for it Germans do or become what- punishment of surrendered ever they wished. giving instant warning of the passage of metal across the ground above. was settled with Communists and reli- heavily sprinkled with military posts.f . Protracted is the between civilized in Russia after the but the states. Belts of buried metal-detection grids covered vast areas of the border. Inordinate punishments are part of the warp and woof of Soviet psychology. There are stories on P. and since such punishments were meted out to of the regime. not a figure of speech. The Iron Curtain was a reality. will The internal opponents Germans could hardly have expected approval of the Allies with this project. however. In Erich "I don't a challenge to discourage the boldest lion- Hartmann's words: know of one honest case where a out from inside Russia. who then reported the interlopers to the police. Russian people were confined to village area. soldiers basis was Second World War. Village children were trained from infancy to official report the presence of strangers to their schoolteachers. Any German fortunate enough to reach this border and in a position to bribe the villagers for aid NKVD let with Erich Hart- counter tactic. tacit long remain a stain on the Western escutcheon. from which complete surveillance was maintained.O.W. traveling beyond its boundaries only with permission. but . Crossing the Steppes from the Urals and then crashing the iron border to the West was heart. has come TV about this. a An activities no thought— became NKVD separated the individual from his self-respect. To ease or escape the pressure on German could up something NKVD favor. He might confess to an give blest things became easier job. 1945. He might inform on stukatcha. I wish you all a nice Christmas Year. a chance to read a which a to free man a fellow prisoner.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE if you try to find out who the man 217 is that actually did it. but I never heard of one authentic Baltic States. embattled souls. all mail from Germany was NKVD intercepted by the secret police. until 1947.O. nearly eight months after his Usch received the missive in January 1946. Fear not for me. a With a lot of kisses Your Erich. or East case where a German P. to write his first postcard Christmas Eve. The most odious and intolerable technique used by the from the captives was the interception of mail. This blackguardly tactic makes a physical beating administered to a helpless man humane by comparison. either de- stroyed or used for blackmail and persuasion.W. I and a congratulate you." The pressure applied with such consistency by the NKVD— can you. becoming from a The hum- alleged war crime. Perhaps tell dehumanization— was almost through largely presence. My Usch— I can good tell New you that I am alive. home— common in a free country pays the fulcrums with which the physical solid of himself in return for an glittering prizes to these letter a his will to resist. Erich was permitted to write twentyfive words to Germany. With the war over for two . Erich home Hartmann was not permitted until capture. scrutinized for ammunition that could be used and then against the individual's psychological armor. got back home from inside Russia. The consequences of incontact with home on the inner life of the individual appear almost terrupted were devastating. Right against its earliest postwar days. nobody it was possible from camps in Poland or the Germany. Every month thereafter. For which do daughter or a son? All my thoughts are with you. Captured by the North Korean Navy. They do not. grinding process thus went on. sending between 350 and 400 steadily. a hero of both World War II and the Korean War. Pueblo. "Bud" Mahurin. to their release eleven months later. which Americans in these troubled Mahurin later met with Erich Hartmann in Germany. The little had boy did not survive the grim postwar years. Honest John. in the ten years of his imprisonment. He letters to Erich received less than 40 of these. There serious event than a television gunfight have exposed to no more nevertheless seen and the men. year in and year out. 23 January 1968.S.* agree that judgment of prisoners of war by people at home is wrong. was one of the USAF's most famous when M.S. the Russians Usch wrote five words once a month. and after he died at two years and nine months. and the two aces compared notes on Communist confinement. Bucher and ship. A literate and analytical man. Hartmann and Mahurin both is prisons for his captive perhaps the beginning of another chapter in the history of brainwashing. since the average inhabitant of a civilized Western country can have no real understanding of methods employed to break Communist agree that given the time and the power.f _ » THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 2l8 reduced the quota to years. U. Peter Erich.S. . armor against such an * The Communist tactics. for When his more than The was a further year before Erich learned of the it beloved father died in 1952. Influential to Americans draw up weighty codes of conduct Navy Commander Lloyd M. Mahurin set down his experiences with brainwashing in a first-class ought to be required reading for book. Bucher and story of U. Ameri- cans got limited exposure to this form of warfare number of American servicemen were illegally a small detained by the Among these Americans fighter aces. his is crew were tortured from the day of capture. Erich did not find out a year. any individual can be broken by no question of courage. He did not learn until May of 1946 that a son. loss. Both times. Colonel Walker Chinese Reds following the Korean War. fit loyalty or patriotism providing sufficient assault. been born to him and Usch on 21 May 1945. and no ethical impulse or fundamental decency governs the captor's conduct. difficulty for the on the the The in war- basis of their Germans. no threat to his powerconsidered beyond the rules. Camps located in areas of the Soviet Union occupied time by the Germans were a major source of NKVD. involved in such things for fear of their prima acts are not They may have become the lives. lives of loved ones. kindly disposed toward Ehrenburg's propaganda notwithstanding. a trial as a traitor. or for something as seemingly rudimentary as food to stave off starvation. Trading and bartering was carried on through the guards. things that will Prisoners of sign papers.S.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE 219 U. in Red of popular notions on overdue. were former front-line soldiers sympathetic to the plight of their ex-enemies.O. These disloyalty. No less tactic captive is is forbidden to the oppressor. war may be motivated. Red Cross packages reaching the Germans were often a disapThe NKVD delays imposed on shipments resulted in pointment. and constantly made friends with the between P. These nuisance to the NKVD manifestations of human feeling. is is ex- is in Russia human kindness experienced by most was with ordinary villagers from communities human exchanges were a sadists. Russian experience. only contact with Germans With more Americans some rethinking written. either in the Germans nettlesome to see any or in their fellow Russians. who could not bear near the prison camps. such men may do make them the targets of home-front criticism. were villagers in these regions. . the defenseless prisoner horted to resist or face and possibly even power as this brainwashing The ostracism on his return to his homeland. vision interviews of a damning weakness or facie evidence of nature. servicemen totally in the power of an unscrupulous enemy. tape radio broadcasts or give tele- to write letters.W/s and many of whom villagers Germans. From arm- chairs in safe lands nevertheless. Beyond any direct aid pletely cut off from their from contact with own government and often comtheir families. under some circumstances. villagers Ilya bitterly resented the imprisonment of their former enemies. The shabby prisoners were depicted as "the men who killed your wives. tommy gun in hand. in activities NKVD provide to reasonable a NKVD capricious package service to By some Munich was special magic.'s to determine He circulated a newsletter in which re- the needs of the incarcerated men.W/s and Russian villagers. and his services in general were practical Christianity of the highest order. The villagers taunted the guards.O. .O. The guards were given intensive propagandist indoctrination against the Germans to rekindle old hatreds.O. the lives of all concerned. restrictions reduced other Red Cross behalf of the prisoners to ineffectuality. standing breaking on the other down side of the wire. the guards came minds by the NKVD psy- to their duties fairly bristling with hostility.'s despite The contents of these packages brisk barter between P.W. Only a few days were required to break away the armor in which the propagandists had clad the guards. . There they would Erich be. told them their captives were only soldiers "just like you. ideas driven into their subconscious chopaths.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 220 The stale foodstuffs. ." and that they had wives and families at home "just like you." With these . "Often I would say to such a soldier. You are * Bishop Haeckel polled the wives and families of P.O. Resistant spirits among the guards felt the villagers' wrath.W." Hartmann recounts that some of the younger guards often broke down emotionally: "The inner conflict between the rubbish the propagandist had taught them and what their contacts with us awakened in their feeling world would literally bring them to tears. ports of camp conditions and transfers were consolidated.W/s infuriated the NKVD. because of the untruth they were being forced to live. sisters. Friendship and common humanity won the day over bigotry and falsehood. 'Why are you crying? Just one hour of propaganda and now we are enemies again. P. fathers and brothers they are the Fascist murderers. Good relations stemming and friendship between Russian civilians and German sustained a brightening from barter supervision. the evangelist Bishop Haeckel* in able P. arm of the NKVD Prisoners were persuaded to confess to their A German drafted into the Russia was guilty of a war crime in the The could reach out for the NKVD could break down men background with relative ease Most men removed from years army and sent NKVD own to fight in version of history. their families could hardly be . and they would forget the propaganda. or both. and com- mon humanity again won out over propagandist distortions. Occasional contact with Russian civilians was nevertheless sufficient to NKVD's overcome the in- remorseless program of dehu- men began to crack. Then the long and vengeful perpetrators. You cannot hate such peo- silly/ ple. of ordinary character and under Russian prison conditions. that would snap them back the way they were. contact were well- when they was eventually established. depended on what he could contribute prisoner character them— up his status largely a function of his among his criminals" psychosis of the postwar period saw this originally When intended to punish premeditated crimes on alleged German soldier in Rus- prisoners cracked under the pressures of their NKVD pumped them relentlessly for informawar crimes that they may have witnessed. Once the NKVD German NKVD could use and was projects. as though no other emotion could possibly be open me in Russian prisons taught me. Later the camps were moved from the former German-occupied zones back into the Ural fueled with areas. to a point. applied to nearly every sian power. to were persuaded by threats or favors. but to my ten years the difference between the Russian people and their secret police" The German the efforts of prisoners to establish contact with the villagers were so successful that the NKVD was forced to change the guard completely at the camps every four weeks. The villagers in these regions Red propaganda about the Fascist beasts. They environment. The utility of a given manization through constant pressure. to the disclose names. Nevertheless. am I expected to hate the Russian people. and half- expected to see horns on the heads of the prisoners arrived. and The "war conception. war crimes.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE 221 Sometimes. against humanity. the tion knowledge and fellows. places and dates involved in these alleged crimes. Often. West Germany and For extraordinary tasks in areas. connection have been expressed face the problem as prisoners of war. and egocentric fight of the individual for his obliterated. and the process of bringing such individuals into Soviet service was invariably cult. Men with ability. and the German officer change for corps contributed its share to their numbers. to the culture that and regulations dissolve produced under the . Offering freedom to individuals in ex- damning information on fellow prisoners proved a temptation to some men beyond their powers of resistance. Erich Hartmann writes of this technique. years' in these terms: pressure brainwashing more than ten his fellows. Helpless and fearful. This attitude contrasts sharply with the unrealistic home-front The noisiest views in this by men who have never had to viewpoint that only the weak succumb. Germans who survived the Soviet prisons are generally tolerant toward men whose breakdown point came earlier than others.T r THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 222 blamed doing anything either to alleviate their hardships or to for promote their freedom. The stool pigeons became part of prison life. Ethical connections to his fellow him. whose character made them resistant to NKVD pres- Natural leaders like Erich Hartmann were prime targets of the Soviet persuaders. is on a Communist hunger. rules acid of self-preservation. laws. self-preservational choice 'him or bonds of comradeship. the NKVD other sensitive needed extraordinary men. All of them know that everyone has a border beyond which resistance ceases. cut off from even the faintest glimmer of hope. diffi- courage and will power were ideally suited to espionage assignments outside Russia. and most of them went to or beyond that border in Russia. after experience with "The main in it. Starve a prisoner The me?' sunders all own in real force the ensuing life all else is rapidly unavoidable. but these were the very individuals sure. he functions within ever-diminishing boundaries. "Surrounded by a mass of comes and the man. the individual yet be- isolated within the limits of his own shriveling personality. all men and teachings. Brainwashing has been fictionalized and misrepresented. and it may they would fare in a similar . two-year battle with the He NKVD. a felt fought a mercilessly unequal struggle with the political equivalent of the Forces of Darkness that might one day also be ours.PERSUASION AND PRESSURE "Thus divested of ual was is 223 his resources of resistance. This was masses of the prisoners and how made them the NKVD reached the instruments of the Soviet will. Collapse pitted against a remorseless virtually unavoidable. His ordeal in this struggle will give all free encounter. men cause to wonder how now be related. the bereft individ- and inhuman regime." "This is Erich Hartmann confronted the reality of brainwashing and its lash in the depths of his being. the reality of brainwashing. The NKVD wanted Erich Hartmann confessing to a range of war crimes. Everything else was fed to him in a heartless. itself composed these "confessions" and manufactured tails. It is summed up in pro- —Clemenceau I n a campaign NKVD of to break Erich Hartmann. completed forms and perfect documentation. was exerted on Erich. Obsessed as all bureaucrats are by signed. him sign a lie than to hear Irrational like all psychopaths. The irrational individuals with rational argu- to fail in his quest for reason. validity or truth of their the NKVD. they preferred to All possible pressure and managed man who ments is content was of no significance to tell the truth. of course. is have upside down and The perverse back-to-front— a negative normal men.Chapter Sixteen WAR CRIMINAL Perhaps man's history is simpler than claiming the right and doing the wrong. Scraps news taken from Usch's steady stream of were letters to Erich. make him obey. launched in 1947. In Erich Hartmann's own words: . The all the de- irrelevancy of Erich's forced confession to such fictional crimes never impressed itself on his tormentors. but he fought back to keep his cowardly foes at bay for tries to doomed world they inhabit of the world of him meet two years. This cruel campaign lasted two years. He just enough information from home to arouse almost unendurable cravings for human contact. the interrupted his mail both ways as a primary tactic. we think. to sign written statements The NKVD had. Pavlovian effort to was given withheld. or Brezhnev is a bad leader— whichever one of them happens to be leading Russia at the timethen they will hang you or give you imprisonment.WAR CRIMINAL 225 "The Russians— by which I mean the NKVD psychopaths— have a mentality that no rational Western-educated individual can com- You can kill your father there. In 1949. He was at Camp Kuteynikovo summer He He had of 1943. The Russians laugh if you dont steal prehend. rejecting even the handful of bread necessary each day to sustain fully in him go if He life. the Russian was waiting with an array of bottles and tubes on a medic table. the guards pinioned his limbs as he lay prostrate. that is inconsequential." The final nine months of the NKVD's campaign to break him saw him spending most of his time in the bunker. If you steal something. But you say that the American Chevrolet if than the Russian Ziss you say jail If Stalin. The Russians let escape. On the fourth morning. power three full days without food or water. less than a mile from the air- from which the 7th Squadron of III/JG-52 had operated strip the in the later made good render. or is better then you will get twenty-five years in car. he was forced old. taken off from the Kuteynikovo Airinto the hands of the Russians fell his escape. there was willing to die He crowned in Kuteynikovo if would be no hunger his resistance with a intended to commit suicide in this way and while he was not yet twenty-eight years was at an end. They were men with gumption and reason. but the our prison mates were Russian citizens NKVD ensured that they stayed out of circulation. on the morning that he field and Donets Basin. He was dragged to a cot on one side of the sur- Kicking his legs from under him. his sides. Khrushchev. In his bare surgery. something. life Many of who had violated current Red dogma. his physical to. rather than surstrike. The doctor walked . The doctor nodded to the guards. and confess it to the police. He was powerless. Massive muscles seized the emaciated Erich and pinned his arms to gery. the door of the bunker burst open and two hulking guards hustled him out of the dungeon and into the office of the camp doctor. necessary. and they may confine you for two years. They about your will be full of interest for home and family. what are you doing?" he young man. Spitting and gulping he Overpowered at every move by sweet and tried to get rid the guards. and Erich sickly flood in his of the tube. Erich. but they continued him eat. con- nected the other end to a plastic bladder The full of yellow liquid. doctor kept pressing the bladder. down— understand? But we and so you we have been will live. "Erich. Erich. five more links with the human now here were world being dangled before him. He had aban- for a further twenty-seven days. with you have to do all is kinds of news stop this starv- ing and you will get these letters. felt a mouth. the Commissar's wraith. "Eggs and sugar. even if have we have doing. Five this of them. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 220 over impassively. look! I have five letters from your wife. Erich felt a hopeless. doctor squeezed the bladder. The coaxing voice came through the cloying mist of unconsciousness. "Look. For two years he had heard nothing." said the doctor. "You must The Commissar has ordered it. Erich could see the Stuttgart postmark. and time his tormentor was applying the ultimate pressure. time. Erich began The swallowing the mixture to avoid strangulation. at the in At the end of moribund wreck. Erich felt a consuming void inside himself grow and swell and pulsate . and forcing a tube into Erich's mouth. Don't we will kill starve here. are such a get the order from Moscow. In the dank and wretched bunker at Kuteynikovo." Erich stared groggily into the face of the Russian. the the NKVD Commissar visited him in his dank hole. countenance swam before him in a floating again felt fog. we "You cajoled. If you— just shoot you the order that you are to to force you to live as live. All you." The ruthless cycle of force-feeding and confinement bunker continued this solidly every feeding. Usch. which thousands of Germans had cursed a thousand different ways. and that was the handwriting of his beloved Usch. His body wasted a to Malevolent and heavy. Yes." Erich peered at the array of letters the Commissar was holding in his hand like a royal flush in a poker game. On to pinion twenty-seventh day.f . doned struggling with the guards. Hartmann. sixty days When found . He found himself sobbing softly in the darkness. bunker. Stuffing Usch's letters in his pocket. in Usch. Commissars and forms before swirled the head of the bullying Rus- faceless phantoms him and with accusing in NKVD fingers uni- bawled. the If involuntary sobbing was proof enough. the spirit still struggled bravely. forty days. For two more nights and days he continued to ever present impulse to surrender. he needed any confirmation that he had reached the end. swamp camp seemed again waves. all but moment. But the brave man in the bunker knew that he had shot his bolt. He The humid among up from and a covey of his subconscious. quiet and . face they dragged resist he had ever parade of images that crossed relived the horror of the rape pogrom in the meadow. cursing." at length the phantasmagoria dissolved and departed. . forsaken by he had come to the There in a black tide. . and I will not eat!" in disbelief at the shriveled skeleton still snarling defi- Commissar straightened up. Erich knew at that his end of his rope. the Commissar's malignant eggs. bunker. it. Erich sank back on the cold ground in the bunker. Time after time in his death-stench of the Kirov to pervade his being in nauseating mind he smashed the chair down on sian lieutenant. he turned and stumped out. through the blackness of his despair. he his brain strangely purged and his thinking quick. Yet. standing out taunting phantoms that Every NKVD came hurtling mind. his energy ance. Resistance was He had to have those letters no matter what Two years— God in Heaven. persuader or persecutor that resisted in Russia took part in the his the In the blackness of the bunker. bully. strength. His tortured soul ached in his wasted body. bunker. the and spirit spent. his all remaining he spat out his answer. when him out He found swam now himself inwardly glad for oral injections of milk. was there no mercy? He ended and he knew the cost. not sign your "I will Gaping damned paper. resolved that beaten as he was seeing of pleasure him he would deny the Commissar the Summoning crack.WAR CRIMINAL until him burst over it 227 that hellhole in the earth. "Bunker!" "Bunker!" "Bunker!" "Twenty-one days. sugar before his mind's eye. you first must conquer your main enemy— hunger. He realized that if he died he would be of no use to anyone. A guard went to the kitchen and brought him back some bread on a tin elbows. The guards will office.T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 228 cool. he began quietly talking to himself. Get something to eat. I ." Erich went stumbling shakily out of the surgery. no matter what you have to do. Sweating profusely. of a way to eat. Weakly. "Erich. I will eat on my own. She fail her. Somehow. trembling violently and near collapse." The Soviet doctor looked at him in surprise. Then you will see life differently/' As though responding telepathically thoughts. Then. looked at them fall back on the desk. His effort. but alive he could keep hope burning for others. I . to the I will tell the Commissar's Commissar. "I will eat. felt like The rubber. His prior re- himself by starvation was an aberration. by some means human. "Good. he would return home. . guards at his way to the Commissar's room. The seventyhim yard walk pushed to his absolute physical limit. he waved the guards away. Then an He oily smile offered Erich a cigarette. kill die in Russia and leave his was waiting. He must not He must not beloved Usch alone in the world." he wryly. You take you The them now will eat. Hartmann. the bunker door again stood ready to escort the trend of Erich's to swung open. The two hulking guards him to the surgery. As in his combat days. . by God. before you die divine or of curiosity. . guards shoved him legs into the surgery ready for another pinioning prior to force-feeding him. you get your hands on those letters and read them. With a Herculean he stood up and walked shakily out of the bunker. give up my hunger strike. He knew now solve to that he must eat to save himself. as well as for himself. then let "This you have is a hell finally said. . and plate. he went reeling into the Commissar's office and slumped down in a chair. of satisfaction spread over the Russian's face. "I am glad decided to listen to reason." doctor picked up the feeding tube and bladder. made his . a new dress. pored over the like letters an exhumed from some ancient now that he knew Usch was secure. Never had food tasted so good. The Blond Knight had recovered enough of Usch was summary guilty his fire to fight again. . As Erich finished reading the five letters for the third time... would never again embark on hunger fool thing as a was feeling of increasing solidity in his an anchor. Erich glanced at the usual juvenile which he would be pleading to He had murdered women and flicted grievous materiel losses at the "I for fine. it is not now necessary . The Russian drew from a paper his pocket and set it in front of Erich together with a pen. anything. a shadow came between the paper and the small window. Life could be bearable again. He pushed he knew the paper back NKVD man. have read my letters. A head stopped spinning and his came seeping the trembling abated in his limbs. The Commissar brought him his five letters ripped the envelopes open and he had avidly as back. even little more than hog fodder. "Here is what you have to sign. Usch was well." he said. and soon belly acted like if it fallen home from Usch. Erich clawed stale bread. . The Commissar's somber bulk intruded on his paradise. He as Wonder- him like adrenalin. If he could stand anything. Strength He quietly swore to himself that he such a damned would be strike. He . destroyed property and in- on the Soviet Union. A bullet in the heart better. was and the home front safe vitality into him than the food. and therefore me to confess to these lies. children. although his hands were trembling so hardly hold the mug." he said..WAR CRIMINAL 229 Lunging into the A ate voraciously.. The news put more He felt like a new man—ready for archaeologist absorbed with writings pyramid. on the pages of writing fell on the dry bread. throbbed with life interest. "Flowers in bloom . it into lumps and long draught from a cup of soup washed down much he could the bread.." The trivia of everyday German Details of ful! surged into .. of alleged charges by signing the document. a band concert in town Erich's mother and father were well . Hartmann.THE BLOND KNICfiT oV GERMANY 230 The Russian's face dropped. of the Erich read his letters again and basked in the sweetness of news from home. me and want here in Russia as a slave to confess to crimes that your propagandists have invented. was obvious that the Russians were glad strike. I will not sign your NKVD damned paper. He said that any nation retaining war prisoners more than six months violate even the after a war was for five years. In the ensuing days he had quit his regain a to stronger. "You mean you now refuse to sign. then they began another approach. It is not even writ- my language. warn you. Guards took him with his adversary. this dishonor. day the He letters didn't care were his world. Let them. This You will mean punishment severe for never be released. the "You will pay for room red with rage. He and could soon walk around without NKVD left him began feeling fear of collapse. I am not ashamed of having been a soldier of my country. No. lit it to the Commissar's office. after we have fed you and saved you from suicide?" "1 mean only that I will not sign your paper. and as a result we have reached some the new opinions about you. You commandments of your own god-hero. the cigarette. we have reviewed it quite thoroughly." will Erich looked directly into the NKVD man's shifty eyes. Lenin. not even in the war. "Erich." Erich dragged quietly on his cigarette and looked back evenly . Besides. Erich kept after the food and began of the weight he had lost. "You have been saying the same thing to me for years. I have never killed women and children in my life. alone until he was clearly out of danger. The hunger little if it they shot and it him down. Erich took chair to which Commissar waved him. Yes." ten in "I you." he barked. then The Russian offered him and sat down in a stiff-backed left him alone a cigarette. and flung out fury. we have been reviewing your case." Bulging with Commissar snatched up the paper. To- sang with vitalizing harmony. You keep me uncivilized. Bad luck. eh?" The Russian laughed failed to pilot. nervously as his clumsy attempt at evoke a response from Erich. . his gaze steady." . The Commissar leaned forward." Erich's reply was quietly spoken. in the in are so young. "Erich. nothing more. You were caught up my duty as a soldier. . "We know your record as a fighter know from your in here you were prison history that you are a leader . took another tack. you were much too young Fascist. encouraged by this arousal of his prisoner's interest." these "Perhaps go types called the Russian government had allowed his father to if home and take him he would be care of alive today. ing the latest Soviet jet fighters. He waited for the Russian to commit himself. Erich. It soldier's job would allow you to go magnificent." in with all this?" I fit "Erich. Really. "What kind of job do you have in mind for me?" said Erich. You home to your family.WAR CRIMINAL at the Commissar. but the Commissar's obvious and immediate discomfort told Erich that the Russian knew he had used the wrong ploy in attempting to gain his prisoner's con- The Commissar fidence. "The Soviet air force for Union the East is supporting the development of a modern German People's Republic. "I did "Of course. The humor Blond Knight's face . him "Erich" he always got a bad feeling in his backside. of course. And we . You me?" follow Erich nodded. of course. "Home"— that past. like having an enemy on his tail during the war. "We are exceedingly sorry. wartime to have been a war and forced to fight. Very bad luck indeed. but "Where do whom we have many are supplydifficulties. of course. our major difficulty around We this is in finding experienced leaders new air force can be built." Erich's heart leaped. . you are barely twenty-eight years old. incomparable word." And now we have another one that would help you blot out the for you. to know that your young son died in Germany. even if a ringleader. NKVD 231 at his wavering eyes and When fidgety hands. remained expressionless. way. his hopes of winning Erich over had obviously been so high. That was the NKVD in its NKVD he knew true form. you must first send me out as a man free to my family in the West. take you out of this prison and up Moscow to You'd for schooling. flying. I will tract. political or whatever. then come back and work with you in accordance with the conBut if you put me to work—or try to put me to work— under coercion of any kind. The Commissar's face straightened. . then will resist to I The Commissar shook his head "I and all am sorry you my dying gasp. expression was almost too good to Erich half-expected the Russian to burst into tears. If I like your offer. Ending all But you must work his pitch with hope for us. you are really going to regret not working with us. "Before we can talk about any kind of job at all." The Commissar's mournful be true. Knight slowly shook his head. if I choose to accept. "After I am at home in the West. do— whether decide what you want to to Then you can the East German like that. the Com- missar ended the interview more typically of the NKVD—with a threat. We will prepare you for this job immediately. consulting. "This time. Erich further depressed him. Erich. When the a "Fascist bandit" or a "capitalist murderer" he was on the right track. you can make me a normal contract offer— a business deal such as people sign every day over the world. you Fascist bandit. because feel this it means that you can never again see your family. In Russian he ordered the prisoner taken back to barracks." The Russian looked downcast. Erich.THE BLOND KNICflT OT GERMANY 232 "We need you for the East German Air Force. As Erich was walking out through the door. "You don't like this proposal?" he said. the Russian officer looked at Erich. The Russian pressed a button on his desk and two guards came clumping into the room." in his eyes and anticipation written The Blond over his face." Erich immediately called him felt more comfortable." sadly. work in Air Force as an officer or on the political side of the air force organization. "Erich Hartmann. A sergeant bawled for silence. Then came the bomb. last big draft of prisoners was moved out. and will its pris- Geneva hence- forth be treated as criminals under Soviet law. allegations concerning the brutal murder of Russian women and children. A repatriated. Major. In the ensuing weeks. Commissar stalked into the barracks with a detachment of armed guards. and other familiar Ehrenburg-style rantings of the Then the Commissar began reeling off a long names. All the above war criminals are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years at hard labor. excluded Erich from the repatriation groups. "War against criminals will receive formal documentation of charges them on an air The Commissar's individual basis in the next few days. There were reams of polemic. destruction of the Soviet property propagandists. they told German prisoners for hundred German soldiers Shortly afterward. Glad out- wardly to see many men was not among them. German Air Force" was list of among them. this date. massive shipments of home were begun. ". and he was marched with four other ." A roar of dismay went up from the ment toward the Commissar was the guards. and called him Erich and offered him cigarettes. The prisoners. rifles of The Commissar resumed. There were fourteen in Kuteynikovo with Erich. That's threat to Erich had not been empty. the above-mentioned German prisoners of war are as of by order of the Soviet government and the verdict of judiciary. arrested A menacing move- by the cocked sergeant bellowed for silence. . he had learned to beware. The Commissar stood up on a bench and began reading a Soviet government proclamation. convicted as war criminals.WAR CRIMINAL When 233 him he was a nice young fellow. and within a few weeks more than two-thirds of NKVD them were True the to their threat. all . As war criminals. he ached inwardly that he He soon few days after the found out why. going home. these oners will hereinafter be deprived of the protection of the Convention and the International Red Cross. the prisoners were paraded before a Soviet war judge and presented with Erich's name was called lists of the charges against them. You participated * in the illegal. A sentry went through the business of inspecting the huge Soviet hung limply over the doorway. eighty a village Russian near Briansk. "Charge Three." . . A group of perhaps courtroom watching Soviet he heard man sat and Russian civilians sat legal apparatus in action. leafing through the dossier until He looked up at Erich he found what he was triumphantly. you killed seven civilians. When name called. perhaps." He went looking for. "From this. yes. the Black judge looked at Devil." The judge paused briefly to glare at Erich. After your attack. you attacked a bread factory. yes? big war criminal. including women and . and flag a passes of the guards and prisoners. The "Yes. brutal and un- provoked attack on the Soviet Union. In the central sector of the Russian Front on 23 May 1943. and destroyed a great quantity of Soviet war materiel. in the with thinning hair and a Erich was given his charge sheet. know why I am charged with war crimes. yes?" "The great pilot." he War criminal. wooden desk In the so-called courtroom." judge was warming to his administration of justice. the factory was able to produce only one ton of bread. a slab-faced "twenty-five years "I hard labor" sentence written on at signed by the judge. behind a rough the Russian war judge. The judge opened down an index." said Erich. . no.THE BLOND KNIGftT 234 OF GERMANY "war criminals" to a ramshackle wooden building outside the camp gates. Before your attack. Hartmann. "Charge Two. In hundred and children. and his want fifty it to the specific nature of the charges. "Charge One. which already had his fat belly. "it is and ran a blunt forefinger quite obvious that you are a war criminal. Erich stepped up to the bench. including at least three hundred and forty-five The expensive Russian aircraft. you are The him beadily. the bakery was producing sixteen tons of bread daily for the Soviet people. The great pilot." Erich's dossier said. " The judge nodded knowingly. then. justice here. waved never killed any Russian slab-faced judge plunged again into the dossier. down your pilots shot Germany. my duty." little in his seat. Under the innocent people in our can you possibly aircraft I manned by your it I killed seven aerial it. Erich aircraft. "Charge Three civilians. Or so somewhere else when they say. Where was the building located?" The judge gave a bored sigh." he "But that is scrabbled briefly in the dossier." "Well. alone children. let The I can you be so sure of the exact How was never near Briansk." shook his head in incredulity." down Russian "I shot German is just as aircraft. icily. against other armed He picked up his gavel and at the Russian civilians sitting in the "Take these people of these me how engaged only in judge twisted a We prove you did Soviet system of justice there are no jails. out. That "And what about the destruction of the bakery?" The judge was gouging away abstractedly at his fingernails. court They have seen enough . I I served. said.WAR CRIMINAL 235 Erich could no longer contain himself. Clear the war criminals. "Am I permitted to defend myself against these charges?" The judge smiled "Of course. All the war criminals were the crimes were committed. but continued his defense. Hartmann." Erich stubbornly continued his defense. The How I me of slaughtering Russian civilians on such a scale?" "We have absolutely false. number anyway? accuse is room. We are not Fascists in Russia." hundred and eighty combat. That was was with Fighter in the area Wing 52 on the southern sector of the front. We soldiers. as a soldier of It was not a war crime. He "In a village near Smolensk. We have justice here. nowhere near where defended by Fighter Wing 54. don't just accuse you. "Yes. prove to civilians. oh yes. any way attacked any bread "I never shot at or in factory. Don't you under- stand that?" The judge nodded. The judge He out laughing. only at Russian aircraft in the air. "Now. to your family. We is You impossible." "Then what?" "We will Later on. you we will contact you. burst roared. but in the right position. ernment is West Germany. ready to proceed. civilian how fired to prove that you are a war criminal?" Erich smiled resignedly at the sheer nonsense of the proceeding. understand perfectly. . When they had left. Hartmann. you are an intelligent cow concerning you. sent those people out of the court? trying to defend yourself in a situation that then. do understand "I seem that. are Now have orders here from Mos- sign the papers we give you and you can go out to the West. Hartmann? You man. now from the dossier. fell There Seven hundred and people. they innocent our killed eighty of them. Major Hartmann did therefore brutally murder seven hundred and eighty innocent Russian civilians—" Erich broke in on the absurd "But fired I recital. tion carried in his aircraft. . judge was reading of the for the . the judge looked up. pointed a finger at the Blond Knight. his double chin jumping threw his head back and Suddenly sobering. You see easy your guns it is all the bullets to the ground." twenty-millimeter cannon "No. The ". not exactly. But you don't I understand that when you to They did not go into the other aircraft. Do you know how many rounds Me-109 fighter carried?" of ammuni- tion your About three hundred rounds for each two machine guns and about one hundred and fifty rounds ." we will influence in . "Don't you know Why do you think I this whole thing is political. with the eleven hundred and twenty rounds of ammuni- .THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 236 The judge pored over the dossier again while the guards herded the Russian spectators out the door. do this only if we have the West German gov- help you to advance very quickly in Our very substantial. now. he like jelly. jailed or shot in you keep don't sign me in you my own jail here. smiled from out Frau Paetsch had been dreading the mo- ment when Usch would read the story. I am The judge's face now or ever." And with that. If me have the means in your hands to get country by my own people. Take him away. Madonna-like smile." Such was the love that reached out to Erich in bondage. Mother. "I will not sign your paper me down now. "But Usch." The judge drummed on the desk with his stubby fingers. keep him until he is seventy.WAR CRIMINAL "And "If if I 237 don't?" you don't work with "You me offer then you will never get out of here. reports of Erich local newspapers in the Stuttgart area carried Hartmann's sentencing as a war criminal. Frau Paetsch sought to comfort her. that's how old he will be. Usch's mother found her dark-haired daughter brooding over paper. twenty-five than I'll years. a strange alternative. "War criminal! Twenty-five years' hard labor. "I'll wait for him. wait- ing for his answer." "You understand completely. Usch gave a sad. A a news- wartime photograph of Erich in his flying jacket. If I I sign your paper. Your Erich will be more sixty years old. the Blond Knight sank further into the power a thumbscrew." "If they keep him that long. I will . out. with his Diamonds decoration amongst the black airbrushed neatly type." dark as that of an Inquisitor turning He crashed his gavel down savagely. They may But when he comes home be waiting." my dear. of his tormentors. Putting her arm tenderly around her daughter. Weeks later. wait." us. not afraid to die and went as I demand want I that you shoot a bullet. Erich." . you crack up under the pressure from inside as well outside. Confinement henceforth like himself. so as camp to the slave labor life. While this international agreement was largely ignored and often blatantly flouted by the possessed under the NKVD. They make you is how into an island. defend your rights except you. You must resist. was the only source of it rights to which German prisoners of the Russians could cling. —George Bernard Shaw r criminal status deprived Erich of what vestigial rights he Geneva Convention.Chapter Seventeen THE SHAKHTY REVOLT If a man what it cannot look really is. five years' hard labor. or evil in combat it the face without illusion he will never know effectually. As the illegal Soviet classification of himself as a train carrying him Shakhty rattled southward. no matter if it costs you your isolate you. would be with German "war criminals" common Russian criminals and felons. he was quietly talking did during his aerial battles and times of deep "No one will at to himself as he trial. This these people try to beat you under. Erich's fate was shared by other recalcitrant Germans who refused to work for the Soviets against own country and their prison comrades. The and with sentence was twenty- Erich resolved that whatever the consequences he would not knuckle under to the criminal. In the eyes of the Russian law— the only law valid now for Erich Hartmann—he was their no longer a soldier and a prisoner of war. Erich. Erich looked up and saw made every fiber of his being harden. Treatment of P. Escape was impossible.'s is man is an act of diabolical depicted in one vacuous televi- sion series as a continuous fun game. In recent years in the United States. Erich marched with the others from the train into the Shakhty labor camp. Underground work mines a couple of miles away was to be the open- ing in the coal punishment of hard labor sentence. If they tried to starve himself to death. As the prisoners his camp gates. in the coal mines. the prisoners were rousted from their They would march to work rest moved out. and Canada were not coddled.O. the imprisonment of a cruelty. and despite the ordeals of U. dingy barracks and lined up outside. but he would never be a Soviet slave. When the .W. For the Germans in Russia. make a slave of him. there was no way out except by sale of the soul.W/s in Japan were often nearly starved to death. Erich thought to he would never get out of himself. war has actually become commercial humor.O. discipline so strict and control isolated from the ditions as mendous The so complete that the prisoners were literally rest of those the prevailing human at race.W. Germany generally received good treatment. Revolt under such con- Shakhty therefore required tre- stimulus. while American P. his will to resist. German P. but they were adequately fed and clothed. yet the life of P. many of them American prisoners in returning after the war to take up permanent residence in North America.W/s in the U. shuffled through the ner that a ban- "OUR LABOR MAKES THE SOVIET UNION STRONG. to keep him alive. As George Bernard Shaw once pointed out. Erich stood fast.O." If he helped make the Soviet Union strong. by contrast. first day in Shakhty.S.'s has varied from country to country. servicemen captured by the Reds in Korea the Confinement of a source of men as prisoners of and Vietnam. NKVD The That thought braced he would would have to force-feed him their grip.S.O. barracks and the inevitable wire and guards. a depressing vista of ugly stone houses.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT 239 In this frame of mind. The guards called the column to a halt. "All right then. at Erich. "You'll find that fancy rules don't work." Convention "You'll work." said the Russian. The blue eyes looked back evenly into the guard's face. We strong. The off to the mines. then walked up to "Why won't you work? Are you sick?" "No. Erich spoke quietly. that." The sergeant stared incredulously him with his jaw thrust out. Russian walked up to Erich and shoved a rifle A beefy in his stomach. "What's going on here?" he said. demand to see the camp commandant. to all make the Soviet Union The cool "I know left mean much around here. Therefore I will not work. Erich's lithe blond figure stood alone in front of the barracks. But you'll Come on. That's why I am not going to work." blue eyes looked steadily back. Sergeant." The sergeant swallowed made him bend. digging the barrel into Erich's belly.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 24O "Good luck. called to moved away as they him from the line of to face twelve hours of backbreaking labor underground. Convention I do not have to work. I "I am a German staff officer and under the Geneva am not required to work. Because I am a major. I have two hands." As the guards moved the other prisoners sergeant led Erich across the dusty mandant's office. Bubi . a thick-bodied Slavic type with short legs and a cannonball head. "This prisoner says he won't work. He came stumping "I up. I'll be sorry you started this. In a few seconds. hard. a staff officer. "Move!" barked the guard. the camp grounds sergeant went over to to the com- the commandant's ." The sergeant pulled back a little. I and under the Geneva want to see the camp com- mandant. shambling prisoners someone . ." The guard bawled for the sergeant. The blond man had somehow take you to the commandant. loctrine was force-fed to all POWs. POW IN RUSSIA: fife HAHN: "Assi" wrote a book "I SPEAK THE TRUTH" about his experiences in tivity.HORSEMAN: Siegfried Graf von der Schulenburg was a Battalion Commander in the 6th Kuban Kosaken Regiment on the Russian front. the Soviets tried to force him ARE MOMENT OF HAPPINESS: June 1948 in a to identify German captured politicians. This moto. a famous Moscow. to The photo was taken November 1948 camp HA UPTMANNHANS "ASSI" This Hartmann was allowed in at Tscherepowez. Russian cap- Hahn passed away on 18 Dec. near Vologda north of 1 Oct. is the last photo Erich send home to his family. is the 9th ranking ace of WWII. Colonel Hermann Graf assumed command ofJG52. where the communist scored 212 aerial victories and ion school in the background. Graf. He received only 50 of more than 400 letrs Usch wrote to him during the period 1945 to his letter lease in 1955. were allowed to have an orchestra. taken in 1946. LAST KOMMODORE OF }ERMAN BAND IN PRISON CAMP: German >OWs in Camp JG52: Gryazovets. 1944 Lt. shows the political indoctrina- football player before the war. 1982. K in a prison . Erich enjoys a om Usch. (Schulenburg) and photo ussian prison camp. Captured when he was badly injured and had to be left behind by his German cavalrymen. arrived here to-night after 10 years as a Russian captive. When he had left a group of returned prisoners said that he had been " a light in the darkness to us. had helped them to hold out during the past 10 years. is a walking skeleton. Hartmann Germany once set more. Erich Hartmann began to realize he wasfinallyfree ofthe Bear's At the urging of the reception committee. Hartmann. who is FREE AT LAST?: foot on 15 October 1955. but he preferred to stay with his men and be captured by the Russians. picked on for every possible reason. embraced him and him chocolate and first offered The cigarettes. he remove his worn and threadbare prison clothing in order to be fitted with a new suit and (The National Observer) shoes. Consequently he was often put into beaten and solitary confinement." Heuer said that in Schachti Camp." But before reporters could talk to Hartmann. must not rest until they are with us. " We are telling you this because we feel that he is too modest to tell you himself. West Germany. Otto " For example. the German fighter pilot who claimed to have destroyed 348 enemy planes during the 1939-45 war. He was forcibly Reuter. one "AM I REALL Y AND FINALL Y FREE?": A few minutes after arriving at Herleshausen. his comrades took him away to rest. On another occasion Hartmann went on hunger strike. this time at Herlesh- His first half-curious. starts to This article appeared in a London paper. the train. prisoners went on strike until he was released from one of his spells of solitary confinement.RUSSIANS FREE LUFTWAFFE ACE PILOT WHO CLAIMED 348 VICTORIES Friedland Camp." said ex-Lt. and his unbroken will. Friday. Erich Hartmann. As he left the bus which brought him from the frontier railway station he was cheered by other Germans who had been imprisoned in Russia. 1955. His former fellow-prisoners shook his hand. and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. half-elated expression was captured by a photographer as he stepped from ausen.-Col. — grasp. of the war he could nave flown into American or British hands. He arrived with 38 other German ex-prisoners." They said that his brave stand against the Russians and all forms of coercion. j October 21. ENCOURAGED COMRADES He had refused to work for the Russians. at the end Heuer. 33. including a woman who was an SS signals assistant. . sayine he would rather die than be a prisoner. where Hartmann was kept at fellow Hartmann's period. ted. words he said were some : " There are We of us left in Russia. after years in Russian prison camps. )tt MUTTI!: On October WE'LL BUILD A Hartmann Mother at her THERE!: Erich and Ursula Hartmann home by his me. survey Weil im Schdnbuch from the balcony of his parents home shortly after his homecoming in October 1955. HAPPY FAMILY MAN: Erich Hartmann's crew chief in JG52. Erich 1952. 1967 in his home at Kapellen/Erft near Dusseldorf Toliver) .M HOME. EMACIATED YET ARDENT: A 'aunt Erich Hartmann cuddles up o his wife Usch the day after he eached homefrom his lOVi years of ncarceration in Russia. 1955. shown here on December 13th. His father had passed away in formally welcomed NEW HOME RIGHT OVER 17. was Heinz "Bimmell" Mertens. in the He was the 8 th rankingfighter ace ofthe world. Texas. both General rank and commanded man Air Force the new Ger- in later years. Baer lost his life on 28 April. At right is USAF "Pritzl" Colonel Farley Peebles of McQueeny. .FOUR TOP ACES— 1104 AERIAL VICTORIES: Numbers 1. Barkhorn rose to Major General and Hartmann to the rank of colonel. Left is BIOGRAPHER MEETS BIOGRAPHEE: 25 June 1956 at Suttgart/Echterdingen. (301 aerial vic- Major E rich Hartmann. tories). 3. in went on to visits three ex-Luftwaffe aces who were undergoing refresher training at RAF Valley Gerhard Barkhorn. and number 26 of the top aces ofthe worldposed at Furstendeldbruck in the sum- mer of 1957: Major Gerhard Barkhorn. on 13 March 1956 assigned to the USAF'20th Fighter Wing stationed in England. Wales. Steinhoff and Rail rose to Lt. with 220 aerial victories ofwhich 16 were whileflying the Me-262jet.WAR TRAINEES: Co-author Toliver. with Herbert Wehnelt and Walter Krupinski. Krupinskiand Wehnelt (USAF— 20th Wing) become Lt. 1957 crash ofa light airplane. (352) Colonel Johannes Steinhoff (176) and Major Gunther Rail (275). Author Ray Toliver met with Heinz Baer (left) and Erich Hartmann. POST. Generals and Barkhorn a Major General. 2. because I conditions. swung open and the aide beckoned The commandant was He had a face erased. Erich knew he was mentality. from which kindness had not been completely he regarded Erich "What in NKVD is stonily. convicted of war crimes. a thing they could say. about refusing to work. If ." "Your country won the war. Your own Lenin keeps prisoners of war longer than five years ago. Colonel—more than I am an officer in the criminal of any kind. but hell in straight The commandant's door to Erich. He in for another confrontation with the consoled himself with the thought that there wasn't gimmick they could employ. I've seen your dossier. The aide looked hard at Erich as the sergeant related the scene in front of the barracks. defeated country. I writings. I insist that appointed to investigate these ask that you shoot will not work. "You refuse to work?" "I refuse absolutely. glad to be alive. Hartmann?" this "Under the Geneva Convention. a colonel. You should be glad to work.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT and whispered aide 241 in the officer's ear. that puts prisoners of war to work The colonel stood up quickly. Soviet justice has mercifully left you alive. the Geneva Convention does not You have been exist. Hartmann?" of them. I am a staff officer and—" "For you. I do. and had no human real contact. then I wish to be executed. an international tribunal be camp I not. have read all up in surprise." The colonel's eyebrows shot "You know Lenin's "Yes. a dialectic had not already encountered. a roly-poly administrative type. knocked gently on the file commandant's door and disappeared inside. and not a air force of a six says that months any country that is imperialist and degenerate. The aide set down a he was holding. Snatches of agitated talk were audible through the closed door." me down." obviously had enough Lenin for one day. is He also says that a nation a parasite He had on those prisoners. They thought that he lines. There were mutterings about a revolt. Access to it As the blackness of rear of the guard- was through a heavy door solitary him once more. and the aide appeared. By concentrating on Weil im Schonbuch to happy days in which he was surrounded by decency and love. with Erich were in a black The mood to after a day of slavery in the mines. and food was barely alone a day's work. armed guard came in of his office. The other German "war criminals" who had come to Shakhty the chance to focus his thoughts on Usch. he could project himself back her. At the end of the fifth day. at Shakhty house at the camp inside the wire. labor was murderously hard. Erich was missing. Darkness and solitude gave only one solace. and as the days rolled by he knew that somehow he would survive here as he had in all the other bunkers into which he had been cast. and while one pulled Erich's head back by the hair and forced open mouth. The ser- geant of the guard told them that the Blond Knight was in the bunker. his hands and bulky guards stood over him. The Take him his desk. out of control." and escorted Erich out over on to be put in solitary is <5 was a small room in the gates. When sufficient to sustain they crawled back exhausted into their dismal mass dormitory. the rage of the prisoners— intensified by the backbreaking slavery in the mines —began building up to flash point.THE BLOND KNIGHT 242 The colonel pressed a button "This prisoner to work. GERMANY confinement until he agrees colonel watched impassively as an The bunker F to the bunker. his This degrading . primitive. the working conditions and equipment let life. Two Hartmann. the other crammed food down his throat. News of Erich's punishment acted The prisoners' already ragged tempers ing and yelling in the barracks like gasoline flared on a campfire. on their way back to barracks from the mines. Shout- brought out the guards to subdue the prisoners. prisoners trudging past the guardhouse saw the bunker door ajar. Erich fought down confinement closed the desperate tide that welled up inside him. As the days went by and Erich failed to return to the barracks. Visions of home put power in his will. Inside they could see Erich feet tied to a chair. quickly to the chair. colonel and two majors made up the command camp. rubbing circulation into his legs and arms. More ax blows opened a hole large enough for a hand." one of them yelled. Bubi. "We'll get you out. The daylight hurt prisoners led him out of the bunker. a thrust into the cell by his eyes. Two sweating and excited prisoners burst into the bunker. but the prisoners looked to Erich for leadership now. horde of prisoners was milling around outside the building. They had done He was The A this for all him. together with sixteen guards and man officers. and Erich stood up." They cut his bonds. Before any of them really knew following morning bellowed from a what they were doing. Colonel structure of the Two Ger- Prager.O. a revolt. expected to take charge. The when assembly sounded an angry roar hundred throats. You're free. stream- The Russian door crashed open mob seized him roughly. breathing heavily and hardly able to "We've got the whole camp It's staff talk. Erich's first inkling of came when he heard a heavy pounding at the bunker door.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT 243 spectacle applied the ultimate strain to the bone-weary but al- ready fuming prisoners. Someone yelled. and quietly gave thanks amid the tumult that he was When free of the black hole. under guard. The two other As they stepped outside they Rumanian who was being They tied the guard prisoner.'s. colonel commandant and his two majors and the lady . A scrawny arm came through and tripped the the revolt lock.W. Erich heard the heavy door slam shut. two grinning P. "See how you like the bunker. Sitting tied to the chair in black silence. passed the bunker guard. the infuriated prisoners burst out of the A barracks and overpowered their guards. ing across the prison yard to the colonel's eyes bulged with terror as his office and the scruffy mob went wild commandant's office." and an ax blade smashed a hole in the door. Erich got back to the commandant's an excited office. Wolf and Lieutenant Colonel played a large role in raising the revolt. had a lady doctor. An "Come A woman to the hesitant populace of Russian prisoners managed with a babushka around her head Germans from Come out now Come out!" out! from here. "If tions fore Bubi. of outside." "What do we do "We're going then? Tell us what to do. Nobody among us goes outside." said Erich firmly.W. standing in front of them with his hands raised. Russians. The freedom beckoning beyond the gates was enough to torment a man to death. "Come call his A on. hated stool Russian the had brought part prisoners Shakhty town to the prison to get out of the gates. you're escaping.O. while you can." roar of approval went up from the prisoners.O. Don't hurt any of them in any way/' said Erich. headed them off. They teetered on the knife-edge of shouted. "Someone must come when we contact higher headquarters." he said. maybe get things put right or made better. They'll decision. They stopped their movement toward the gates. The Russians have regulaabout that. But dont go out or they'll kill you. The ruckus inside the camp and the freeing of prisoners.THE BLOND KNIGJHT 244 doctor looked somewhat surprised. "Let them The snuffed out by the They were all go. have their had lives revolted. and guns." Muttering among the P.W/s now replaced the shouting." mob The rumble agreement that followed told Erich he had prevented a of catas- trophe. "we'll get the commandant and make him headquarters.'s started to slowly toward the Erich sprinted across from the commandant's office and gates." to stay right here in the camp. prisoners in the flush of their triumph had released other They had also caught and beaten a few of the pigeons. We'll tell them what's wrong. kill us if A voice back in the we go out. why?" you get five miles. They'll shoot you down like dogs be- "Stop! Stay here! "Why. you go out. They man OtF GERMANY obviously expected to whom for the prisoners to be disappointed. We'll take you away move couple of eager P. "Erich's right." The prisoners were a little shaken. and they all . The the but the Germans hesitated. elderly Russian beckoned gates. " ." he said. We want you to call them what has gone on here. The German prisoners have made a revolution here—" "General." said the colonel. Erich heard the general come on the line with a querying "Yes?" commandant at Camp Shakhty. Hartmann wishes Erich took the phone. "Colonel. The Russian officer sat down at his alarm written on his desk with stubble-chinned scarecrows on either side of him. incredulity and fat face. "please your higher headquarters and The colonel shrugged." "What do you want me to do about it?" The general's voice food is not fit for pigs. General. Now eyes were cool what has happened. tions. Our I refuse to work I as barracks arrangements are vile and the Underground labor twelve hours a day under such conditions will kill these men." Erich said." send soldiers and probably shoot sit tell the lot of you. "I don't think so. Colonel. "They'll down. in. because a criminal and a slave. and him was facing Hartmann the grin. The commandant was brought to his own office. we have not been harmed.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT shambled toward the commandant's off jammed with 245 prisoners who Erich shouldered his way The office. government man from Moscow and an international tribunal to come and in- to see these condi- We want something done to improve things. responsible mainly for this revolt. "We want a spect this place. was harsh. as he picked up the phone. this A the is squawk on the other end of the phone was followed by torrent of questions. officers The and prisoner staff. Finally the commandant managed a to get in another word. General. place was hadn't joined the rush for the gates. . His to speak with you. . am I . am we have exceedingly bad conditions at this camp. "No." command of Russian was useful in such encounters. He asked to be put through to the commanding general. being held by the prisoners with all my No. "General. Where is please call them and tell them higher headquarters located?" "Rostov. The blue and level. They have families." he said. pulled up outside the entrance. and they let the Red Army know it. The tumult came from the Russian civil populace. He fall soldiers will "Why do you do took a few steps forward and open. Erich and his comrades ambled out and watched the fantry getting ready for action. hissed and hurled abuse at the Red soldiers— their own people. "I can't shoot back." Erich grinned at his comrades. We're Erich set down "Something will happen very soon. just like lost. one day be inside this now let his a fence. "You Russian soldiers!" Erich shouted.THE BLOND KNI&HT OF GERMANY 246 "We'll see about that. Meantime sonally responsible if hold you per- I commandant and anything happens to the the other personnel. perhaps to the teeth Red Army camp all told. General. and we on are soldiers." The later arrival of a general the nervous infantrymen from Rostov was the signal for to ease through the gates in squads and . this side of you are today. the wire because We we were once "We fought a war under orders. Walking within Red in- hailing distance of the gate. guns and with cannons mounted on their trucks. "Shoot!" he yelled." all "Shame!" Sentimentally. egging him on. to other soldiers?" shabby prison jacket He spread his arms wide. We are soldier prisoners. "Don't worry about them. all with tommy at the two hundred men of soldiers. "Maybe you Russian too. Within twenty minutes A company armed gentlemen here. a tumult of voices and the roar of revving truck engines heralded the arrival of the gates. Hartmann. exposing his chest." Erich shouted. "Why do you hold these men here?" "Let them go home to their own people. the Russian people were on the side of the prisoners. who booed. Erich shouted at the nervous-looking Russian troops as they rallied their firepower to face the scruffy scarecrows behind the wire." The Russian civilians turned into a cheering section for the Blond Knight." the phone and turned to his revolutionaries. will as punish- be told that you you'll disappear. commissar was coming from a made the sixth day. and them. the Russians their intentions clear. Colonel?" "The think you have too main here. You They people have investigated your revolution. won't be here to see them. The commandant was Colonel office. In response to his incessant requests. But you see anything in fact. not be having any more revolts here. That'll put the fear of Hartmann. "Why have you sent for me.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT 247 herd the Germans back into their barracks. the Russians him appear before of his case. to other between you and the are and they'll be sent are going to Novocher- kassk as part of that plan. political much influence over the other prisoners to are not only a Fascist and re- a ringleader. toward Erich Russians cooled Shakhty for at five days. . You and Wolf and Prager other prisoners." he will said. the let four kangaroo proceeding was convened. "We this association are going to break up We know who the leaders camps. Hartmann. In the back and forth of his confrontation with the tribunal. hell into camp. Guards with came rifles commandant's back at his desk in full to escort Erich outside the wire to the Wolf and Lieutenant Colonel from their barracks. and with and two majors plus a secretary." Five of the ensuing nine months at Novocherkassk jail Erich spent in the bunker." "Then what do you propose to do?" said Erich. Prager were also taken "We work The uniform. That's all. colonels A a tribunal specially set general up for consideration came down from Moscow. ment in this Your comrades here be shot." "What about the conditions "Some at Novocherkassk are going to You won't Hartmann. and the tribunal?" things are going to be changed. during which time his mail was again interrupted. but also a revolutionary. because you are going into the bunker again for this revolution. down the revolt by suspending all and the rumor was put about that On Moscow. " member of the in- .THE BLOND KNIGHT 6 F GERMANY 248 the Russians returned again and again to something that Erich considered a side issue at best. in fact. "When resist I am investigate— I and ask only for an international tribunal to know about not afraid that the world should anything you claim ment for have done—you put I months and let me in solitary confine- the word go about that I am dead. for one day they call justice. Soviet officers. them face Perhaps you are right about the what is com- civil re- never said a word to the Russian people to raise against their government. soldiers in your power. This unfounded contention clearly obsessed the tribunal. but when he was done they looked at each other and nodded." The tribunal shuffled uneasily under this quiet rebuke. In the world today. I will have to would be free people. "You are at and plexes war with the world through your stupidity. Someday you may be treated the you refuse same way. your government talks and seeks peace. God help you then. Clearly a ternational bourgeoisie. "Twenty-five years' hard labor. volt at Shakhty. experiences with the Soviet judicial machinery: "Your government convicted me of war crimes without any credible evidence. but today. The verdict had been reached— long before the tribunal ever sat in its mockery of fair play. with evidence that in country would be considered insupportable. but with thousand or more German sixty to end the last war. Erich could see that he was involved in another vain deadlock with the irrational summed up his Communist His mentality. will I inferiority in their hearts. You should be Were someday it afraid of your up own be done with you and what you all of you to them. Geneva Convention and becoming savages. They accused him of having incited the populace of Shakhty to revolt against the Soviet govern- civilian ment. me sentence statement final You all any truly civilized You have flouted the men from other decencies that prevent try to strip me of the humblest rights and to twenty-five years as a slave for things that never happened. son is said to years of forced labor because Excellency: In this time of the many endeavors for world peace. if I here- with address myself. Germany. I cannot believe this condemnation. active member of the air forces (fighter). I herewith assure you that my son. a mother of a prisoner of war. Elisabeth Hartmann . Generalissimo Stalin. Hoping very much not to meet with hard-heartedness. born on 19 April 1922 in Weissach near Stuttgart.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT Erich's ordeal had its 249 counterpart in what his wife and parents endured in Germany. Should you have any objections against such a measure. to you the highest personage of the USSR. Part of her letter to Generalissimo Stalin duced here to convey something of the heartbreak felt is repro- by a mother under such conditions. free.e. put under Russian mandate and has been in Russian captivity since then. and to have him sent back to his native country.000 men. did he not? This cannot. prisoner of war Erich Hartmann. For your information I beg to state the following: My son. Therefore please be kind and hear my supplications. Kreis Boblingen. I promise you this. To 28 April 1951 Generalissimus Stalin Excellency: Excuse me and please understand. i. done nothing but his duty of soldier toward his country. Germany. to 25 he had been a staff officer. Wiirttemberg. Erich Hartmann. in December 1949. Yours very truly. and I know that he keeps unconditionally what he promises. but will quite peacefully and in entire neutrality lead his further life. when again at home. a mother who yearns toward her son and has not received any notice from him since December 1949. he was. My have been condemned. I am. Mrs. I beg you to have pity and to set my son. I believe. Wiirttemberg. together with 7. be considered as a punishable crime and entail such a severe condemnation. Fourteen days thereafter. was serving at the end of the war in 1945 near Prague. for my son has. And let six years of captivity be penance enough. I shall exact this promise from my son immediately after his return. and as his mother I shall cause him to do so. His mother made a series of pathetically desperate attempts to secure Erich's release by writing to high Soviet officials. to Weil im Schonbuch. will never again participate in activities against you and your nation. Exgreatest cellency. like every Russian. when he was taken prisoner by the Americans. I appeal to your sense of justice and beg you to relieve a mother from her and so consuming grief. THE BLOND KNI<HT OF GERMANY 250 Generalissimo Stalin. I don't want that you should make a revolution in my camp. they should have taken you fellows to the Black Sea for a sixty-day vacation. and I say I the am a . . . the Soviet Union's many in this as in so of Steel. In typical fashion." "Well. filled and stuffed your you up with vodka with the best food in Russia. or the people who run With down the war over. Shakhty had been sent to Diaterka Other ringleaders after the revolt. from when Erich was sent down to Novocherkassk. if Hartmann Cherepovets prison camp: "I it. commandant. but he knew things were into the commandant's office. the Soviet at that time Soviet foreign minister. and an immediate interview with the Diaterka commandant. I "It camp. please. bellies should have sent you home. Nothing more from what is a more wire and will find I can see. Erich. please . a He little was obviously ap- prehensive and he began the interview by greeting his prisoner as Erich. Union was unable to take advantage of the measureless opportunities for international good will that An the prisoner-of-war situation opened to their country. the story of the Shakhty Revolt had already Erich Diaterka in become part left of the prison legends. Erich anticipated another frustrating duel with a typical NKVD moment he stepped pudgy Russian man." "Erich. different the The man was with nervous hands and a smile to match. because administration said I must work at hard labor. Erich got a rousing welcome from the prisoners. like in Shakhty. made reply of any kind was desperation to V. hope you Camp Diaterka satisfactory." "The revolt in Shakhty came about. intelligent We'd be Then they on the Atlantic today sitting they had done that. except perhaps fences. Molotov." proved other instances to have a heart of stone." When Novocherkassk in 1953 and was sent up to the Urals. "Man No to this or to a similar plea directed in M. insane vengeance binge was their only response. As an at NKVD colonel once said to Erich do not understand our government. At Diaterka. then we have no troubles shouldn't have to work. Beyond the wooden stockade was a barrier of electrified wire. "But Erich." I you agree with you. Beyond the electrified wire was a eight-foot. Erich was assigned.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT staff officer 2$1 and do not have and there was a The Russian revolt when to work." "Then. I agree is right for a staff officer. to whose society Erich Hartmann was not admitted. commandant. provided crude shelter thousand men. chain-link fence no escapees from Diaterka. was a "dead zone" with watchdogs on each ten-footer. His like a second. high side." seemingly good beginning at Diaterka was not destined to Erich was assigned to a last long. If a man touched could be fried on the spot. fine. That in Diaterka. we "Fine. each two hundred to four hundred for perhaps four three-tier latrines no accommodating from prisoners. topped with barbed wire. The inmates were jammed into bunks to maximize the capacity of the buildings. Prisoners in Russia had secrets from each other concerning any of their bodily functions. Rows of large barracks buildings. oners were incarcerated." smiled widely. smaller prison built to which new home was within the general perimeter of Diaterka just described. The We understand each other. Erich. with guard this points equipped with machine guns at each corner. And so would not work I they punished me. but inside the inner high fence. Crude were outside. wooden A The inner fence was a few yards beyond fence. There were No one thought it even worth-while to try. with zero privacy. Inside were confined some of the Soviet Union's most prized prisoners. was a prison within a prison. . was a crowned with barbed stockade-type. it he final. Around the buildings. This special barracks stood inside another high wooden stockade and yet another high wire barrier. will not have a revolution. The maximum security pen for problem prisoners. wire. maximum structed within the confines of the Diaterka was typical of many Union in the Soviet security in pen con- The camp which German pris- camp itself. son of the infamous Dr. Six or seven twenty-liter cans of fuel were poured over the and the surrounding ground. resist Soviet pressure. in al- giant. He was a professional German Army officer. Harald von Bohlen und Halbach. of the maximum security pen. In the pen Seyss-Inquart. Otto particular proved himself a formidable bruiser though otherwise he was a mild and gentle if attacked. whose roles in Hitler special objects of with them were as Russians About Germany. Sigi Graf von der Schulenburg was another enabled him to at Diaterka. Otto struck a match and the Fiihrer's body was thus wrapped corpse. Otto's last assignment Hitler Germany was to burn the Fiihrer's body after his verse of in suicide. Major Count Siegfried von der Schulen- of the same aristocratic family that provided Germany's prewar ambassador to the Soviet Union. saturating the rug. . The close confinement to frequent brawls. Otto carried the Fiihrer's body. Hitler's adjutant for the last two Third Reich. Hitler's adjutant was a man of quiet and kindly temperament— the exre- what might have been expected. fair-haired and heavy.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 252 There were Otto Gunsche. as well of opposing the regime. rolled in a rug. and mixed character of the inmates led Erich found himself allied most often with Otto Gunsche and "Sigi" Graf von der Schulenburg. Richard and others whose family names. Service in the military was a family led man whose and in the civil government tradition. brother of munitions maker Alfred Krupp. always with the same consistent details and without embellishment or elaboration. years of the burg. After Hitler's suicide. with brawler's arms and immense strength. behind the Fiihrerbunker in Berlin. common East or German and Russian who had made the mistake men in all shared the joys forty-five felons. the corpse crudely cremated. made them Soviet suspicion and antagonism. Otto told Erich the same story many times during their year together. Big. The Schulenburg and The him character to the super-pen family had served the fatherland for generations. Russians captured Sigi Graf von der Schulenburg near Brom- berg in January 1945. Seyss-Inquart. Since the proba- wars stands far higher than the strongest hopes for peace. slept on the and fought floor their battles shoulder to shoulder. 1. No nation engaging in keep in 2. CONCERNING PRISONERS OF WAR My Request to the Governments of the World. Erich Hartmann's request is The merit of self-evident. he is concerned that the kind of catastrophe that befell him should not descend on other young bility of future men of any nationality.R.THE SHAKHTY REVOLT and had served with the ist 253 Cossack Division. the possibility of further clashes with the Red world cannot be discounted. a unit organized from Cossack refugees anxious to fight against the U. Von der Schulenburg also had a famous name.S. and he was asked by a commissar and help When identify important leaders in the German he refused. . territories anywhere in the world. its All nations own of hostilities. brutal decade left Erich Hartmann with definite views con- cerning the handling of prisoners of war. His value was immediately recognized to go to Berlin government. As 1954 rolled away. the world should agree that during wartime a neutral nation should keep all the prisoners of war captured by both warring powers or warring combinations of powers. The Erich following request to the governments of the world from Hartmann is presented in this book where amid the experiences that led to its it stands squarely formulation. despite the oppressive his prison ordeal feeling security conditions. This second period in the infamous Novocherkassk prison camp was to complete ten The and a half years of confinement. that was coming to an end. by the Russians. Otto and and they helped buoy up each others Sigi shared this until Erich spirit. he began a long grind under the Soviet heel that brought him to Diaterka. The United Nations could serve as the agency through which such a necessary reform of prisoner-of-war codes might be effected. von der Schulenburg and Erich's friendship with Harald von Bohlen Halbach helped sweat away the months in They the super-pen. Characteristically. Erich got the inner maximum feeling. Otto Gunsche.S. should the prisoners of war it captures. was transferred back to Novocherkassk in July of 1954. S. tens of thousands of of the Geneva Convention involving provisions are under actual conditions nonsense.R. . prisoners should be re- turned to their homes as soon as possible. This request is made by me because practical experience men has demonstrated that the P.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 254 3. neutral nation holding the prisoners of war should retain prisoners of both sides until the conflict Upon the termination of hostilities. all is ended.O.S. (signed) Ten Years ERICH HARTMANN Prisoner of War in the U. The all 4.W. but conditions in 1954 were changing radically for the better in mann Germany. evoke a Nine human With her people working industriously to re- German in- build shattered cities and erect dustry going full blast new factories. Recovery brought with revitalizing of the with and export markets expanding.Chapter Eighteen RELEASE I Life is a whole. extinguishing hope of all help from that direction. His mother's Moves were afoot in his be- letters to Stalin and Molotov went unanswered and unacknowledged. Chancellor Adenauer received her letter and replied personally. half back in Germany. the country was creating an economic miracle and taking body politic. Frau Elisabeth Hartmann wrote to the leader of her country and asked his assistance in securing the release of her son. and good and ill must be accepted —Winston JCjrich's together. and stated that the German govern- . Churchill intuition during the last year of his confinement that the ordeal was coming to an end had a foundation in real events that lay outside his direct knowledge. family. the recovery of Germany years after the human this response. He held out the hope that positive steps in winning Erich's freedom might be taken in the coming months. it its place again in a strengthening and and these processes saw the emer- gence of the most significant figure in postwar lor time to end of the war. the and Germany— Chancel- Konrad Adenauer. This enabled Elisabeth Hart- to approach another significant personality. was well advanced. When a decent men unofficial illegally de- man. When the Russian camp com- shattered and other prisoners to enjoy the camp cinema. Years of dashed hopes and dreams had conditioned Erich against thinking too strongly about his release.THE BLOND KNIGHT 6f GERMANY 2^6 ment was deeply concerned about did much the prisoners. all more acute the by her widowhood. Guards the Novocherkassk and scraps of news told the prisoners about Adenauer's jail visit.W. that appeared about the role of P.O. This was something different. Back in Germany. "Der Alte" was good as word. . Erich's early return had been fortified first by Dr.W. Erich allowed himself the luxury of thinking that release was imminent. Dr. Adenauer became something of a hero in her eyes. to and trade agreement with the Soviet Union. New clothes were of no use in prison.'s of his mind. but infinitely superior to prison garb. Adenauer felt that the return of ex-soldiers held for a decade was a mandatory Russian Germany. and estimates ranged as high as a hundred thousand tained. and they de- mandant invited Erich clined his offer." some new clothes. Eager for a rapprochement with resurgent the Russians saw that the time had come to use the prisoners as a bargaining fulcrum. roughly tailored and baggy. This kind letter made to alleviate a mother's grief. one of the individuals cited as whose return was desired by the German government. Usch was having Her hopes for similar thoughts. as his to reach a general settlement At in Russia still thousand least sixteen he went the certain knowledge of the men A traditionalist and Moscow was in the forefront were still imprisoned to Bonn government.O. the question of P. Despite his suspicions. As part of the general settlement. the whole thing seemed too good to be true. the Soviet Union agreed to release prisoners of name was Erich Hartmann's war held since 1945. Thereafter. The Russian agreements were signed in Moscow. Chancellor Adenauer's request tually at for his release was even- transmuted into an order Erich received from a Russian guard. "Report to Building Five He was given for clothing issue. concession.'s in negotiations led to wild rumors bureaucracy began to move among after the the prisoners. much Home to believe. Erich was told to pack few belongings and prepare to leave the camp. its Republic in the Federal tolled Adenauer's achievements in the many was and then by the German Moscow long-lost sons ex- meeting. he went wild with excitement Usch .RELEASE 257 Adenauers leader's letter Moscow to Erich's mother. With was almost too inside. . Then came formal notification from the Bonn government that Erich would be The days flitted by and Usch's hopes A occasional disquieting doubts. but outside he stayed unruffled. . and as the train rumbled away from Rostov his thoughts turned ney of ten years ago. hardly able mounting Two his way his after to bear the tension. became interlaced with returning prisoner that he who had been would not be released The man went on because he was a war criminal. making Usch miserable. said that the prisoners had been granted a general amnesty. A published in Germany. train rolled and Briansk and kept through Voronezh. The prisoners were lined up outside the barracks and the commandant shook hands and wished them luck. Pravda assured that release. There was a lump even would it in his throat. the family . He momentarily from home to a still rail jour- could hardly believe that he was fi- nally reversing the journey in the jam-packed cattle-car that took him to the As the swamp hell at Kirov. .. briefly with Erich told Usch released. Stalinogorsk. She waited on.. All week long his heart sang as the Russian countryside passed in flat panorama. fifty other prisoners he sat back contentedly on the hard seats. Moscow rattling westward. carry if him home. the click-clack of the wheels sounded like the music of deliverance. expressing the hope that there would be no more wars. Newspapers visit. days after drawing his new clothes. train.. the reality of the experi- ence began to take hold. obviously happy.. The train crossed the border into the Federal Republic of West Germany and Erich saw the station sign. A grubby bus took Erich to Rostov where he transferred to a train that Boarding the . and Ger- were coming home. As they lurched across eastern Poland to Brest-Litovsk and then entered the new state of East Germany. organization had planned a big Hartmann on his return to Stuttgart.O. I cannot agree any kind of celebration. The for the cele- the flood of talk.T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 258 HERLESHAUSEN He was With train free! border formalities quickly completed. The P. He coming home.W. Usch's mother shared her tears of joy. including high figures in public representatives rattled bration.W. a Hartmann" and those of other prominent soldiers repatriation. sensing a . hours The later. DEAR USCH— I HAVE CROSSED THE BORDER TODAY INTO GERMANY WAIT AT HOME UNTIL I COME LOVE YOUR ERICH Two tears. and imminent arrival home soon spread in of Erich's release Weil and was Stuttgart. In pathetic counterpoint to the joy and searching inquiries after missing photographs and asked the prisoners due for were the plaintive men. must be no reception. The P. The Biirgermeister of the town gave were running back and forth recalling "Erich Newspapermen half-forgotten names like short address of welcome. "there to still life. Sad-faced women waved if they knew anything about husbands and fathers swallowed into the Soviet prison system a decade ago." Newspapermen clustered around the Blond Knight. phoned Word all over Erich's mother free and he was They tele- Weil and there were more happy tears. welcoming committee on the station platform at Herleshausen had warm words for everyone.O. Almost reception for Erich a thousand people were expected to attend. Erich held "Please/' to he up on about the arrangements his hand said. Usch was reading the wire. her eyes filled with unprepossessing yellow telegraph form held the most wonderful message she had ever received. counter he dictated his first a pretty German to a specially girl behind the free telegram in nearly eleven years. Erich got out of the and pushed established his way through the platform crowd Red Cross To office. RELEASE 259 know why he would story. he At Friedland —Hans had got word Erich's He had land. When they are all have the celebration. know decline a reception his country. would per- sonally drive Usch with minimum across family plans to get Hahn Erich home lected him friend named Helmut Woerner were speeding northward to delay. us. People appeared markedly different from what he remembered. His telephone call to Usch from Assi Hahn's place was almost a disaster. committee for and stepped aboard their kindness ter at Friedland." He thanked the Burgermeister and the P. he a bus for the final leg of the which would end with clearance through the P. smiling face appeared out of the Hahn. Meanwhile. Clothing shapes and styles were completely changed. Germany was keen and living affinity with the legend of Rip that while the mythical figure slept. They in his honor after almost eleven years away from wanted all to "Because the Russians view any more German enough ment to of my countrymen home— then we not prisoners. After he told . we must German soldiers imprisoned in Russia are repa- triated. How to keep green and vitally alive his country looked. Fat hand and insisted that felt a except lived a nightmare. and him home to Stuttgart. He had assuring himself that he wasn't in a dream about paradise. "Assi" new a from another from Gryazovets crowd days. like glittering artifacts Times had changed. not to release the Russian secret police well account for the continued imprison- in the Soviet Union. They might a celebration. to his native land. be fearful on will rest until all I this from life differently on hearing or reading of such decide.O. The hundreds of shiny cars he saw along the roads were planet. He Van Winkle. Assi pumped he must come could telephone Usch from there.W. This impromptu arrangement cut to his nearby then Assi home. cen- trip. Erich's brother Alfred and a col- boyhood in an- other car to drive the Blond Knight home. a familiar.W. As the countryside reflected with alternating rolled past the bus contentment and awe on windows his return That was Germany out there.O. a fellow prisoner of Erich's return. Even as Assi at Friedland. Assi and prosperous. bed on Saturday night knowing that Erich to would be home the next day. not fully visible. looking as ever. got a "At Assi Harm's place? when I'm him waiting for nearly little excited. Already she had indefinite forgiven all to Erich as him for his digression to Assi Hahn's. Usch. The hair was looked even bluer than she remembered. When she sat up. Usch leaped two when the feet clear off the bed and grabbed the instrument. Fitful She was snatches of sleep were interspersed with constant clock-watching. although the time of his arrival was and dependent on road conditions. For a moment. "Erich?" she called The as figure blond moved softly. The hands of the clock moved with tortuous slowness as dawn came. eleven years. craning there. Erich was racing on to Stuttgart with Woerner and Alfred. into full view. the eyes up at her.THE BLOND KNI(?HT 6f GERMANY 260 who had been her where he was. She got up and lay ing. of anticipation. telephone in a fever bell shattered the silence. she thought she was hearing things. . and the commonest neon sign from seemed through the though fairyland. Should be there in a couple of hours or so. after they collected him from the Helmut celebrant atmosphere at Hahn's place. open and leaned Someone was out." The tension of the ensuing hours was almost unendurable for down in innumerable restless cycles. it like a had been transported Usch had gone direct They drove on jails. "Usch?" "Erich! Where "We're in Frankfurt. flung it over to see the front door below. the knocking stopped. Germany was civilization. Every glance out the car window brought something new to Erich's mind.m. She was dozing around 4 a. Then the knock sounded again. Colors on and colored clothing on the people seemed nothing short signs of dazzling after ten years of night. are you?" We've stopped here for coffee. What in the world are you doing there here?" In a few hours. The new drabness of the war years had gone. Usch ran to the window. She had dropped into a light doze when she heard a gentle knockUsch. our love is as though you had never been away. friends and relatives two hours. Usch and her par- welcome him back. Happy men pumped Erich's arm. overwhelmed that their daughter's long vigil that Erich had survived had not been up to take in vain. For a tender. so that those closest to Erich had to be content with more than snatches of conversation. "Erich. Love. For both was an unforgettable moment of them it clung together in a mutual as they outpouring of joy that took away their breath and speech. he was in- . life and tearfully happy again. Usch dashed to the front door and in a moment they were in each other's arms. After he had talked himself out with Alfred. Erich telephoned mother.RELEASE 261 The face was gaunt and the wiry body incredibly thin. Usch's parents joined briefly in the reunion. Flowers. Usch broke the silence. "You look good. In the next few days Erich began to recover from the diate exhaustion caused by his imme- long trip out of Russia. and the emotional excitement of reunion with his loved ones. He smiled and her heart leaped. Be- to tween three and four hundred people milled into the house during the day. faith and trust had won through. Her Erich had come home. wives embraced him. Their Then bliss remained undisturbed for a little over a procession of well-wishers." he said. inundated away their bitter nirvana has ever and swept yearnings on a rolling tide of fulfillment. began pass- home. and then there was the supernal luxury of a hot bath. Erich little and Usch did not see each other alone again until after 10 p. gifts and tokens of esteem the living room and had jammed be stacked in adjoining rooms. come among the earthly." moment later. lost to their lives for a decade. ents and many friends who came to his mother. Friends' children who had grown ing through the Paetsch and their almost to adolescence without his seeing them were introduced to the heroic blond man. He was at a loss for words. The Erich's tongue great challenge came free a had been met and conquered. the lovers were left alone. numbing instant they looked at each other with- out speaking.m. The flooding sweetness of physical love. his After that. it came that morning If to Erich and Usch. all . Said Dr. When Alfred first saw Erich's physical condition. but it had forever marks on Erich. "it seems incredible was gone ten and a half I last that time . constitution and would make a The lives He I to Conversation quickly dem- self-respect. Usch kept her job at the Post Office in Stuttgart. Just "I feel the What as though you had been gone a couple of weeks. has happened to all those years?" same way. Alfred so well well knew me my was the strength of his his excellent recuperative powers. up any commercial activity. This was in no condition decision helped phase total severance The most to take him back from ordinary into normal life after ten years of civilized living. gone into the labyrinths of time. successful fighter pilot in the world describes his in- troduction to domesticity thus: ." The brutal decade had vanished into the limbo. muscular. he prison." top priority task for Erich and Usch in rebuilding their together was to get Erich's bodily health and strength restored. as a doctor. His left its brother Alfred had qualified as a medical doctor while Erich was in up his practice in the same home and office on Bismarckstrasse in Weil that their father had built on his return from China. I To what was able to add knowledge of him since childhood. The rugged. . Erich. onstrated to Alfred that his brother's impaired.THE BLOND KNIGHT Of GERMANY 262 wardly appalled by the way in which the The warmth evaporated. balm that seemed "Now that of hearth ten years had and home was like a healing to have annihilated the brutal decade. so they decided to reverse the roles of husband and wife in the meantime. athlete's body that Alfred knew hundred pounds. and Erich put on an apron and shouldered the burdens of running the home. I knew that he good recovery. The main thing to that he was unimpaired in mind. Erich's drawn face had shriveled to barely a fairly reflected the ordeals of prison and the fight he had preserve his sanity and Hartmann "His physical condition gave I saw on in Erich his return and me made mind and outlook were un- of this time: a bad jolt initially. that I'm home/' he said to Usch. years. and had set blanched. After Usch fix work on the 8 a. The German people were also dif- from ten years previously. to work. invested with mag- netic charm. He The slept oldest maga- and dozed when not handling his household chores. read voraciously. He he went shopping in the in of living core. I the beds. do the laundry and gener- up the house. and in barely perceptible increments the strength seeped back into his muscles. All would go outside and work of this I did just like a Then girl! I a while in the garden. and firm began flesh to erase the ration of a full main stigmata of the prisons.W/s their thought processes were wider and more ferently occupied versatile. The taste of home-cooked food seemed more delicious than he could ever remember— even lose its in his He attraction. This to wide range of chores our wives must would go shopping at night I would wait period confirmed for believe to be the truth— that without The I Usch am I in the vil- at the me what door for firmly I nothing. would wash the train. including building a wall. doing flowers the breakfast. The first mode body but that had love of his him many difficult moments him in the was actually afraid to talk to people when village.RELEASE 263 "Every morning left would get up and sweep the ally straighten make floor. catching up on the world. The sheer novelty of The gawked into store window shopping took weeks to and color of beautiful new goods of all kinds fascinated and absorbed him. The psychic wounds were deeper than the emaciation soon even these began to yield to a at its prison psychology— the behavioral habits forced on during the prison decade— gave weeks at home. People peacetime Germany thought differently from when he had last been home. and come home. he found zines glitter full of new information. commuter for dishes. tending the and cutting the lawn. The resto- and satisfying marital relationship after ten years in an emotional desert brought him indescribable inner comfort. I and other odd a little painting jobs.m. or in other casual contacts. "I learned to appreciate the do when we men go away lage and Usch set a nice table. These impressions .O." simplest daily happenings were. for him. and compared with P. prison-camp dreams of the outside world. Like a child at Christmas time he windows. air. it lasted because it is about two months. Music came and couples with smiling floating out on the evening were going in to dance. "At night comes the real horror. "Let's go in and dance. They are in the grip of this prison psychology today. The cally blocked. They are transported back in not find a . "This feeling that someone is watching you from behind. and hung up. With you are denied and forbidden everything pleasant or haunting ordeal that not every ex-prisoner me. that the years of prison rou- mental make-up. silly but something stopped him. most to doing the this sense of presence and of normal action being forbidden. The feeling that weeks. all One evening he was walking with Usch in Stuttgart. and they strolled past a ballroom. in their Usch caught the mood and the memories an instant. He could not force himself to go inside to dance. felt awkward. Erich. that human is a conquer. because of fellow his now prisoners. of I wish that some attention could be given to the tragic plight some of these psychically disfigured individuals. Since come home men of today captured in today's wars similarly burdened. still can- new beginning for themselves. Erich this post-prison Hartmann's experience of adjustment period merits attention. His words also enjoin understanding treatment of those cisively may changed by who may have been de- their prison ordeals. and because of it. Dancing faces was something Erich and Usch had loved since the days of 1939 dancing-class trysts." He wanted to go in.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 264 him the united to give feeling at times that he had been reincar- nated on another planet. basically a habit of tine literally build into your I believe mind know this able to was lucky to throw it off. from meeting and talking with them. everyday things. He was physi- He sensation was akin to being tongue-tied. These men are finished. For scrutiny more than ten either There was he was being watched persisted years he Russian guards of for several had done everything under the or of a strong psychological barrier normal. despite his overpowering desire to enjoy this pleas- ure with Usch. "Other prisoners who were with I I is me in Russia were not so lucky. He all felt his father's death acutely as he pondered the problems of the future. year. to earn a living for himself there was a larger challenge involved. Erich probability have become a doctor knew that he would in like his father. commercial thinking. For almost one-third of he had been in jail. made all the more touching by the strength of the love that waited ten years and won. Erich kept responding positively to the human warmth of Weil. demanding modern medical course would be taking even was true. from prison. Meanwhile. His understanding counsel would have been welcome. him his total time on earth His lack of business experience would handi- cap him not only in working for others. in his thirty-fourth men in ordinary times ask themselves before question of his future. His thoughts started turning increasingly to the He began asking himself. They their will never be free. They added a church wedding ceremony to the courthouse proceeding of September 1944 in Bad Wiessee. Thirty-three was late to start at any profession. questions that He had they are twenty. He had and Usch and to provide for the family they had decided to have in rebuilding their lives together. under- methods. a a formidable under- conditions were favorable. the need to make a was unrelentingly present. Body and mind. To think of being for over and physics had a doctor now was unrealistic. Had the war not intervened." warmth. grasp its substance. Protestant pastor at Bopfingen. kindness and love worked Erich's recovery continued as November 1955. . but also in setting up an enterprise of his own. In Erich's uncle. the reverse if all He had been cut off from all academic pursuits ten years.RELEASE 265 dreams to those soul-crushing camps. Erich would have still liked to be a doctor after his return could add and he was above all else a realist. and even his high-school chemistry grown dim At in his memory. to stand something of living its He needed time to get in touch with feel its trends. but he thirty-three. he and Usch took care of a longdelayed marriage detail. performed the cere- mony. He felt the gaping void of the prison decade opening in when he considered other things. their wonders. The wedding was a tender moment. In his case. K. in prison nearly eleven years three weeks yet. I can't go to England feel better. me wants to go on a flying course He must be crazy. Gerd Barkhorn while he was away in of these pilots like Kruppi. the Count irrepressible Punski. how are you?" Erich put his hand over the mouthpiece and looked up at Usch with an expression of incredulity on his "God He Heaven." can't. . I . O. originally again crossed Erich's mind thought about old comrades None was and did telephone England. So did other pilots new flying then. You'll feel better when again. outland- He also who were flying again. "Bubi. The phone rang. Krupinski's suggestion. and or I haven't been home anywhere else until "The you you fly hell been away I've it.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 266 This period for Erich coincided with the active rebuild- critical ing of the German Air Force. because there was no military. Usch answered and handed the phone to Erich. where in hell have you gone? damn "Kruppi. They hadn't been in the military. with old JG-52 aces Macky and Dieter Hrabak. call about the new me when jets you get back. Tell He ish.?" Krupinski hung up. but aroused none it in Erich." Krupinski was bellowing into the phone. Barkhorn and next week. among Steinhoff The new planning." Krupinski was bubbling with enthusiasm. either. Bubi. "Kruppi. Just take off. when he returned from who had joined or who were about to air force. Rail had been doing any flying or Guenther prison. in with him to England next week. up around from the Second World personalities War. are leaving for a jet refresher course in I Why come with don't you us? By "Gerd England the way." she boomed Bubi. said. Erich got a taste of what was to come. Barely three weeks after his return home. join the me how as the weeks went past. Like in the old days. Groundwork had begun several years previously in Chancellor Adenauer's office. face. Bubi." "Hi. ." . "Walter Krupinski. Germany's leading force was gradually being built pilots and doing the others. Usch. The new air force was giving them a chance to use once more the skills. a high official in the Defense Ministry in Bonn. nothing encouraging materialized from the world of commerce. jets. As the months slid past. came make a personal appeal. Persuasive and trusted people began urging Erich to rejoin the air force. Paradise security could was never promised. He had been to the U. Gerd Barkhorn and Guenther Rail all periodically telephoned or called to see him. technical knowledge. Erich." Krupinski. you have the Diamonds and you are an important personality in the eyes of the young pilots we are going to train. Hrabak had worked with His old home to Steinhoff on air force organization. They were fundamentally as Erich.RELEASE 267 They had been forced into other things in the interim. As a sharply disap- pointing contrast to all these urgings. just as you forgot it at now that you don't like 1940 when you had the chance forget in thought got some powerful to learn to be a pilot. fighter piloting I is all you know. or under pressure when in prison. Hard on Hrabak's heels came the Minister of Culture in the Adenauer government. "Erich. but a good career and be offered with some certainty. and on for refresher training but realistic terms. Erich's onetime schoolteacher. One in the same spot day Erich found that he was quietly talking to himself as he used to in a tight spot in combat. military life. Dieter Hrabak. We need you in the air force. "You have to come back. and security as well. outlined the air force in bright There was a place for Erich. the thing you're good Maybe you should and do best.A. which emphasized his im- portance and value. You simply must come back to the service. to his Kommodore from JG-52. Erich felt he had to . Herr Simpfendorfer.S. except that they were mostly prewar professional officers and were older than he. With him came Herr Bansch." serious. This time. the pressure was heavier. experience and training that they had ac- quired as young men. "You are the most successful fighter pilot in the world." This line of re- inforcement in the ensuing months. Macky Steinhoff met Erich at Herr Bansch was sincere and Echterdingen Airport and used his considerable powers of persuasion. Concerning this time he says today: "I was sorry to see him continue in the military because I knew it years of prison time." Erich Hartmann's rebirth would take place in the where in his youth he had next phase of his life. In this in the prison years.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 268 act. the So Erich went new armed Second World War. as in his Blond Knight would need jousting that lay ahead. she accepted his judgment. Life months to sway him one the decision was his alone. back into the service he was the only forces who had won the Diamonds new When officer in in the air force. Usch was not the only one who felt uneasy about Erich's decision. won immortality as a youth and air fighter. let it be a familiar in to go on. and the which he had Usch way had him something He knew or the other. to rejoin the She was dis- quieted nevertheless that Adolf Galland and the other living aces who had won the Diamonds stayed out of the did Hans-Ulrich Rudel. But the He was unable. said nothing during these critical Usch would air force was offering air excelled. the his fighter's heart for the new kind of . force. the famous Stuka pilot. His brother Alfred had abiding regrets. and that free decision. When he decided force in late 1956. to resume was basically against his had exacted life a terrible price. temperament. at that adequately except in the military. the backlash from the Hitler period heavily influenced the organization of the armed forces. because they had been given less new apathetic toward the their fill of militarism than a decade before. of the dif- German political psychology and that of other her new military forces tended to become political in rather than strictly nonpolitical as in the past. Officers remained aloof from electoral with tradition and usage. Because military. The German people were Bundeswehr. Organizers of the new services were at pains to ensure the authority of the as in the British civil power over the and American establishments. The old ferences between countries. —Major-General Almost Sir Percy Hobart immediately after Erich Hartmann's decision to join the service.Chapter Nineteen REBIRTH No man is any good who has no enemies. This minor yet significant controversy was to be typical of many subsequent problems that arose bearing new career and progress. character system of a professional military caste owing loyalty to the head of state was supplanted with something quite new to German affairs. The character of these difficulties stemmed from the origins and basic philosophy of the new German armed forces. a brief background of which is adversely on Erich's germane. but they could politics in accordance now belong to political . In the Federal Republic of West Germany. there re- was disagreement within the German Air Force regarding his status. inductold it and the only should come in at a World War. Officers like who knew about his proposed were horrified. party. He was nobody's join the Christian Democrats This arrangement appears to have been implicit in the promise made to Erich that he would com- mand the first of the new jet fighter stated. Over-organization in the direction of civilian control ac- cordingly had its consequences in the officer corps. although he knew noth- . promotions and the success of determined by Damaging through and the known German the have tended to be to the new German Air Force These errors are service being too close. In his forthright fashion. on his second military career Erich Hart- political wire-pullers. although never directly officer. was half-expected to his return to the air force. exemplifying the correct conduct of were deemed secondary to contemporary convenience.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 270 parties. The political people were Guenther tion as a captain. In the formative years of Air Force the officer corps suffered badly from politi- cal cronyism. lower rank than he had held in the Second Erich's friends won this little skirmish. forces. "since he had been a major than two months when the war ended. of merit or sidetrack These measures were necessary in. was unthinkable that the world's top Diamonds holder in the new armed fighter ace. Major Hartmann. as happened things have politics too well all much politics as officers The trusted outsiders. ments. From the beginning of mann stayed clear of the He marionette. made by proposal was then for less ques- political never belonged to a political party in the past and was an unpopular stance the personnel office that Erich in as a captain. He had politics it quite clear when had already cost him more than ten Ilartmann come back years of his life. Rail. and first to protect on careers rested a founda- tion other than ability. An officer who was well connected politically favor in high places could hardly go wrong during the while reasons were found to keep out them once they were men the careers of the favored. and they are discussed with to serving officers some vehemence with appoint- by professional merit. when such in years." His ten years in prison as an he made were asked that he had no intention of joining any tions A wings. This in certain quarters. He had previously in . the Russian flak opened up. down his Diisseldorf. which did not sian ships were still in harbor. but this was the beginning of a long sub rosa effort to make his way hard. command and after He was relieved of his Germany. Jealousy natural attributes of the incompetent and and fearful. Air Force. Erich flew fighter protection for this officer on a reconnaissance mission out of Krasnodar. Bimmel Before actually re-entering the service. There was only one crew chief Bimmel made up his the world as far as Erich was concerned. Erich traced "Bimmel" Mertens. too well for his He knew own peace Erich Hartmann— perhaps a little of mind. The idea of downgrading him might not have seemed so strange had a penetrating glance been directed A behind the scenes.REBIRTH ing about 271 it at the time. They had not spoken to each other for over eleven years. He had served as a reconnaissance pilot on the Eastern Front during the war. pettiness are but individuals motivated by these base qualities are not drawn to the open challenge of those they hate and fear. in phone when Erich's familiar. mission. Their last words to each old crew chief. to verify the presence Batum. drawling voice reached him from out of the past. Soon of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet in the port of they crossed the lines. immediately turned The end with A ruling on German fighters kite his completed the their report that the Rus- war judge arrived soon afterward to investigate the major's aborted mission. dominant influence in the personnel section of the German Air Force at this time was an ex-major in the Luft- waffe. and he wanted with him again if it was possible. Often he was the victim frustrated reaction to the machinations of nasty little men. Heinz nearly dropped the other had been as they put the remnants of JG-52 to the torch at Deutsch Brod in May of 1945. He surfaced in the 1950s promotions and appointments in the postwar sent back to ranks. In January 1943. although they had been as close as twins throughout Erich's combat service. were none the of his own less real The barriers put in Erich's way on that account. and the major the reconnaissance flying around and headed back Batum aircraft to base. Erich rejoined as a major. to requalify for his Light Airplane Eleven years had passed since his when he approached the little last ship. while ad- vanced jet training for several hundred German officers Luke AFB near Phoenix. The little Piper was similar in size wartime. During his months of recovery Erich had flown in was estab- lished at Piper Cub owned by Pilot's License. direction gave him basic fluency in English. Arizona. An re- eight-week language course under U. contact with but when he opened the tiny cabin door and looked inside he had the strange feeling of having flown only the previous day. Flying training new German Air Force began at several bases in for Germany using American and British aircraft and instructors. he took her aloft. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization had been established after the Berlin blockade of 1948 demonstrated the need for concerted defense measures in Western Europe.THE BLOND KNIGHT* OF GERMANY 272 mind not to upset upon good times. tests. an aircraft a two-seat a friend. Germany saw A the newspaper headlines: REJOINS THE LUFTWAFFE a few days of these headlines. Erich sonnel and medical The service. central the Germany was a crucial and element in any such defense system. secure and happy family man. The and handling feel of to the Storch he had flown so often him immediately. The the controls returned to Nothing was missing from his skills as in . and consequently Erich never force broached to Bimmel the question of rejoining the Blond Knight knew he would have week Bimmel and later HARTMANN Within all to find another crew chief. He had a good job with the Dusseldorf waterworks. The had passed his per- doctors confirmed that he had covered well from his prison ordeal. The German armed forces had been actively expanding ever since May 1955. by the USAF. Joining the air would obviously be a bad move for such a well-established. Bimmers Bimmel doing Erich found come old crew chief had life if his well as a civilian. and he was then ordered to Landsberg for refresher training under USAF instructors. when West Germany officially accepted the October 1954 invitation of the signatory powers to join NATO.S. and two children. toR) Col. at left in civilian clothes with a cigarette in his hand. Here. leading ace of World War! . Howard Reed. England. hosted by USAF Tactical Fighter Wing. Walter R Waller. Sharp and Col. Jay T. (USAF) FIRST MAJOR ASSIGNMENT: To raise JG-71 Richthofen.TWIST OF FATE: In May 1959. (L. 22-victory Robbins. Hartmann. ace Col. At left is Bolko von Richthofen of the famous family that produced Germany's and train the first all-jet fighter wing. Hartmann attended an airshow at RAF Wethersfield. Col. author Col Raymond F. Daniel F. THE BLOND KNIGHT VISITS THE USAF 20TH FIGHTER WING IN ENGLAND: Erich Hartmann visited the USAF 20th Wing at RAF Wethersfield in Essex in May 1959. Toliver (Commander). sits Erich the 20th next to the Soviet Embassy officers from (USAF) London. May Valencia on 9 1961. American Fighter Aces group traveled to Germany at invitation of German Fighter Pilots Assn. Here he confers a HQ Air Defense Command Colorado Springs.S in May 1 961. (USAF-Guilianoj MUTUAL Erich ADMIRATION: Hrtmann and US Navy ace Eugene A.FRIENDS AFTER THl WAR: Erich Hartmann and hu life-long friend ski Walter Krupin- talk to a (left) new friend. Coloradt wilhLt. He England during near Oroville. Hub Zemke had been commanbase in der of the Group USAAF 56th Fightei in WWII. Hubert Zemke at Buchel Air- Germany in May 1961. ther CO. lives California today. visited the U. Le USAF. THE BLOND KNIGHT /A AMERICA. General Robert M. Hartmann. . ADC Commander. ofJG-71. in white suit. if the ISIT TO FARMINGDALE. PONDERNG THE FUTURE: A serious Erich Hartmann examines the space suit ofastronaut John Glenn during a visit to the U. B June 1961. whose twin brother was graduating at ann e visited the institution in US Naval Academy on the same day.) till" A not known helmet marked "Rice" was worn by Hartmann or the Captain. Hartmann was visibly struck by mankind's progress in aerospace in the briefperiod of his own (NASA) lifetime. Hartmann got his 28th ] while flying his 194th sortie. (Republic Aircraft Corp. shot down 28 erman aircraft in 91 sorties. FAMILIARIZATION RIDE: Erich Hartmann flew in an Air Defense Command F-106 Inter- F-106 ceptor during his visit to the USA in USAF Captain is briefing Hartmann. in 1961. Johnson.S. Johnson was sent ome but Erich kept flying combat until he had over 400 sorties.IR FORCE ACADEMY VISIT IN 1961: Hart- 4 Colorado Springs in r ay. NY: American fighter le Robert S.A. Not yet 40 at that time. Here he admires the ring ofAcademy graduate kCormick. Here Johnson explains some of the itricacies ofthe F-105 "Thunderchief or "Thud" to hartmann in June 1961. It is (USAF) . Later he was the originator of the ramming group "Elbe. DECEMBER 1967: The Hartmann family posed 4 for this photo taken by author Toliver at Porz Wahn. a bomber pilot during WWII. HARTMANN AND FAMOUS MUSTANG: Experimental Aircraft Association airshow at East Alton. on 30 May 1971 gave Erich Hartmann a Illinois close look at a souped-up P-51 Mustang. General Johannes Steinhoff and Lt. Shown General Werner March 23. (Toliver) GENERAL STREIB RETIRES: Streib retired on Koln. Hajo." A T STEINHOFF'S HOME: Lt. Usch posed with dinner partner Herrmann. . 1967. was the founder of the "Wilde Sau" idea of using single engine fighters as night fighters. Colonel Erich Hartmann at Steinhoffs home on 4 Dec. 1967. 1966 atPorz Wahn near here offering best wishes to Streib are General Adolf Galland and Colonel Erich Hart- URSULA HARTMANN AND HAJO HERRMANN: At a formal Luftwaffe party on 21 Oct. MAY 1983: Erich Hartmann is autographing 7 lithographs ofHarley Copic's painting which graces the dust jacket of this book. "Little Usch" was almost 11 years old. which sharply in flying the Piper Cub. his filled with a warming glow of the baby son he never saw while he a heavy blow. made by Lockheed. The phenomenon of the lost years. was used as an advanced trainer. Captain in fine style in the with its T-6 and T-33. In 1957 Erich was assigned to advanced training on jet fighters A . Texan of the USAF. charming little blonde daughter was born to Usch and Erich at Tubingen near Weil on 23 February 1957. When Erich Hartmann men in the quietly reported at Lands- berg his American instructors could hardly believe their eyes. and as though he was being reborn. their joy was boundless. most no more than successful fighter pilot in the world looked twenty-five years old. Erich's re-entry into the brotherhood of fatherhood piest days of his was one of the hap- life. He felt as was not the only birth in the summer of 1956.REBIRTH 273 glorious roar of the engine was like listening to the voice of a presumed dead. The one of sensation of being aloft again in a powerful aircraft was liberation. also had its had struck him impact on his so USAF instructors at Landsberg. 600 hp radial engine and two-bladed propeller. despite fourteen and ten and hundred combat missions a half years in Russian prisons. but offing. Ursula Isabel soon became "Little Usch" and helped her parents forget the past in the joy of a fulfilling present. With friend previously he was eager to recommence military Landsberg this experience behind him. but even for jet propulsion he had flown the twin-engined Me-262 in 1945. The T-33 was a two-seat jet was not new to Erich. when he reported to flying late in 1956. craft was a big step up from the Piper but Me-109 in The still The air- far short of the which Erich had spent so many hundreds of hours. Under the guidance of a friendly James Mangum. Erich checked out The North American T-6 trainer. Fighter pilots in general are vivaciously cocky and they frequently look younger than other same age group. Usch became pregnant was in prison The death had been therefore a part of a When a in the Erich tackled the challenge of reorienting himself to military flying his world was of anticipation. and a new family now was new life. "Two hundred and fifty yards? You are still too far out. by contrast.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 274 Luke AFB. The Blond Knight had previously been made an Honorary Member of the 20th when the American unit was stationed at pilots at RAF Weathersfield in Essex. They also profited by his almost incredible store of experience. except in the case of some spectacular downings in which inflammable Japanese aircraft blew up under even these minor strikes. the harvest of more than . and disintegrated. The The American of their profession into friendly social whirl hardly left him time to ponder on the irony that he was shoulder to shoulder with former enemies. bombing and skip-bombing in nearat Little perfect weather that permitted flying practically every day. strafing. "Get in close. 20th Tactical Fighter Wing then being held at Luke AFB. arranged from England for Erich to be invited to the reunion of combat crews from the U. coauthor when his of this book." Some young pilots were skeptical. The young American and admired his pilots were intrigued by Erich Hartmann. When USAAF gun camera film from the Second World War was screened at Luke. Few of the long-range films showed anything like the devastation of the point-blank attack. seven of whose aircraft he had shot down in far-off Europe. the explosion of the target aircraft followed almost invariably as the plane took point-blank hits Long-distance gun camera footage. near Phoenix. Arizona. Luke took the world champion their fraternity. Rarely was the other aircraft actually seen to go down.S. His social contacts with Americans were broadened old friend Colonel Raymond Toliver USAF. showed mostly the curving and decelerating bullets scoring occasional hits. Erich pointed out convincingly to the young what he had told them about his own combat tactics. He trained on the T-33 and F-84 in gunnery. American pilots that the films verified but the combat films proved him When right. but the new environment at Luke AFB made Arizona Erich's second home. The good-byes to Usch and Usch were hard. England." he had told them repeatedly. if you want to get him down. the pursued aircraft filled the camera lens and the pursu- ing pilot fired. modesty and frankness. The Arizona experience. The German Air Force and Erich of 1957 lacked such inner strength." . with them as sary air fare invited the long as Erich was at Luke. in all its he wanted to Erich after the brutal decade that The Buzzes promptly Usch. The expansive.S. Erich found the that encourages On USAF him admirably equipped with the morale the U. and Usch flew was such a aspects. there. impressed and morale. Erich found visit to Major Frank Buzze USAF. uncomplicated friends whom you could times. while Little Usch stayed home in Stuttgart. service in to excel themselves. and everyone was kind and helpful. outside We felt completely at home. There was not the slightest resentment of us as Germans. vited men German Wylene. drove a handsome sports car and were relaxed and happy people. the personal side of his friendship. after we feel kinship as to to your father and mother. Camping trips less amid the magnificence of Grand Canyon fascinated them no than the vast supermarkets and handsome stores in Phoenix. When they went back to which Usch "It Germany was the end of an it idyl. Fresh from the political atmosphere of the 1957. it is the only country Frank and Wylene Buzze are the best people we ever met. of wistfully says today: was the nicest time we ever had in our lives. Wylene. and to share their home They had home a pleasant could with his wife He found in Phoenix. Some- returned to Germany. it in- hard to bedid the live as well as all warm modern conveniences. in the care of her grandparents at the Paetsch Arizona became an unforgettable experience for Usch as well. felt absence its keenly. lieve that a regular military officer Buzzes..REBIRTH 275 hundred eight surprised the The USAF aerial battles. and Germany where I would like to live. and everything and everybody I was homesick for Phoenix. to share German He fairy tale it couple to with live scraped up the neces- to Arizona. empty countryside and raw desert terrain were unlike anything the German couple had ever seen. endless. which he its spirit found reminiscent of the old Luftwaffe. Blond Knight with and in turn. even as he returned to Germany. the was story a little different. truthful and accurate. they told problems they had in keeping practical fly. The F-104* naturally intrigued him. Erich had not been sent to America to evaluate the F-104. Nevada. It dream and is considered the hot rod of all produced and fourteen nations of the world fighters. is by a fighter pilots' Over 2550 have been are using them. its speed. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 276 adventures in America were intensely professional as Erich's well as having a light side. first all-jet In the spring of 1958 he served for a time at Oldenburg as deputy * The F-104 "Starfighter. he was offered fighter-bomber wing. and soon- as a professional military pilot it proved command of a declined this appointment because he did not regard the fighter-bomber role as his job. where there was an F-104 training squadron. him and probe was firm and unequivocal.f . California. . Erich carefully his conclusion at the The German know-how before later end of his Air Force would it could handle hurt him. weapons— when they were on the base. to-be wing commander. were made the aircraft of the machine. The serviceable it him of the and ready to and catalog of spare-parts troubles. as the most advanced weapons system of went up to Nellis AFB its near Las Vegas. performance. When tick. and found out what The American He kind in the world. When Erich tackled the maintenance people about the F-104. and he told the authorities he would rather wait for the fighter wing. Engine told troubles." a Mach 2-plus air superiority fighter built the Lockheed Aircraft Corp. a large on the F-104 accidents up findings USAF young He captain volume containing the to that time. He asked them why the serviceability ratio was so low and they him about some of the difficulties with the F-104. When he knew would probably be A due course. nose ters wheel problems. nozzle were cited as sources of low and other mat- difficulties serviceability. climb. of Burbank. need much more experience and This view would such an aircraft. pilots full Erich talked to the same young pilots around the bar off duty. used by the whom NATO in an forces in Erich befriended gave aircraft sifted this technical evidence. equipment defects maintenance problems was not a bright record. but he was deeply interested. " their energy.REBIRTH CO. German Air Force was camistakes. and would new in the was to be formed air force carry the designation JG-71 Richthofen. Inspector of the on what was probably Air Force. He taught the young pilots from the Richthofen Wing all that his mother had taught him about gliding years before. Wehnelt was the commander. Erich threw himself into his job with young if and marksman. Trautlof t and Priller were fighter wings invested with the Erich conducted built F-86's classes. matching Germany honored Erich Hartmann by making him commander of the Richthofen Wing. spirit and elan with the quality of his new German Air Second World War. all his CO. The initially in awe.S. The wing would appropriately have as its Kommodore the Richthofen of the second conflict— Major Erich A Hartmann. in June made a little rendezvous with history. setting a standard for morale in the Force.* 277 and of the Fighter Pilots' School.- a leading figure in the Ahlhorn Soaring Club on weekends. . rebuilding party and a speech by General German ber. you than ace combative wing from a row of F-86 mass of problems. The at first jet wing fighter Ahlhorn. man and task together. and became same kind of spirit. and of JG-2 Richthofen in the Luftwaffe of the Second World War. under the great Kom- leadership. because the task of raising Germany's Mark VI aircraft tantamount thing more With was jet fighter "Blond Knight. flew continually in the wing's U. Hrabak. to his modern first pilot juices see let's roiling and pilots assigned to the Erich turned their awe into there is some- wing held spirit competitive his aroused. The decision to give This appointment showed that the pable of good decisions as well as command Erich seemed of JG-71 because of the way brought it to be almost a stroke of genius. extending a challenge to the Blond Knight. plus all that he had learned on * Thirty-six-victory ace Oberst Herbert his own. The wing would preserve the tradition of Germany's greatest First World War ace. The situation was a hairy to saying. started Erich Hartmann adventure as an greatest his Kammhuforce air officer. The air force was also each to the other. Only modores in the like Galland. Moelders. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 278 He located Sigi Graf von der Schulenburg. and that maintains our serviceability ratio. the wing looks a mess. He was not a flyer but a flak officer. flying experience knew Erich and more flying experience. He that the lives of his young pilots would ultimately depend on how much experience they had when the ultra-sophisticated F-104 came to hand. "That's paint on those aircraft?" sputtered the flak general." "Paint costs money. "But only half the planes are painted. paint marking makes for strong spirit in the wing.* "Yes. and with which he had terrorized the Red Air Force. mein General/' said Erich. He superb painted JG-71 aircraft with the same spreading black tulip pattern over the spinner that Karaya One had worn on the Russian Front." "We paint them while they are in for overhaul. sir." World War Like Krupinski in Russia during squadron bars for JG-71. and he concentrated on the human element— endless training on one side. and spirit and morale on the other. up new squadrons and pounded endlessly on the need for flying experience. After each II he to bars on the base. As JG-71 aircraft were overhauled. NATO ar- officers and ex- pediting materiel for his wing. leaving mundane aspects of organization for detailed attention knew the more later." "That The is perfectly all right. A visiting general was appalled. Major Hartmann. I will pay for the paint myself. The pilots loved this salty link with the past. they were painted with the tulip pattern. knew how the F-104's were eventually coming and he The important hot they were. in an officers' training school in ranged for his transfer to JG-71 as its executive about in a little Dornier consulting with mate Hamburg and Erich flew officer. Everyone was inspired to work like the devil for something they He built felt was bigger than themselves. thing in his mind was to get as much flying experience as quickly as possible. A human element would be needed for handling the F-104G. set up day's flying the pilots retired antiaircraft artillery The new commander . They'll all be painted soon. * and A is flak general not a rated is one who has been an pilot. There they could relax and talk shop. his old prison from Diaterka. though. encouraged it is morale as a builder.REBIRTH German 279 Air Force wasn't ready." but it depended on the viewpoint and background of the critic. led to circulation of the theme that "Hartmann is not a good Most officer. the comrade had got drunk frequently. Incidents like these. Erich's superiors had the German bars eliminated under orders. Having seen the German officer corps with its pants down in the Russian prisons. has its critics were in German roots in many a good He refused comrade. minor a The fist gen- the officer had tattled heard about these things. Erich declined to punish him. The blond man who had withstood ten years of NKVD bludgeoning could not be made to relinquish as a free man what he felt to be an inviolable ethical principle. for the organizations. to depart from this stance and punish his decorated was deemed further evidence that he was not Erich Hartmann's from reality. fights Wing Erich had In a fashion typical of Erich's outlook on Blond Knight made allowances endured. but to punish a cipline was to Erich Hartmann absolutely unthinkable. and had with enlisted men. but they had been well as was not in man something This Head than he was in the prime of less occasionally officer tattled CO. In the however. to had been this officer had made him life. cases living a long way Air Force. old JG-52 comrade was assigned to the Richthofen under Erich's command. This officer. He ever been close. and insisted that Erich punish the battered veteran. like most other military an outmoded concept of what is . every squadron has a bar and Air Force of today. Erich Hartmann might not have been a "good officer. to his to Russian prisons together as war comrades. Punishing a highly decorated officer who had been a hero in war was in itself repugman who needed a doctor rather than dis- nant. and Erich knew that badly knocked about in combat. In officers some ways. Erich's superiors and was When officer this for all that his old eral to whom about from far loyal life." of the high and personnel personages had never flown combat. Erich knew the normal conceptions of what makes good a An officer have no ultimate validity. whom injuries infractions of regulations at Ahlhorn. involving high officers. right and differentiate between peacetime and wartime. with lines of with their thumbs abaft their seams while peacock men officers standing with no made ostentatious inspections. destroy a young * is The When man who Israel destruction of quite insignificant in the fires and hardened by who now said that of Soviet relentless Hartmann NKVD spent a decade trying exemplified decent German to character. in the supersonic age that arrived with the jet and rocket. military leaders efficient. efficiency still all is too often everything in neat rows." He had little his don't use for the parade-ground con- cept of aircraft drawn up in neat rows.* The Russian planes were lined up parade-ground style on fields close to the front. Operational readiness. but far more rapid and destructive stroke. He we ran JG-71 as though the war was on. wing commander. saluting and other As frills a meaningless and even dangerous in the supersonic era. but few had flown since 1945 and they were in all respects obsolescent in mind and outlook. is there- The German more than any other has good reason to function in no other fashion. is made of sterner stuff. pressed trousers. officers with whom The Hartmann confinement. Many of them had been army officers in the war. Erich's view was that the German Air Force should not be set up for a similar. some had been in the Luftwaffe. the Arab air forces in the six-day war of 1967 comparison to the mass destruction of 22 June 1941. . Erich Hartmann believes that future wars will grant no time flying for experience "working up" to operational readiness. it was the most complete destruction of an air weapon in history. in his view. Air Force His refusal to be content with half-measures in operational him readiness brought —not with but with into collision with his generals like the immediate leadership Kammhuber who knew professionally inadequate and their business— politically potent become loaded. "so develop bad habits.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 280 fitting. and In the atomic age. Erich Hartmann took advantage of experience. When the Luftwaffe smashed the Red Air Force on the ground in June 1941. the air force had psychology was shaped in the forged by its rigors processes that never touched those was not a good officer. His approach and fore operational readiness dispersal at all times. REBIRTH 28l they turned Erich Hartmann man who in his maturity into a de- fends an honest view bluntly. "He doesn't understand tact. and no of the pure air of freedom. and they knew they were hear- ing the living truth. they might have to defend themselves against such processes." who were officers living a lie through political pull under- standably recoiled from the blunt blond man. the young pilots had a good nose for a fake ing for truth. methods of character disintegration. explained Erich's approach to incompetent superiors— colonels. He them talks to as if they were whose thinking processes have been addled by politics. generals or whatever— with this graphic description. they listened One day. in when a political "yes" the was "no. there their confidence in his truthfulness. For ten years he had clung to truth gloom in the innumerable bunkers. he told them about gunnery and no question of most successful When a leader and air fighting." To the young men of his Richthofen Wing. extort from military truth High him man could now. Like most young people who have grown up since the posite of war. he told them about Soviet psychology and the NKVD and learned. Structurally inca- pable of bending to meet political expediencies— his legacy from a decade of resisting assaults on his character— he was a threat to the emotional security poseurs enjoyed on the neurotic plane. he was just the op- what he was held to be by those who controlled the chessboard. Thus became it mann was politically fashionable to repeat that Erich Hart- not a good officer— and promotional suicide to defend him. NKVD officers. these young Germans knew. The Blond Knight was their buttons and turn them on— no mean profession where anyone over thirty When is a strong feel- who feat in could push an age and considered burnt out. fighter pilot ever to strap He an airplane on was was the his back. An officer who knew him in his glory days and was incarcerated with him in Russia. Barely six months after Erich went to work in creating the for- mation. JG-71 Richthofen was assigned to NATO in October . the tired old tomcat of a wing commander. Frank views could be expressed to such On men. A normal. Erich said that time. blond do. average . Kammhuber. highest score in the am happy I German about Air Force. one occasion. The same is re- true of his relationship with General SteinhofT. who were thorough and com- He liked and admired General Inspector of the Bundesluftwaffe. although His rapport with it Air Force to buy the F-104 hurt should have had the opposite higher leaders petent professionals was excellent. The decision of the German Erich's career. probably the He felt his investigation he did not believe that the F-104 would be a good aircraft for the first on in con- to hold German this Air Force at view and express acquisition of the F-104 should have been delayed. They They would have followed him through the of boys are served in JG-71 in those swaddling days of the Ger- Air Force worshiped their tough." them went ahead of gates of hell. Hartmann and are now generals or are retired generals. They were and he watched over them his boys like a father.. The leaders.T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 282 The magnitude 1958.S. and General Rail. achievement of his may be measured by in preparing his the normal time required by most fighter NATO— wings to reach a level of efficiency qualifying them for who was usually at least a year. For a leader was wing "not a good officer" it a stellar performance. his boys: gunnery average air this. In September of i960 he proudly wrote the authors about "During the we reached an last year wing of 24 per cent. "My thinking was that I was a good pilot. as I My think in the it is boys are great! I the have sharpshooters with 60 per cent score average— young boys of six twenty-four— so better Men who man still I now than have made them section Many Kommodore. Basing his views of the F-104 while in the U. both of whom have headed the Air Force. the first result. not equaled even ten years later. the subject of the F-104 was raised versation with Kammhuber. and spected his abilities and achievements. it He was to his superiors. kept listening. that *s on the part the wrong decision for we should not buy an aircraft we cannot handle. This experience told what nothing more.— conducted coloring. we can handle it/ Because we are Germans we think we can handle a complex aircraft like "Sometimes this at I think. us at this time. as good luck I had gained me. that our young I pilots did not then have the experience to change to such a com- plex weapons system. man of He pilots way in a his existed. "Erich. "We are happy to buy * . This is we can gain exadvances. during which no pilots were trained.S. no technicians gained experience and no organization Kammhuber reviewed for U. He Erich expressed his views frankly to General pointed out to his leader that for a decade or more a gap had German existed in aviation. practical experience. "I believe." said nothing concerning the content of Erich's re- marks. that this is once" Kammhuber asked him what he thought should be done. He investigation of the F-104 in the that kept the facts free of political emphasized the youth and inexperience of the Ger- and the lack of experience in handling jets Germany's top leaders. who liked Erich." General Kammhuber.S. but rather that a human problem on our side would cause us grave troubles. "I did not believe that the F-104 was a bad weapons system. when combined with learned about the F-104 in the U. but with You must have luck..REBIRTH pilot 283 without special expertise. on which perience with afterburners and other technical can phase in the F-104 on a proper basis of knowledge and experience. sir. But we should not buy an Kammhuber aircraft we cannot handle. Then we the next generation of aircraft. We say 'We are Germans. "Let us take from the Americans next their F-100 and F-102. any businessman lots of luck. never talk about this" he said. no matter what your will tell you.A. Through my a lot of experience. that buying the F-104 sir." Kammhuber. why Germans are hated in the world. His noncommittal but friendly reply was obviously in- tended as advice. and no impediment intelligence in to behalf. he would have held his peace. When compelled by conditions to turn to insistence it him was due largely to on authority Starfighter crisis NATO an indelible im- burned face proved to go with the political powers were in the fall of his his 1966 to take leadership— and to his responsibility— that the was overcome. to Johannes in One of the also had spite a Me-262 jet his share of demonstrated accurate. Significant steps in the reform of the F-104 program undertaken by Steinhofft included heavy emphasis on training and * Inspekteur of the t first the exercise of his dynamic personality and Germany's over as Inspekteur* his Good given his German Air Force is a position as flying ex- commander in chief. in Steinhoff Germany. sense and logic eventually prevailed major assignment. tne expensively that Erich problems with politicians war record brilliant rein- officer. but leader- ." Had Erich been the kind of well-adjusted officer that did well in those times in the German Air Force. on the F-104 and hearsay of whisper back to the filtered forced the popular concept that he was not a good The disastrous experience that ensued German Air Force verified tragically and Hartmann's practical analysis crashes continued until almost of the desperation. Steinhoff in 1966. pression on everyone who met him. The people have decided that political we can buy this aircraft. World War. Unfortunately for him. Thousands were involved in the conquest of F-104 problems. real reason his appointments were resisted was that he was general a who knows his profession right through. people who him asked straight ques- tions got straight answers reaffirming his view that the F-104 should come Through the channels later.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 284 this aircraft. as when he was Germany's representative on the He made Standing Committee in Washington. with the F-104 had been command his views and there political areas opposition his him to arose ostensibly because of his badly burned face— a souvenir of his 1945 The and is jet crash. De- combat and command and political gifts. German "Macky" aces from the Second in organizational m The F-104 Air Force passed. In a slashing vindication of the Blond Knight's foresight. which are routinely renewed when they are on active duty. Military flying officers in Germany hold pilot's licenses. but the Word of maneuver Erich's difficulties backfired. GAF GAF F-104 loss rate per 100. A retired the Bundesluft- who had The embar- waffe was really serious in proceeding against Hartmann. the American fighter officer asked him point-blank if as Inspector of time. Later he could not locate the document. had spread to America. general used this chink in the Blond Knight's armor to drive what he hoped would be A a professionally mortal thrust. the he trained in the The boy who was Richthofen lost Wing was an F-104 heavy ground wind on take-off.9 F-104 l°ss rate per 100. He was not an officer who had flown in wartime.000 flying hours in 1967: 10. He was caught in a death was due neither to The other fifteen are not but most of them have between eight hundred and still alive.000 flying hours in 1965: 41. Between Erich's warnings concerning the F-104 tion of his analysis. General who had replaced General Kammhuber German Air Force. the course that Erich Hartmann had followed to his own professional detriment during the raising of JG-71. an<^ the vindica- he became the target of an incredibly petty vendetta by a general who is best left nameless. A home fatuous proceeding was launched against Erich akin to a court-martial. The procedure is little more than filling out the necessary documents and submitting them with the license for validation. During the hard-driving days Wing at Ahlhorn. —Authors is the lowest rate recorded by any major nation using the .7 The 1967 loss rate F-104. stood up for Germany for ten years in Soviet ship was the key element. just as executive jails. was in Washington at the Panitzki. Erich overlooked the annual revalidation of his pilot's license. and are only his sixteen pilots today save one. know-how makes or breaks a business enterprise. one thousand all alive test pilot. when the Richthofen was being built.REBIRTH 285 perience. pilot error nor to a defective machine. His prospects looked bleak. first flying hours in the F-104. " His allies who admired him and always included senior officers have valued his work. and watched young trained in JG-71 satisfaction promoted to colonel ahead of from the success of any of "his boys. Those who know him and German you get into bed with his scene generally agree that the Air Force did not quite know what to do with him. and heavy . He his is life with an a heroic man they be understood aright. He got great evaluation specialist.THE BLOND KNIGHT oV GERMANY 286 rassed Panitzki merely replied with the stock phrase. Too many people had heard the first part of the how it ended. By that time he had been nearly eight years a lieutenant colonel. he has ennobled inborn sense of fairness." The damage had nevertheless been acter defamation. most highly decorated had become more than and his retention in that officer in the German armed a little unseemly." he told the authors in 1966. "if them. as the forces. tactical He lesser lived for years in relative obscurity as a men he had him. or his overriding philosophy that he all men's doings are kismet. if how to burns within the old tomcat. officer. "Erich good pilot but not a good ruled on the matter. grade. "Politics makes strange bedfellows. Although sometimes discouraged and occasionally never lost his sense of humor bitter. He was relieved of his com- done through a sort of char- story but never heard mand of JG-71 Richthofen Wahn. still faults. at Porz and transferred to a staff headquarters near Cologne. Hartmann outside the but more diplomatic Forthrightness and honesty placed Erich political men mainstream that carried many to high rank. Politicians he continues to view without rancor as a sort of essential nuisance. whose all.1968. and above harness the tigerish energy that An incorrigible individualist. but their efforts to get him promoted to colonel were consistently turned down until mid. is a Soon afterward military judges and Erich Hartmann was absolved of blame." His analytical faculty and found scope ability to write good reports in the tactical evaluation job. how to turn his world status to good account. are but manifestations of a surpassingly positive personality. justice and honesty. The Blond Knight's hair is beginning to turn brown. The record of victories and defeats. to meet what already old in his listens as rally in his all mode is of attack in a living legend. and will.REBIRTH lines are 287 working their way into his handsome features. is he not change now. any and valor A bigger challenge may yet lie ahead than past— perhaps a challenge great enough to rouse and his formidable jouster tilting with him spirit then. He spirit of and warm the has ever been in love. May Heaven help the . called the on life. his emerged the from victor all his his shields is his medieval etched there— triumphs and tragedies. his jousts in the often than not. His face emblazoned his escutcheon. new world. His life has lived a romance with his lady that must surely every human being who love story intertwine tenderness He will for he yore. but he also borne by battles in life is tournament of He life has more knows the experience of being knocked from the saddle. Wiser than of evening approaches for the sound of a his thrown-down gauntlet. like the predecessors. and of being trampled when prostrate by an unchivalrous foe. Louis. Stuttgart each other. JG-71 Richthofen. " See-Decide.Epilogue Shortly after this book Hartmann village. He was structurally incapable of becoming the kind of "yes tested formula.d.Attack. Often he flew in Rallyes. Missouri. and on occasion flew as teammate with General Adolf Galland. — had begged him to sofThey urged him to be more tactful and to where he would be promoted to general officer status. has an annual reunion. Colonel Erich from active duty and returned to home his old His friends Dietrich Hrabak and Walter Krupinski. Erich plunged directly into an active civilian work schedule. and served as the FAA rep- Wurttemberg area." His decision man" that the politically-minded Luftwaffe hierachy expected. retired was first published. and the Hartmanns attended these and other fighter pilot gatherings. Once they had made their decision. stay in the Luftwaffe. He believed his duty as an officer was to advise his superiors correctly and factually as he saw each point in question. Others of his admirers tried to influence him as well. but the strong convictions of Hartmann were inflexible. to be honored guests alongside RAF ace Peter Townsend. he did design work and labor himself. The Hartmanns have many old school friends. all the He then took on the management and operation of several flying schools. he accordingly requested retirement He is now Oberst A. Erich once told the authors that "without Usch I am . his old Geschwader. along with Guenther Rail — all of them Generals ten his stand in the military. Taking the honorable way out. They went on one occasion resentative in the to St. he would obey their orders. brought Erich and Usch even closer to picture-biography of his Motorbuch-Verlag in life. Beginning with the remodeling of his lovely home. He relied on his battle- had been made and he declined to change. Erich and Usch spent additional hundreds of hours preparing a which was published in 1978 by This endeavor and the modifications to their new home. with whom they maintain a busy social schedule. Erich Hartmann. is His lifestyle epitomizes this devo- centered on hers. He caught a cold in 1980 which developed into angina pectoris. but made I it!" His physician brother Alfred advised him to avoid every kind of stress. He tion festivities. and and peace. The truth must if only to spike untrue rumors already circulating. which had killed his father at age 58. Erich closely followed his doctor's orders. Only those able to see Erich any more. His being tion. They are everything he wanted in life wrong. He does not want the inevitable sympathetic reactions that will come when it is known that an illness has forced him to take it easy. By October 1 983 he was improved that he again passed the medical examinations He has resumed instructing at the flying schools. The they had lost their leader. "I was four weeks in bed and two more weeks in recovery. He and other other fighter who visited his told the authors that was within easy reach of his home. "I now He I like to have my rest when this can happen am retired and I am a civilian." He looks the picture of health today. Erich has highly concerned.289 nothing. and other festivities." He meant every word. A sudden change in Hartmann's life in 1980 caused consternaamong his many friends. I do not live for exhibi- tions. Erich is master of his own disciplined schedule. again the area. he might follow his father. With the loving support of the irreplaceable Usch. Erich remains adamant about staying off the autobahns and highways. This sudden and puzzling change in Hartmann caused many to think that the great ace had forsaken their friendship. way to the end of life's . is still the same old tiger and tends to get over-excited when among old comrades. the authors now reveal the facts. He pilots felt that home were quit flying and quit attending reunions left his FAA job. As in his combat days. and declines to travel around attending various fighter pilot reunions inside. warning him that a second attack could result in a weak heart. With be known Erich's consent. Hartmann accordingly limits the occasions and possibly endanger his life. and now appears to have won the biggest battle of his life. and FAA representative in his is so much for flying. Erich has intentionally kept quiet about his actions. he will walk that road. If he had a weak heart. 1943 9 10 Feb. 1943 28 Apr. 1943 27 Mar. 1943 24 Mar. 1943 7 May 1943 7 May 1943 1120-1225 1040-1145 0650—0755 0600-0625 1200-1306 1110—1230 IL-2 Sortie 75 1 7 8 9 113 9 10 117 120 i i 120 5 12 130 13 131 M M3 11 *5 16 J 15 16 53 »7 18 *57 158 182 »9 183 18 May May May May 5 Hy 5 J 5 J u] y 20 184 21 185 5 J^y 22 191 7 J ul y 2 3 191 7 J ul y 24 192 7 ul y J 25 192 7 u] y J u] y 7 Hy 7 J 194 *95 7 ul y J 8 July *95 198 8 July 8 July 8 July 34 198 204 206 35 21 3 15 July 36 214 15 July 26 27 28 29 3° 3 3 1 2 33 194 194 ul y 10 July 11 July 1943 1943 1943 1943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 !943 !943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 1943 A/C 0453-0603 1 540—1650 1415-1515 1725-1840 0323-0420 0648-0744 1 345~ 1 445 1735-1845 0306-0405 0306-0405 0545-0645 0545-0645 1707-1805 1707-1805 1707-1805 0820—0932 0820—0932 1742-1845 1742-1845 0633-0730 1620—1718 1334-1436 1704-1745 Digora (Caucasas) MIG-i Armavir Lagg-3 Slavyanskaya (Kuban) Boston U-2 I-16 Rata Kerch (Crimea) Airacobra 1047-1155 0822-0945 1554-1638 1554-1638 0730—0825 1620-1725 Location R-5 La gg-3 Lagg-3 Lagg-3 Lagg^ La-5 Lagg-3 U-2 La-5 Lagg-3 Airacobra Airacobra Airacobra La-5 IL-2 IL-2 IL-2 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 Slavyanskaya Anapa Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Taman Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim . 1942 27 Jan. 1943 Feb.APPENDIX EXCERPTS OF ERICH HARTMANN'S VICTORY CREDITS RECORD Victory 1 »9 2 41 3 2 5 4 54 5 68 6 Date Time Type Nov. 1943 26 Apr. 1943 15 Apr. 1943 30 Apr. 1943 30 Apr. *943 18 Aug.x 943 Au g.*943 3 50 2 5* 3 1 2 53 4 52 2 53 53 2 53 54 2 54 5 55 2 55 4 4 4 4 56 256 5 57 58 2 57 5 2 57 5 59 258 258 262 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 *943 263 263 264 264 264 265 265 266 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 J 943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 Aug. *943 18 Aug. *943 0646-0736 1400-1434 1845-1945 0930—1040 1637-1733 1110-1215 1355-1500 1629-1732 1903-1950 1903-1950 1107-1155 1107-1155 1107-1155 1730-1830 1009-1102 1009—1102 1009-1102 1304-1405 1520-1610 0812—0915 1117-1215 1117-1215 1647-1748 1647-1748 1530-1620 0810-0910 0810—0910 1140-1235 1140—1235 1140-1235 1930-2025 1930-2025 0657-0755 1 244—1 340 0604-0640 0835-0950 1615-1654 1615-1654 0810-0910 0830-0935 1745-1805 1745-1805 °455-°55° 1215-1315 1215-1315 1700-1805 0930-1030 0930-1030 1230-1330 1000-1105 1000-1105 1555-1645 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 YAK-7 YAK-7 YAK-7 La-5 YAK-7 YAK-7 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 YAK-7 La-5 La-5 YAK-7 YAK-7 La-5 La-5 YAK-i YAK-i YAK-i Pe-2 Pe-2 YAK-i La-5 La-5 YAK-i La-5 La-5 YAK-i YAK-i YAK-i La-5 Ugrim Ugrim Ugrim Ivanowka (Donets) Ivanowka Ivanowka Ivanowka Ivanowka Ivanowka Ivanowka Varvarovka (Kharkov) Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Varvarovka Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Kharkov Pe-2 Perechepino La-5 La-5 Perechepino La-5 Airacobra Barwenkovo Barwenkovo Barwenkovo Airacobra Perechepino Airacobra Perechepino La-5 Perechepino La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 Perechepino Airacobra Perechepino Kutanikowo Kutanikowo Kutanikowo . *943 18 Aug. *943 281 15 Aug.x 943 17 Aug. *943 15 Aug. *943 19 Aug. *943 283 17 Aug. *943 Au gAu gAu gAu gAu gAu gAu gAug.*943 Au g. 3 Au g. 1943 281 15 Aug.*943 Aug. *943 71 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 285 285 286 288 288 289 292 292 294 9 Au g.APPENDIX 291 216 16 July *943 16 July *943 40 217 223 240 41 241 31 July *943 42 43 44 45 46 242 1 2 43 1 37 38 39 47 48 49 17 July *943 31 July 244 1 2 45 1 2 45 1 250 250 250 3 Aug. Aug. Aug.*943 Au gAu gAu gAu g- *943 *943 *943 *943 A "g.*943 Aug. *943 Au g.*943 Au g. *943 19 Aug. *943 19 Aug. *943 17 Aug.*943 Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.*943 Au g. 2 943 *943 *943 *943 *943 *943 1943 1 943 Aug. 1943 72 267 269 270 9 73 271 9 74 75 76 271 277 280 9 12 Aug.*943 Au g. 1943 17 Aug.2 943 Au g. *943 2 4 2 9 Sep. *943 2 28 Sep. *943 l 3 Oct. *943 1 26 1 0530-0615 0530-0615 1143-1245 0711—0805 1010-1105 1320-1420 1320-1420 1416-1520 1416—1 520 1305-1350 1305-1350 1512-1610 1512-1610 0725-0825 1200—1305 1550-1650 0635-0738 0635-0738 0930-1035 1145-1245 1145-1245 161 5—1710 Oct. *943 Oct. J 943 20 Sep. *943 3 1 1 "3 326 33o 114 33 2 3° Sep. l 943 18 Sep. 943 l 943 !943 *943 *943 *943 337 2 Oct. *943 Oct. _ 120 349 1 349 1 1 1 129 35 130 353 131 355 *3 2 355 1 33 357 134 359 *35 359 J 943 Oct. *943 26 Sep. J 91 2 97 92 299 300 943 943 »5 Sep. *943 124 343 348 4 Oct. l 943 21 2 7 Sep.) down IL-2 IL-2 LaLa- La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 Airacobra La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 Airacobra Airacobra La-5 La-5 La-5 La-5 Airacobra La-5 Airacobra Airacobra La-5 La-5 La-5 re-2 Airacobra La-J La-j La-j Kutanikowo Kutanikowo Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Dnepro-South Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Airacobra rNOvo-Zjaporoziie Ld Novo-Zaporozhe J L^d- Novo-Zaporozhe L^d J INOVO-Zjaporozne l_/d- Novo-Zaporozhe Nnvn-Znnoro/he La-5 La-5 Zaporozhe La-5 Zaporozhe La-5 Zaporozhe La-5 La-5 Zaporozhe La-5 Zaporozhe Zaporozhe in Soviet territory at approximately . *943 26 Sep. !943 2 5 Sep. 12 5 349 127 . *943 20 Sep.5 jJ 2 1 21 THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 292 V ictory Date Sortie Location 89 2 95 20 Aug. l 334 1 Oct. l 943 18 Sep. 1 Oct. 2 943 943 Oct. *943 122 339 340 3 12 3 34 2 3 Oct. *943 Oct. *943 21 2 7 Sep. J 943 Oct. J 33 8 2 3° Sep. 2 5 Sep. *943 301 18 Sep. J 943 l 5 0635-0735 0837-0940 0643-0715 1 353" 1 445 1620-1710 1200-1255 1200-1255 0820-0925 0020—0925 1 1 10— 1210 1 335~ 1 42 5 0930—1030 1 525—1630 0645—0740 1240—1400 0650—0745 0650—0745 0650—0745 1415-1515 0955-1055 0740-0835 0740-0835 1505-1555 0835-0925 0835-0925 (Note: Hartmann was shot 0615 after his ninetieth victory. l 93 94 95 96 3°5 97 98 99 100 3°5 308 308 309 101 309 102 3M 103 3*5 316 104 105 106 3*7 3*7 318 107 108 3 109 3 1 10 3 943 943 19 Sep. *943 12 Oct. 1 943 Uct. 1 1 117 118 *943 5 29 Sep. J 90 295 20 Aug. l 301 18 Sep. J 943 20 Sep. *943 *5 Oct. 119 120 121 *943 2 5 Sep. *943 26 Sep. J 943 Oct. *943 M M M Oct. *943 20 Sep. J 337 2 Oct. l 943 »9 Sep. »5 333 116 334 3° Sep. *943 Oct. 1944 Jan. 1944 Mar. 20 Oct. 1944 Feb. 1944 Jan. 1Q43 137 138 366 366 368 36a 20 Oct. 1943 20 Dec. *943 26 Oct. 1943 18 Dec. 1944 Jan. *943 7 Dec. His second logbook. 1944 Jan. 1944 Feb. *943 M7 385 386 2 9 Oct. whom he later married. was taken from him the last day of the war by an American or a Czechoslovakian captor. *3 *943 387 39 1 100— 1 200 0630—070c. 1943 160 3 Jan. 1944 Feb. 1944 Jan. his fiancee. *943 *943 29 Oct. 1Q43 77. safely in Date Victory 151-153 154-156 1 57~ 1 59 Time Type A/C Location Dec. Hartmann's victories from this point are taken from III/JG-52 records and from letters written to Fraulein Ursula Paetsch. 1944 Feb. 1Q43 77? 21 Oct. J 943 Dec. 1Q43 77 ? 20 Oct. 1944 Jan. and is the subject of an urgent search by the authors. which is kept Germany. 1944 Apr. H5 379 380 25 146 380 26 Oct. containing information on the rest of his wartime career. 161 6 Jan. 162 6 163-165 166-168 9 16 169—172 173-176 23 »77 24 178-183 184-185 186-190 3° 17 31 1 191 3 192 4 22 193-202 2 203 23 204—205 206-207 25 26 208 3 209 4 210-215 216—221 7 5 1944 1944 Jan. 0630—070^ 1420—1 ?0? T 2 7 0720—O740 13??— 3 ? J 14?0 7? 13??— MS S S S 14?0 0920—1020 1 La-5 Novo-Zaporozhe Airacobra Kirovograd Airacobra Kirovograd Airacobra Kirovograd La-5 La-5 Beresovka Airacobra Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe Novo-Zaporozhe La-5 Kirovograd La-5 Pe-2 La-5 1500-1545 O74O—O84O O74O—O84O O825—O9IO 1020— 1 120 Airacobra 1305-1405 0923-1020 Airacobra Kirovograd La-7 Apostolovo La-7 Apostolovo Here ends Erich Hartmann's first combat logbook. 143 377 2 5 Oct. 144 148 149 150 1943 Oct.APPENDIX 293 136 360 1? Oct. 1944 Apr. 1944 May 1944 May 1944 May 1944 May 1944 Airacobra Kirovograd Airacobra Kirovograd La-7 La-7 Novo-Krasnoje Novo-Krasnoje Novo-Krasnoje Airacobra (Crashed on landing at (Ten victories in Uman one day) > Kirovograd Sevastopol Kolomea Crimea-Chersonaise Crimea-Chersonaise . 1944 Jan. 1944 Apr. 1Q43 24 Oct. 1Q43 V7. 1 3Q 140 1 141 376 142 376 Oct. * and Hartmann's 352nd victory was scored on his 825th actual combat dogfight. Nov. 1944 12 l 5 16 21 23 24 5 * Roman Roman YAK-9 Bobruisk Mustangs Ploesti Airacobra Baranov YAK- Briinn 27 22 35 2 Airacobra (Overtook Nowotny) Jun. 1944 2 5 Jun. 1944 2 Crimea Peninsula La-7 24 317-322 2 3 3-3 2 7 328-331 333~34 6 347-35 1 fled the 1944 1944 1944 Jun. 1945 May 1945 0830—0920 TYPES OF AIRPLANES FLOWN BY ACE ERICH HARTMANN DURING WORLD WAR Bucher Bu-131 Focke-Wulf FW-44 Klemm KL-35 Arado AR-66 Focke-Wulf FW-58 Focke-Wulf FW-56 Heinkel He-46 Junkers W-34 Heinkel He-51 Heinkel He-50 MODELS FLOWN IN II Junkers F-13 Junkers W-33 Bucher Bu-133 North American NAA-64 Arado AR-96 Fiesler Fi-153 Klemm KL-25 Morane C-445 Messerschmitt Bf-108 Messerschmitt Me-iogB. Nov. Messerschmitt Me. Nov. 1944 5 Jun. 1944 3 4 Jun. Nov. Hartmann landed. 1945 Apr. 1944 1 316 33 2 May May May 6 4 8 Nov. E. his 1405th combat mission . Nov. G-14. 1944 Jun. G-16 and Me-109 K--4. F.7 ) THE BLOND KNI&HT OF GERMANY ^94 Time Date Victory 222-223 May 8 1944 Type A/C Location (After second victory on this date. 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 1944 Feb. to 27 Feb. to 23 Aug. took two mechanics into the fuselage of his Me. 1944 6 Jun. 1944 Oct. Nov. Nov.262 (jet) G&K COMBAT: Messerschmitt Me-i09G-7. 1944 4 Aug. Nov.109 and 224-225 226-228 229-231 232-237 238-239 240—243 244-250 251-256 257-261 262-266 267-290 291-301 302-306 3°7 8 308-309 310-311 312-313 3 1 4~3 1 5 8 21 29 1 3 2 Jun. C. D. G-10. 1945 Feb. rp 1 1 Aug.ll j V 1 -4 1943 . 1944 11 18 *The above list necessary that each of miles away.5 Aug. Jan.15 .£>nortiJ*ihinsi1 UJJI llKAXt.6 Mar. 1944 Feb. 1943 Kertsch A _ Apr. 1944 Mar. 1943 14 Mar. 1943 l 9 Aug. Nowo Uman Krasnoje Kalinowky Winniza Ost Proskurow Kamenez Podolsk Kolomea Lemberg Krim Chersonaise Zarnesti Roman where the headquarters of III/JG-52 was Gruppe was composed them of three squadrons generally operate from other air bases it was some Those outlying bases are not listed herein.10 1943 . list DURING THE PERIOD 1 Airnolri tX. 1943 19 Oct. 194? 5 -7 -8 .6 Jan. 1944 Mar. 1944 . 1943 1 l/~\f*sitir\n t (UVUKUfl • 1943.23 .2 July 1943 T T . 1944 Jan.2 Aug.26 Mar.5 6 Apr. 1944. 1944 Apr. 1943 Mineralny „ A Armaviv Rostow 22 Jan. 1943 8 Sep. 1942 11 Jan. 1944.APPENDIX 295 MOVEMENTS OF 1 Ftotti JUNE VI KlU nr 1 Jan. 1943 Jan. 1943 23 Aug. Study of the above Gruppe must have had an almost insurmountable prob- indicates that III . 1943 16 Oct. 1944 Mar. 8 Sep.11 Mar. 1944. 1943 1943 24 Sep.21 25 27 Nov. 1943 Grischino Sep.9 Jan. 1944 Mar. 1944. 1943 . 1943 M 6 Sep. 1944 Apostolovo Malaja Wiski A Pr Roman - May May May x 944 1944 1944 1944 indicates located daily.7 Mar. 1944 . Dec. 1943 Nowo Boguslaw Saparoshje Malaja Beresowka bei Alexandria Oct. 1943 l 13 Aug. 1943 Aug.24 Mar. 1944 — 23 Mar. 1943 2 Sep. 1944 Mar. 1943 18 Aug. 1943 6 12 Aug.22 III/JG-52 1942 TO DEC. 1943 1 1 Nikolajew Mar. 1944.31 Mar. 1944. 1943 Dnjepropetrowsk Oct.10 May 1944 — 17 May 1944 . 1943 Feb. 1944 Mar. IV laman T T Ugnm Orel Iwanowka Warwarowka Charkow-Rogan Charkow-Sud Peretschepino Kutanikowo Makejewka Se P- Stalino-Nord J 943 Sep.18 . 1943 Sep. 1943. 1943 3 Aug.31 1 7 10 23 7 8 12 24 10 Apr. 1943 Aug.13 July July 1943 1943 3 T M July 1943 19 July 1943 20 July 1943 .22 Feb.9 . 1943 ooldatskaja 5 Jan. 1943 8 -7 - Feb. 1042 Kirovvograd Jan. Since III Wody Sep. 1943 2 4 Aug. 1944 .*943 3 1 1944* (~Z. 1943 Oct. 1943. Neukuhren. Eastern Front 1 October 1944: CO. spell- . Neukuhren March 1941 Air War School. It is almost incomprehensible to the authors that All bases listed are in the t Place names are taken is as Zerbst keep three constantly moving operational units able to account for itself as well as ing 2. East Prussia (near Konigsberg). I Gruppe/JG-52 Date commissioned as an officer: 1 March 1942 1 y Place commissioned: Fighter School lem in logistics in trying to supplied. it III Gruppe was did. III/JG-52. II/JG-52. LKS2. from III/JG-52 daily history and the —Authors used in that document. I Gruppe/}G-$2 Eastern Front 1 March 1945: transition to Me-262 Jets at Lechfeld 25 March 1945: CO.THE BLOND KNIOHT OF GERMANY 296 PERSONAL DATA ERICH ALFRED HARTMANN Name: Date of Birth: 19 April 1922 Place of Birth: Weissach/Wiirttemberg Father s name: Alfred Erich Hartmann 1 October 1 894 Father's birth date: Father's place of birth: Ehingen/Wurttemberg Mothers maiden name: Elisabeth Wilhelmine Machtholf Mother s birth date: 16 February 1897 Mothers place of birth: Ehingen/Wurttemberg Date of father's and mother's marriage: 2 September 1920 Place: Stuttgart/Wurttemberg Date of Erich's marriage to Ursula Paetsch: 10 September 1944 Place of marriage: Bad Wiessee Chronological formal education: April 1928-April 1932: Grade school in Weil im Schonbuch April 1932-April 1936: High School Gymnasium in Boblingen April 1932-April 1937: April NPEA Gymnasium 1937-September 1940: Gymnasium in Rottweil at Korntal Would Education major: have studied medicine but war intervened 10th Flying Regiment. Eastern Front 2 September 1943: CO. 9 Sqdn. Zerbst-Anhalt : 20 August 1942: Fighter Supply Group. Berlin-Gatow : November 1941 Pre-fighter School 2. Eastern Front November 1944: CO. Ukraine and the Caucasus regions. Lachon Speyerdorf March 1942: Fighter School 2. 6 Sqdn. 1 October 1940 Chronological list of stations: First station 1 1 1 1 and date of reporting: October 1940: 10th Flying Regiment. East Gleiwitz/Oberschleissen 10 October 1942: 7/III/JG-52. Herbert Rollwage: Top Jet down (day fighters) — 102 victories (44 of them four-motor bombers) four-engine killer (night fighters) tories Top of four-engine aircraft shot — Major Heinz Schnaufer: 121 vic- (mostly four-engine) Ace of World War II (Me-262) — Major Heinz Bar: 16 victories .APPENDIX Chronological 297 list of dates of promotion: First Lieutenant: 1 July 1944 September 1944 Major: 8 May 1945 Captain: 1 Lieutenant Colonel: 12 December i960 Colonel: 26 July 1967 awarded Knight's Cross: 29 October 1943 awarded Knight's Cross and Oak Leaves: 2 Date Date Date Date March 1944 awarded Knight's Cross. Werner Moelders First to score 1 of 00 victories — Major Werner Moelders 1 5 : War I score of July 1941 — Major Gordon Gollob: 29 August 1942 First to score 200 victories — Capt. WORLD WAR Top Ace of World War II — Major Erich Hartmann: 352 victories Top Night Fighter Ace of World War II — Major Heinz Schnaufer: II 121 vic- tories Top German Ace ders: of Spanish Civil War (1937-1938) -Lt. Swords and Diamonds: 25 July 1944 TOPS AND FIRSTS-LUFTWAFFE. Guenther Scheel: 70 missions. Oak Leaves and Swords: 4 July 1944 awarded Knight's Cross. 13 victories Most kills scored on the Western (includes Mediterranean) Front — Capt. Erich Hartmann: 24 August 1944 First to score 350 victories — Major Erich Hartmann: 4 April 1945 Most kills scored in a single day — Major Emil Lang: 1 8 victories Most kills on a single mission (sortie) — Major Erich Rudorffer: 6 November First to score 1 50 victories : 1943. Hermann Graf: 2 October 1942 First to score 250 victories — Major Walter Nowotny 14 October 1943 First to score 300 victories — Capt. Hans Joachim Marseille: 158 victories Most kills scored on the Russian Front — Major Erich Hartmann: 352 victories Best kill average per sortie flown (day fighters) — Lt. 71 victories (Russian Front) Top fighter ace for number Lt. Oak Leaves. Werner Moel- 14 victories World War II — Major Hannes Gentzen First German Ace First Ace to exceed Baron Manfred von Richthofen's World 80 — Capt. Ihlefeld. Rail. Ernst Wilhelm Rudorffer. 206 Josef 101 Guenther 275 174 222 Priller. Werner Steinbatz. Prinz Schroer. 9 Otto Liitzow. Josef Zu 83 (night) 114 99 176 66 162 102 (night) . Egon Miincheberg. Erich Lent. Walter Schnaufer. Erich Sayn. Joachim 135 123 Oesau. Gerhard 220 Bar. Heinz 258 Molders. 104 Gordon Gollob. Leopold Steinhoff. Adolph Graf. Max Helmut Werner Wilcke. 150 212 Hermann Hartmann.Wittgenstein. Wolf-Dietrich Wurmheller. Walter Ostermann. Swords and Diamonds Germany's Highest Military Award Knight's Cross with Name Victories Galland. Giinther Mayer. Reinert. Kurt Anton Herrmann. Hajo 192 Herbert 130 (includes 7 in Spain 267 108 102 (includes 5 in Spain) Hackl. Helmut Marseille. Johannes Streib. (includes 8 in Spain) 102 Hans Philipp. Hans Joachim 352 110 Werner 101 Nowotny. jet) 301 Wilhelm Batz. Kittcl.) THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 2 98 THE GERMAN LUFTWAFFE FIGHTER ACES-TOP AWARDS Oak Leaves. (16 with Me-2 62 237 112 Biihlingen. (102 at night) 158 121 (plus 14 in Spain) (all at night) Oak Leaves and Swords The Second Highest Award Knight's Cross with Name Victories Heinz Barkhorn. USA.gt: Sonderousgabe des „Frontnachrichtenblaftes der Luftwaffe" B/l/43 PILOTS' HANDBOOK OF ENEMY STRENGTH. 1943 /X Etng. 52 -5.APPENDIX 299 Nur Der Oberbeffehlshaber der Luftwaffe FUhrungsslab fUr den Pienstgebrauch Ic Errch Hartmann Weil im Bchonbuch Kreis Boblirtgen W vtbg Die Kriegsflugzeuge der Feindmdchte Teil II: Sowjet-Union Bilder und Leistungen (einschlieftlich brit u. handbook issued to Erich Hartmann in January 1944I . the booklet contained photographs of the Soviet. Stand: 1.: C5. Detail drawings showing the locations of armament and the vulnerable fuel tanks of several types of aircraft are on the following pages.1943 Briefrtttrlfd. A clever idea. Title page of a on the Soviet Front.0EZ. Lieferungen) 10. British and American aircraft most likely to be encountered in aerial combat. The Soviet answer to f the Luftwaffe's Stuka divebomber and the Ilyushin 11-2 was a highly effective close-support its vitals made it an almost imdown. this score including a number of the later models of the 11-2 extremely heavy armor-plating protection of possible aircraft to shoot known in some circles as the II-7. .THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 300 1L-2 = HJI-2 Schlachtflugzeug STORMOVIK. The bomber. Hartmann's first victory was an 11-2 on 5 November 1942. Between then and 7 May 1945 Hartmann shot down sixty-two 11-2 aircraft. He estimates another fifteen fell victim before the war ended. shot down eighteen Airacobras up to 29 October 1943." and they accounted well for themselves. They painted their airplanes red and called themselves "Red Guards.APPENDIX 301 Bell P-39 Airacobra Jagdeinsitzer AIRACOBRA. as is evident from his No. Over Russia the call "Airacobra! "was heard and dreaded by the Luftwaffe because the Soviets equipped a group made up of the best fighter aces with this type of aircraft. 1 logbook. Hartmann. . THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY SB-2 CB-2 isb-2m-ioo) Kampf. of Soviet forty of this type .und Aufklarungsflugzeu/ approxhnately SB-. Hartmann shot down twin-engine aircraft. Hartmann's log and it was his second it lacked maneu- the JG-52 records show his kill as a "MIG-i or MIG-3" and victory of the war. that and MIG-3 aircraft were being phased out at this time. The Mikoyan-Gurevich-designed Soviet fighter used early in Hartmann scored only one victory over the MIG-3. The MIG-i the war against Germany.APPENDIX 3°3 MIG-3 «= MHr-3 Jagdeinsitzer MIG-3. Maximum speed was about 390 mph. but verability necessary for aerial combat. . coming on 27 January 1943 over Amavir in the Caucasus. The Luftwaffe Groups based on P-38s in the vicinity the Eastern front met American-flown of Bucharest and Ploesti. However. a top speed of ^about 350 mph and lacking maneuverseemed doomed from the beginning. German bullets made toothpicks out of its Siberian birch frame fuselage and it still kept flying. this fighter twenty-seven Lagg-3 aircraft in 1943. . it could absorb a tremendous amount of lead. Hartmann shot down 49 LAGG-3. With ability. APPENDIX LAGG-3 305 JIAIT-3 Jagdeinsitzer . THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY LA-5 = JIA-5 1 f Jagdeinsitzer Kraftstoffmengen: Bihalter 7 - zusammen 2^ 20 mm je200 77<7 Z 5.5 ^ X "'t re at nsp Hartmam had gre 413 ™ph. December but .20 J MH Schufi LAGG-5 SOVIET FIGHTER. buzz along between y them 7 of managed to down seventy at 1 ^TBS ^ for these aircraft. Lagg. ™ pdots cap and the Russian with a radical engine as " top capabilities. in every sortie. cane. but since his second logbook guess shot how many down fell before his guns. is Hartmann occasionally encoun- He remembers combating still missing he The JG-52 records is the Hurri- reluctant to say or do not identify types . tered lend-lease.APPENDIX 307 Hawker Hurricane II C Jagdeinsitzer Merkunft: GB. Russian-flown aircraft. BRITISH HAWKER HURRICANE. A YAK-7 and was merely an improved YAK-i. according to his first logbook. later . mann shot down sixteen YAK-i and YAK-7 aircraft between 1 August and 9 August 1943. fighter. model was known as the HartIt was almost impossible to tell the difference between the two models.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 3o8 JAK-1 HK-1 Jagdeinsitzer YAK-i. f Russia's Alexander S. Yakovlev designed the "Krasavec" (Beauty) YAK-i T plywood and metal known early in the war as the I-26. they included P-39 Airacobra.200 were numbers delivered. in order of ." Russia received approximately 14. Curtiss P-40. victim to his attack but he shrugs says "only a few.APPENDIX 309 Super-marine Spitfire V Jagdflugzeug Herkunft: GB.700 lend-lease air- which over 6. Erich refuses to guess and fighter how many fell was another lend-lease opponent. North American P-51 "Mustangs. SPITFIRE. Of the total. Britain's famous Again." craft of fighters and. Hurricane. Spitfire. 8.000 were from Great Britain. E. C. G-16. D. all the G models listed above. In addition. . including Bf-iogG-7. all F of his and. G-14.THREE VIEWS OF THE BF-109G-5 (ME-109G). of course. he has flown the Bf-109-B. Hartmann flew combat in various models of the 109. andMEiogK-4. G-10. flaps. also known as a "Boston" or "Havoc. Acceptable Loss: Combat judged not to be high for loss results ob- tained. The "Liberator. Anchor: Apply in flight. Aerial forces in the air. in which an airplane is caused to make a complete roll about a line offset but parallel to the longitudinal . within the limits of affordable cost. Auger-in: A slang term meaning to crash in an airplane. bomber by Boeing. The "Flying Fortress. Combat: Combat between or among hostile on wing of an airplane. Anoxia: Absence of oxygen in the blood experienced by pilots while flying at high altitudes." Two-engined bomber by North American." Abort: Turn back from an aerial mission before completion. Sometimes written as "bale out. enemy maneuver aircraft." Balls Out: Full speed ahead! lating the speed of a Bandit: Pilot slang for an Barrel Roll: An aerial Taken from the centrifugal governor regu- steam engine. The Angle-off: target and angular measurement between line of flight of an aerial line of sight of an attacking aircraft. Airacobra: Nickname for the Bell P-39 fighter airplane. Aileron: Control surface Airstrip: Generally a landing field for aircraft.GLOSSARY A-20: Twin-engined Douglas attack bomber. The "Mitchell. etc. in an attempt to slow "Throw out the anchor' —reduce speed down as rapidly rapidly as possible. Attrition: The enemy ac- which includes ac- process of permanent loss of aircraft due to tion or other operational or defined causes." Four-engined bomber by Consolidated. Ammo: Ammunition. air brakes." B-17: Four-engined B-24: B-25: Bail or Bailout: The action of parachuting from an airplane. cidents. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY the chamber of a revolver revolves about the barrel. Some- axis, as times called a "slow Belly-land: To roll/' but the two are land an airplane on the landing gear. A its slightly different. underside without the benefit of skidding landing with no wheels, due to their having been shot away in combat or the lowering mechanism rendered inoperative. An Bird: airplane is a bird to a pilot. Blind Approach: Approach to a landing under conditions of very low visibility made with man Army, featuring armored forces and with these the aid of instruments or radio. Highly mobile form of warfare introduced by the Ger- Blitz, Blitzkrieg: new air between cooperation close fast-moving power. Old-style army units could not cope techniques, which led to rapid victories. Literally, "flash war"; generally, lightning war. B.O.B.: Battle of Britain. Boa Cumulus: A cloud around a mountain top. Boston: North American Aviation The Company twin-engine light bomber. A-20. Bogey: First sighting of an unidentified airplane in To Bounce: aircraft. Brassed off: flight. attack an aircraft or target on the ground from another Especially applied to catching an enemy pilot unawares. Slang for angry. Break!: "Break right!" or "Break left!" was a signal to an airborne com- rade to make an instantaneous turn in the direction indicated, a to avoid being shot down by an attacking enemy aircraft. Buck Fever: The tension and excitement experienced by a fighter pilot maneuver designed few combat missions. "Buck fever" usually leads to wild and missed targets. A fighter pilot no longer so afflicted is said to have conquered his buck fever. Burp Guns: Automatic machine guns usually carried by infantrymen. in his first firing To fly low over the ground. CAP: Combat Air Patrol. Buzz: Ceiling Zero: Atmospheric condition above ground is less than when cloud fifty feet to its height or ceiling base. Chomp on the Binders: To apply the brakes. Chop Up: To shoot up an aerial or ground target, the bullets tearing the target to pieces. Clobber: To crash an airplane; to destroy or damage an with gunfire. The pilot's seat and controls in an airplane. Cold Turkey: Without mincing words. Also, a sure kill. Cockpit: area or airplane GLOSSARY 313 A Condor Legion: volunteer air force made up from the Luftwaffe to gain experience in Spain in supporting General Franco, 1936-1939. Vapor trails or condensation moves through the air. behind an aircraft Controlled Interception: Friendly aircraft are directed to the enemy Contrails: as it by radio from a ground or aircraft or target A Control Tower: trails visible radio-equipped trained personnel to control air air station. an airfield manned by and ground traffic on or above the facility at field. To Court-martial: try or judge a Damaged: As claimed in person in a military court. combat, an aircraft claimed as partially de- stroyed but subject to repair. Deck: The ground, the cloud Deflection Shot: The level, or the deck of an aircraft carrier. angle of a shot in gunnery measured between the line of sight to the target and the line of sight to the aiming point. Diaterka: A prisoner-of-war camp near Sverdlosk in the Ural Moun- tains of Russia. Ditch: To force-land an airplane in the water with intention of abandonment. Dogfight: An battle aerial between opposing fighter aircraft. Aerial combat. Sometimes called a rhubarb. A Ejector Seat: seat designed to catapult at sufficient velocity to clear the airplane completely. Eleven O'clock Low: by a The clock position of a bogey or airplane sighted pilot. External Store: Any fuel tank, bomb, rocket, etc., attached to the wings or fuselage of an airplane. Fat Dog: Luftwaffe expression for large bombers loaded with bombs. Sometimes called "fat target"— a target of considerable value. Feldwebel: Flight Sergeant. Firewall: Fireproof wall between pilot means full throttle. Flaking: Loss of members of a flight ward before reaching the target. and engine, slang, "firewall the throttle" Flieger division: An of aircraft as they turn back home- air division. Fliegerhorstkommandant: Airfield commandant. Forced Landing: A landing forced upon an aircraft through mechanical failure or Four-motor: any other reason. A four-motor bomber. In erally the British Halifax, Stirling, World War II these were gen- Lancaster and Lincoln* Ameri- can four-motors were the Boeing B-17 Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator. THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 3M Fuhrerhauptquartier: Fiihrer Headquarters. Furungsstab: Operations Staff. l ull Bore: Full throttle or full speed ahead. FW-190: The Focke-Wulf single-engined fighter plane. Gaggle: A number of aircraft flying in loose formation. Gandy Dancing: an Skirting avoiding issue; confrontation with a problem. Gear: Short for landing gear, the wheels of an airplane. General der Jagdflieger: General of the Fighter Forces. General der Kampfflieger: General of the Bomber Forces. Generalstab: General Staff. The Geschwader: Luftwaffe. homogeneous mobile, largest A Wing. formation In the Luftwaffe a Fighter Wing in the (Jagdge- schwader) consisted of three Gruppen. Thus: A Wing consisted of three Gruppen (Groups) A Gruppe consisted of three Staff eln (Squadrons) A Staff el consisted of three Schwarms (Each Schwarm consisted of four (Flights) aircraft, and was divided into two Rotten.) (The Rotte of two aircraft was the basic tactical element.) Geschwaderkommodore: The wing commander. Usually a colonel or lieutenant colonel; sometimes a major; very rarely, a captain. Glycol: A thick alcohol, C 2 H 4 (OH) 2 , used as a coolant in liquid- cooled aircraft engines. Graf: German Gray Out: when for Count. Start of a blackout, the phenomenon a pilot experiences pulling G's on an airplane, resulting in the blood leaving his head and his sight Ground Loop: Loss becoming lost. of lateral control of an airplane making on the ground sudden change re- in sudden turn, a strut on the outside of the turn will break and the aircraft suffers considerable damage. A noseover or a somersault on the ground is not a ground loop, although it may result from a ground loop. Gruppe: A Group. Usually consisted of three squadrons. Largest sulting in the aircraft direction. Usually a (thirty-six aircraft) a wheel or gear individual operational unit of the Luftwaffe fighter force. Gruppenkommandeur: Group commander. Usually a major, sometimes a captain. Guards Fighter Regiment: A special group of Soviet fighter pilots selected from the best pilots. Hack: To tolerate something; also to accomplish something, or shoot another aircraft down, especially a big bomber. GLOSSARY 315 A German Hals und Beinbruchl: "Break your head and bones." saying which meant the opposite— good luck. Havoc: Nickname for the A-20 attack bomber. Head-on: A frontal attack. Heavies: Bomber aircraft of the four-engined type. Hedgehop: Sometimes called "contour chasing/' Flying very low over the ground, rising up over trees, houses, hills, etc. Hochschule: School at the college Horrido!: The victory cry of the Luftwaffe fighter pilots. Also a greeting and parting word among The level. friends and comrades of the Luftwaffe. and American cry of cry of the hunter. Similar to the British "Tallyho!" Hyperventilation: Excessive ventilation of the blood induced by rapid or deep breathing, often experienced by pilots while flying at high altitudes. Hypoxia: Insufficient oxygen in the blood at high altitudes. The Ilyushin "Stormovik" dive bomber used by the Soviet Air IL-2: Force. Inertia Starter: Hand-operated starter used to start aircraft engines. Inspekteur der Nachtjager: Inspector of Night Fighters. Inspekteur der Tagjager: Inspector of Day Fighters. Jabo: Abbreviation for fighter-bomber. Abbreviation of Jagdfuhrer, "Fighter Leader." Separate fighter com- Jafii: mands in each Luftflotte. Originally assigned a policy-regulating and observing role, Fighter Leaders later controlled operations and handled considerable administration. Jagdfliegerheim: A rest and recuperation spa used by the fighter pilots, located at Bad Wiessee in Germany. Jagdgeschwader: Gruppen Fighter of pilots wing. and Usually consisted From 108 to wing. Some were aircraft. up the establishment of a of 144 three or aircraft larger. four made See under Geschwader. Jagdstaffel: Fighter squadron. Jagerblatt: Fighter News. A periodical published by the German Fighter Pilots' Association. JG-26: Fighter Jink: Wing 26, known over Europe as "The Abbeville Boys." To jerk an aircraft about in evasive action. To fly or pilot an airplane. Slang name for "pilot." Jockey: Joy Stick: Slang for control stick of a fighter airplane. Jump: To attack an enemy aircraft. /V-44: The Me-262 equipped "Squadron of Experts." Kadetten Korps: Cadet Corps. Karaya One: Erich Hartmann's radio call sign. T f THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 3i6 Karinhall: Goering's estate on the Shorfheide, about twenty-five miles north of Berlin. Kette: Basic three-ship element used in early Luftwaffe fighter tactics, the counterpart of the RAF's three-ship "Vic" formation. Replaced World War Luftwaffe before in the II by the Rotte and Schwann formations; returned with the Me-262. commander. Kettenfiihrer: Flight KIA: Killed Kill: A in action. victory in aerial combat. Destroying an Does not Kite: An refer to the death of an enemy aircraft in flight. airplane. Kommodore: Abbreviation officer of a A Geschwaderkommodore. Commanding of wing. La: Lavochkin La-5. Lagg-y. enemy pilot. A fighter plane employed in Russia. single-engined Russian fighter plane designed by Lavochkin, Gorbunor, and Gudkov. Lead (rhymes with heed): The action of aiming ahead of moving a See "deflection shot." target. Leutnant: Lieutenant. The Lockheed Lightning: P-38, a twin-boom-fuselaged single-seat fighter aircraft. Lufbery Circle: other in enemy A formation in which two or more aircraft follow each flight aircraft. in circles Named developed the tactic in for in order to protect one another from Major Raoul Lufbery, American ace who World War Luftflotten: Tactical and Luftwaffe: Air force. The name I. territorial air of the commands. German Literally, air fleets. Air Force from 1935 through 1945. Lysander: A British two-place single-engined high-wing monoplane extensively used for An Macchi: army cooperation. Italian fighter plane manufactured by the Macchi Com- pany. Mack: The speed is Mach Marauder: of a body as compared name for the Officially known U.S.-built Martin B-26 medium signal of distress. as the Bf-109, Germany's most famous single- designed by Bayerische Flugzeugwerke engined fighter. Originally A.G. Augsburg. Called Me-109 in at which 1.0. Popular bomber. Mayday: International radiotelephone Me- 109: to the speed of sound, this book because it is so known by most Americans and is so referred to by virtually all German aces. The term Bf-109, while historically correct, is relatively unknown in the United States. GLOSSARY 3 17 Me-262: The Messerschmitt twin-engined jet fighter. Methanol: A colorless, volatile alcohol injected into an to give it MIA: Missing Mission: An aircraft engine a few seconds of additional power. in action. air objective carrying aircraft fly out a combat air mission; a number of x number of sorties (number of aircraft committed) to carry out a mission. Mustang: The North American Aviation Company P-51 fighter air- plane. Nachtjagdgeschwader: Night fighter wing, abbreviated as NJG, lowed by the number of the wing, e.g., NJG-6. Night Fighter: aircraft A fol- and crew that operates at night, the being provided with special equipment for detecting enemy fighter aircraft aircraft at night. NKVD: Russian Narodny Kommissariat Vnutrennikh Del, the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs. Nose Over: An moving on the ground noses over, tips over on its nose and propeller, damaging nose and prop. Sometimes it somersaults over on its back. This is not a ground loop, which is merely directional loss of control of an airplane on the ground. No Sweat: airplane Slang for "without difficulty." Oberkommando der Luftwaffe: Referred to as OKL, the Luftwaffe High Command. Oberkommando des Heeres: Referred to as OKH, the Army High Command. Oberleutnant: First lieutenant. Not to be confused with Oberstleutnant, lieutenant colonel. Oberst: Colonel. Oberstleutnant: Lieutenant colonel. O'clock: The out by position of another airplane sighted in the air was called its clock position from the observer, twelve o'clock being straight ahead; six o'clock high, directly server; behind and above the ob- nine o'clock, horizontally ninety degrees left of the ob- server. OKH: Army High Command. OKL: Open Command. High Command of the Armed Luftwaffe High OKW: City: A city of a belligerent Forces. power declared by that power to be noncombatant, and made so in order to avoid bombing or shelling from any of the combatant forces. OSSOAVIAKIM: of youths War II. Flying Association in Russia which gave thousands paratroop, glider and flying training before World «' THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 318 Overshoot: In air combat, to fly over or past the enemy plane when following through on an attack. A highly trained and experienced bomber crew that preceded the bomber formation to the target and marked it with flares Pathfinder: smoke bombs or RAF The for easy location and attack by the main force. frequently used Mosquito fighter-bombers in the path- finder role. Perch: Position of tactical advantage prior to initiating an attack on an enemy airplane. Photo Recce: Photographic reconnaissance. Port: The left side of an airplane facing forward. The right side is star- board. P.O.W.: Prisoner of war. Prang: Slang for crash or collision of airplane, also to crash-land. Also in RAF as in down an enemy airplane or accurately hit a target, "wizard prang"— meaning a successful operation. An Probable: With it slang to is instance in which a hostile airplane a "probable" considered so USAAF is probably destroyed. known whether it actually crashed, but badly damaged as to make its crash probable. it is not claims in aerial combat listed three categories: firmed destroyed. 2. Probably but unconfirmed 1. Con- destroyed. 3. Damaged. Prop: Rack: An abbreviation for propeller. To make a sudden, violent maneuver in RAF. Royal a fighter plane. Air Force. Recce: Abbreviation for reconnaissance. Recip: Abbreviation for reciprocating engine. Red An Alert: to alert that exists when attack by the enemy is or seems be imminent. Red Guards Fighter Unit: A regiment made up of the best Soviet fighter aces. Red Line: A mum speed of the airplane. Other red mark on the air-speed indicator flight showing the safe maxi- instruments also have a red line. Reef It In: Rev: To To change direction increase the rpm of flight violently. of an engine; to rev it up. Reverse: One-hundred-and-eighty-degree change of direction in Rhubarb: A flight. dogfight or the harassment of ground targets by a flight of A German term for aerial combat. mechanism, device, weapon, etc., that operates automatically. Trade name of a well-known German camera used to make sequence exposures of aerial combat and synchronized with the fighter aircraft's armament. aircraft. Robot: A space where A Split S: onto high-speed maneuver in which the airplane makes a half-roll its back and then dives groundward. Hawks: Stalinfalken. an element leader. Loosely. . Schwarmfuhrer: Leader of The Scramble: Scrub: To a Schwarm. The tendency Snaking: of an airplane to yaw in flight from side to side at a certain frequency.GLOSSARY 319 Roger!: Pilot language meaning "Received O. Consisted of three Schwarms. The from made top Soviet fighter de plume. or Close Support Wing. Shakhty Revolt: Revolt at the Shakhty prisoner-of-war camp in Russia. made up of twelve to fifteen aircraft. a weaving. The would enter a Lufbery above the ground and work IL-2's maneuver. A Sortie: flight or sally of a single airplane which penetrates into air- enemy contact may be expected. leveling opposite direction at a Stabs-Schwarm: A Staffel: his adjutant A make up normally fly off going in the lower altitude. four or five aircraft acting in a single flight. or mission. R/T: Radiotelephone. The left side is port. Three or sometimes four Staffeln up Stalin a Gruppe. Starboard: Right side of an aircraft facing forward. each aircraft flying is actually making a sortie. saint of the Luftwaffe fighter pilots and origin of the victory cry "Horrido!" Schiessschule der Luftwaffe: Luftwaffe Gunnery School. headquarters flight of three to the same type that and much the Geschwader." A Rotte: two-plane formation. radio transmitter. in the six aircraft. then descend to a few feet way home using the snake follow-the-leader maneuver for mutual their protection. While a single plane or any number of aircraft may go out on a mission. Snake Maneuver: A Soviet tactic developed to get the IL-2 Stormovik fighter-bomber home when attacked by German fighters. sortie. or Horridus: The savior St. circle. usually of The wing commander Stabs-Schwarm.K. action of getting fighter aircraft into the air quickly. Smallest tactical element in the Luftwaffe fighter force. cancel a flight. Schlachtgeschwader: Ground Attack Wing. or aces' nom Stalin Eagles. squadron. Schwarm: Two-Rotte formation. Rottenfiihrer: Leader of a Rotte. The SG-2 was commanded by famed Stuka pilot Hans-Ulrich Rudel. One mission may involve any number of sorties. Rottenfiieger: Wingman. giving the impres- sion that great hordes of aircraft were in the air. "Roger-Wilco" means "Received O. will comply.K. Because of their general nature and quick reactions. Stukatcha: Stool pigeon. Also called "chaff. etc. as ZG-26. Waffengeneral: Technical Service General. "destroyer." The name chosen for the long-range. Fighter wings consisting of lio's. Abbreviation for "Will comply" or "Will cooperate. Zerstorer: Literally." an airplane window it When dropped from cluttered radar screens. Tracer Bullet: flight of A bullet containing a pyrotechnic mixture to The Me-262 jet fighter airplane. aerial The lowest non-commissioned rank standing between the non-commissioned rank of sergeant and the rank of Staff Sergeant Unteroffizier: in the Luftwaffe. to Turbo make the the projectile visible. Wingco: Abbreviation for wing commander. Window: Metal foil strips that cause a reflection on radarscopes cor- rupting radar information.. or completely obscuring the radar screen. Tlirottle-jockey: name Slang for a Sometimes shortened pilot. Verbandsfuhrer: Unit commander. twin-engined Me-110 fighter. Me- Actually . Zerstorer geschwader: Destroyer wing." name of a German night fighter unit operating without radar aids in single-engined fighters." Strip: An aircraft landing field." In addition." Wilde Sau: Literally. Vic: AV formation of three airplanes. Derived from the traditional English Tally hoi: hunting cry. in essence The Luftwaffe fighter pilots called "Horrido!" which had the same meaning. eager to fight. to "Throttle-jock" or shorter yet to "Jock. Sometimes spelled "straff. Wilco: Radiotelephone word of acknowledgment." name Thunderbolt: Popular American pilots called it the Republic P-47 fighter airplane. Fighter: shoot under a target in combat. Windscreen: An airplane windshield. etc.. most fighter pilots are referred to as "tigers" in aviation circles. and expressed dive-bomber wings of the Luftwaffe. Undershoot: To land short of the runway. "Wild Boar. for the "Jug" Tiger: Eager pilot. A code expression called over the radio by a fighter pilot when he sights the enemy target. Ju-87's.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 3 20 Strafe: To dive at and machine-gun targets on the ground. ZG-i. 134-35. air 135. 139. 29 F. 27 World War II: (see also specific countries. 50. 132 uals) scor- Bansch (West German Defense Minis- Akmet-Khan. 103. I. and new German AF. 89. 132 Bachnik. 161-74. top ing ace in Me-262. 206 Bauer. of. criteria listed. 10-11. F. 91. 49 94. at Hartmann's wed- 153. 285 Allies (allied powers). victories.. 81 Berlin-Gatow. and surrender and treatment of . Alelyukhin. n9 ff -> 123-24. Dr. Gerhard (Gerd). 115. Air Force Military Training Regiment. Amavir. as group commander. 28. pared. Armament. 298 and postwar Germany.10 3> ff. 98. 145-46. 103. 59-60. 96. 99. for. 120. 202-3 Adenauer. 98. 115. Luftwaffe. 30. Air 29 Academy School. a leading ace with ding.. 157-58 Ackerman. 143-44 Berchtesgaden. 140-41. Germany. I. 157. defense. 104 Berlin blockade (1948). 133 (see also weather and functioning Gunnery). 311. 103. Luftwaffe. Battle of Britain. 28-29 7. 113. 296. career of. 119 ff. air combat: and awards. Colonel. Major von. 101-2. 198-201. 105. 92-93. 34 try official). 156. 113. 267 Air Academy School. 36-47. 94. 159. 171-73.. and "circus" fighting. 153. 3 11 Aircraft (see also specific planes nation): Russian and World War by desig- German com- 119-22 ff. A-20 Douglas Boston attack bombers.. described and praised. 101-2. 51 J1 4> xl 5> 55> 93^ 94. 9-11. Luftwaffe (BerlinGatow). 215. 57-58. Red Air Force. individ- bombings by. 171-73. 181-90 Batum. 55. 100. 48-49. 123 Battle of the German Bight. 201-2 war (1967). V. 124. a leading ace with 220 con- firmed victories. 109. reacne s 250 victories. 10. 277. 119-3 3. 124 255-57. 111. 170 and Ploesti oil fields Antifa movement. 98. A.INDEX Aces. 103. 92-93. 153-54 Below. 134 {see also specific individuals by name). 301 134-35. 95. 266-67.. RAF. 155. 28- . a leading ace with 237 victories. Konrad. 157-58. 132 Alhorn. 148-54 Baer. Jean. Luftwaffe. 271 Batz. 115. 95. 93. 131 decoration to. 101-2. Wilhelm ("Willi"). 280 Ardennes offensive. 108. USAF. 96-97. 157-58.. 135 Alexander. Baku oil fields. 267 Barkhorn. Heinz ("Pritzl"). 113. at Hartmann's wedding. 266. 28-29 II. 136. Sergeant. Airacobras (P-39's). Swords wounded. 272 Arab-Israeli Arkhipenko. 9-11. 66 Bad Wiessee. Sultan. 134-36 (see also specific individuals by name). 115. 312 Babak. . See West Germany (A-20's). 276 Children. 218 Chislov. defined. 124 Bonin. 1 1 113-14 Blcssin. 3 12 Bohemia. 48-49. Airport. 2 54-57 (see also NKVD). Hans. Fortresses). 182. 11. 156. Hartmann Buehligen. 125 Christian Democrats. dividuals. 13. "Bob. specific indefined. 28. 13. 1-8.. Kurt. 159.O. Valery.'s Cold War. trainer Bucharest. 173-74 Dolgikh. 270 Bdblingen. BT-NB 123 cists. quoted. Chkalov. 42. noff. 313 Crimea. planes). 37 Changsha. 66. air combat.W. Battle of. 239 Capito. G. Richard I. 182. Fas- Frank. 132 Boston attack bombers 132 charges. 189-90 Digora. Orje. Buzze. individ- uals). 103 313. 170.. A. 182.W. 312 Boyington. 133 Bogey. 180-90 and prisoners of war. 103 Dictatorships (see also Communists. 89 n. 234. Adolf. Hartmann and. 170. [. 193. 44 Dnepropetrovsk. 311 (plane). 29. 36. Harald von. See also Me-109 Gang. 175. 129 Closing the Ring (Churchill). 175. 108. 80 Dammers. 182 n Coal 103 Bonn government. 192 Ihiiidesliiftwaffe. 52." 93 Brainwashing techniques. 235 Bribery. 28 Diamonds 1. Hartmann on. 191-208. 184-87. Kurt. Bicycle Hans-Joachim. 182-90. 111-12. 250 German refugees.e. Lloyd M. 178.O. 263-65 37. Chubkob. 103 Dehumanization. 84 ff. Georges. 161 Czechoslovakia. Chinese Reds. 209-23.. 27. 13 (communists). F. 56-58 Carpathian Mountains. 276 7150. 16 Cherepovets prison camp. 199. 102. 37-39. 250-54. Braham. 177 B-17's (Flying 112. 176 161 Bucher. M. 171. Borcher. Tactics. 37. treatment by Red Army of. Communism 73> J". 88 Dnieper River. 216 Britain. Hubertus von. Knight's Cross award. Fighter Gunnery. Daimler-Benz airplane engines. 217-23 and Deutsch Brod. 18. Nazis). China. 132 Donets Basin. 34. 175-76. (see also Aces. 194. 142-47 Diaterka prison camp. 206 Canada. Wylene. P. 193 Caucasus Mountains. 154 Bobrov. 160. 2 55 Clemenceau.. 298.1 THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY BF-109. Peter. 13 on war prisoners mines. 161. escape from Russian German of 240 (see also specific countries. 189 Bohlen Halbach. postwar Germany. 194 Budweis. 27. air combat. 64 Duettmann. Adolf. 269-87 Busch. 155. 95. 48-49. zq n. Y. quoted. M. 93. V. 142.. and war crime NKVD 218-23. 270. 253 Bong. Birkncr.. Hartmann family in. use of. 103. 23-24 200-1. 224 Climbing spiral maneuver. war prisons 181-90 and. use by 171- in. Russian. Winston.'s in. 98. 268. 110. psychology of. Budapest. 161. A. Churchill. 189 China. A. 1 62. 224-37 Condor Legion. German P. 218 Buz7. 52. 88 Dogfighting. Briinn. to his 12. 103 Camp techniques for. Gregory ("Pappy"). 3H3 Dickfcld. 95. German war prisoners NKVD 311 B-24's (Liberators).. 66. 267. 103 Borovykh. 105. 132 21 100. pilots. 112. 244-47. . 15-18 in. Guentlier. 224- Briansk. Commu- nism. Geiger. 225-30 210. 52. 190. 98. Russian pilots and Flying Fortresses. present-day (West Germany). Luftwaffe. World War man Army). 52 nd 1st Wing. See also JG-52. army. 54 Hartmann Falck. See B-17's (Flying For- strength on. II (see Ger- defeat and surrender of.. 52. German (East tresses ) People's Republic). 232. Elbrus. planes). 27-47 pas- 146 (see 119-33. 98. 108. 241. Luftwaffe Cossack Division. and treatment 191-208. 95 ff. 134- II air 47. West Germany. 205. 116-18. 93 German Ewald. Swords decoration in prisoners of to. 159-60. Ilya. 248. Germany. forces Fighter Pilots' Fighter Pilots' School. in Russian prison camps and. 148. 269-87. specific countries. 9-11.W. 111. 219 (Luftwaffe). 202. bombing Galland. locations). II 77 Fighter tles. 152 Dogfighting. 119-33. 105 (see alco Adolf). 202-3 Famous Fighters War. Heinz. West German. allied Ehrenburg. evaluation of. 158. (see also Luftwaffe). Espionage. and Squadron Experts of (IV-44). 107.96. 189. 13." 124 Fiesler Storch Fighter pilots. 37 Elf's Night. 92-93. 209-23. Mt. 198 (plane). Nazism. Adolf. surrender of prisoners. Home. Rene Paul. Adolf. Sigmund. Russia of 222 2 (fascists). 191-208. 103 Fonck. 153-54. 120. 161-74. 110 (see also East Germany. Eagle's Nest. Air Force. 9. 13. 27 Fascism Hartmann's Geneva Convention. 2 38—54. 224-37. 158-60. 157. 105-18. 102. 181-90. See also 201. 119-33. German Federal Republic. 276- Wing (Fighter 52. 59-60. USAAF Mustangs and. and air combat strategy. 99. 274 F-86 "Sabres. 266-68. recruitment war by Russia for. war on. locations. 83-84 sim. August. 161 (see also specific air forces. 53. 148-54 9. 115 Air Force 269-86 (West Germany). 145-47. countries. Air World War (see Luftwaffe). 314 Eckert. See West Ger- many German Officers' League. and Reich Defense. 176-90. 126 Hitler. Wing See JG-52 52). 240. individuals). German Army. Dia- 59-60 of. 189. Hitler. Air Force. Otto. 129. 138-39 Eder Dam. 34. II. 151. Oldenburg. German war prisoners and.. 195. Major. 27. 190 Friedland. 253 I /JG-52 (First Group. 210.O. treatment of prisoners of war and. Luftwaffe). and postwar jets. 109. 209. 232 Freud.INDEX 323 175-90. 104 Front.'s (hunger). 259 FW-109 (plane). 105. 209 ff. 268. and postwar jets. to. locations (1944). *55> *57» l6l ~74> 298. 231-32. 161 with. See B-17's (Flying Fortresses) ff. worsening Luftwaffe situation East specific in- dividuals.. 198. of the 142. 269-86. specific bat- by country. in- dividuals F-84 jet planes. 146.95. 134. 51. 276-86 Foennekold. 56. 269-86 German Army. Second World 198. 238. 271-86 Force. Werner. Wolfgang. 222. Nazism. and. Fighter individuals. . 219. 87 8th Squadron mond award interview 202-3 Engelmann. Fortresses. 269 ff. Hitler and. specific air Germany. World War 55. 157. 27. Eastern (Russian) 119-33. Major. also Aces. World War II: and Ardennes offensive. World War F-104 "Starfighter" jet. allied bombing of. individuals. 216-17 Ellerbrock. 196 Escape. 109 Germany Food German P. 161-74. 159-60. 30 Glider Gang. 204-5. specific battles. 21 4> 22 5~3 character and personality described. 145. 314 Gryazovets prison camp. Russians evaluated. 134. William. 220 Gliding (gliders. 189 Goering. 209 Great Britain and the British Allies. Hermann. 202. an ace 212 victories. 155 Hartmann. 29-30. 18 ff. 177 Green. 211 Guards Fighter Regiments. 18- .. 15-18. Diamonds Graf. 250. Y.. first pilot to reach 200 victories. treat- U. 85-86. 119-33. P. 167-70. 65. Hartmann. 30. in 9. South" 296-97. reassigns Hartmann to JG-52. 20. war. Hahn.THE BLOND K N I G*H T oV GERMANY Germany Gunnery (cont'd) pre-World ment of War II. 94. parachutes to safety. 135. 34. 62. defined. 20-21. 13. 22. 102. 182. 158 Gollob. (see also RAF. 54. 133 Glinka. 9. for. 21. Swords decoration awarded to. 132 Golubev. 27. 9-11. 103 early son's Hartmann. boyhood and early education of. 159-60 Golovachev. 196-208. toward attitude 106-7. 260. Vasilii F. "Black Devil of the title given by Russians to. criticism of and difficulties in new German Air Force (West Germany). commissioned as Second Lieutenant in Luftwaffe. 261 aces of JG-52 and. 314 Guderian. 106. 21 Haeckel. and Antifa movement. Adolf. 281. Russian bunker puncamps. 12. 49-53. 12. Heinz. 62-63. and German surquests 8. 211-12. commands JG-52. 122-24. Boris Borisovich. N. and 1-7. 199.. 198-201. 132 Golubev. downs Russian YAK-11 for 352nd and interest last victory. breaks 200 air combat victories mark. 286-87. 103. > 13-14. 103 188 rape. 276-86. Hans ("Assi").. 259. early planes. A. 20-24.. Battle of Britain. prisoners of war by. 159-60. 180. 19-20. 15-27. 15-18. 142. 194. describes brother as a boy. 52. postwar jet and. 255-57. specific 175. West- ern Front.. 160. achievements in air against release. quoted. Diamonds award to. and son's marriage. as punishment for wartime 142. 5. 94-103. Erich: awarded to. 259. 104 Gulaev. with 249-50. 16-17. re- to 115. Gordon.S. planes). and son's interest in flying. 104-5 ( see a ^ so and decorations). G. 265. 132 Gul'tyaev. downed by USAAF P^i's. 198. Hartmann. 24. 201. 206 Grasser. 268. 181. 5. 132 Glunz. 52. "Bubi" nickname ishment Gratz. 102. 130. 191. 150-51. Alfred (brother). Otto. Dr. sive. 218. Russian Air Force. 78-93. 180. 146. 8-9. 56. anc* German sur- render. 24 Hartmann. 252-53 Gleiwitz. 282 Gunsche. 2 39 combat (air marksmanship). Bishop. Karl. and Erich Hartmann's release. 177-78. 132 to. ^ Glycol. Dimitri Borisovich. 15. awards biographical data (listed chronologically). 12. Alfred (father). Dr. 196. 259-60 Hals und Beinbruch. and 132 Hermann. 315 Hanging (s). labor 242 ff. K. 38. Viktor F. 102. 125. individuals. awards and decorations render. 157. 11. D. 78-93. 18-19. 125. 60. 314 Gnido. glider clubs ) . 9. 135. 107. 247. 182. 45... in gliders and 176. 274. Diaterka camp imprisonment of. 260. Elisabeth (mother). Joseph Paul. 277 Glinka. 103 Ground loop. 270-71. pre-World War II. 16-18. 98. Crimean evacuation. P. defined. a P" pointed leader of 9th Squadron. 132 Goebbels. 187. in China as a boy. 13. 27. 161 Grislawski. 153. death of. 49. Alfred. 127-28. as war prisoner of the Russians. 111-12. and Ardennes offen- 153-54. return Hartmann of JG-52. 247. possessed by. 87-88. USAAF and 233-37. 175-77. in- combat fame on xiv.. legendary combat cool- victories. Russians put price on head gunnery of. 32-47 ff. 202nd victory and is awarded Oak Leaf. leading ace with 352 94. planes. 79. ness of. 62. nix. 48 ff. 196-208. combat and in aerial scores and 336th ern Front. 110-11. and West Germany Air Force. promoted to (Russian 131. 142. mission with Rossmann. German surrender and. scores and marksmanship of. 13. skiing Kirov 31. Hartmann. 24. combat. 24-26 first (see also Galland and. 225-30. 242. (see also JG-52). 29-30. ace) and ability of.. 197. validity of confirmed combat victories. Ursula). 24-26. 238-54. 161-74. 55. 139. 205-8. 148. 226-27. 79. and German surrender. 1 ff. 238. establishes validity of his by. Eastern Front combat described 132. 31. 191-208. 224. 148-57. treatment of imprisonment Oak Leaves German Arizona. 158-60. trial on war criminal charges and sentencing by Russians. 187-89.. 284. 13. 11-12. 92-93. 48 ff. Erich (cont'd) 21.. xiv. 50-55. resistance to treatment and techniques by. 273. request to world governments for reform of prisoner-of-war codes by. and Graf prisoner-of-war camps. 247. Mustangs in 2 38—54. 42-47. 110-11. and Russian imprisonment of. 255. fellow to skeptics. 286. 52. Kuteynikovo camp imprisonment of. promoted to full Colonel. 96. gives 59. 238-54. 130. 40-42. 12. joins Luftwaffe. Hitler's hat prank by. 4. 180. 175-90 ff. 81-82.. 104-5. 274-76. 87 ff.. 197-208. ern Front of. Gryazovets ment of.INDEX 325 Hartmann. victory. 87 ff. scores 250th vic- and is awarded Swords to Knight's Cross. 6. last mission before surrender of Ger- many. marriage and Elf's celebration. leads Luftwaffe element. tactics 27186. "Wild Boar" as boyhood nickname for. 113-15 Hartmann. 5. Erich: aerial combat and success of). and husband's war- . represents West Germany on NATO Standing Committee. 206. to band in Arizona.. and husband's release from imprisonment. 269-88. victories characterization pilots' of. 8687. holds described worn camp by. forty-sixth confirmed period. 81. released from imprisonment and return home. 136. scores fifth victory. Peter Erich (son). to. aerial 87-88. 198-201. 62-63. NKVD 253-54. 56. of.58. fighter pilot training of. jet success of. 24. daughter. for fighter and strike forced feeding of. 156. 27. prisoners 274-76. Novocherkassk 198. scores 115th victory. 21718. 79. "My Personal Twist Regulations" by. 209-23. 134-37. Ursula ("Usch") (Mrs. 55. 56. First 107-8.. birth compared revolt. 112-15. Night 85 ff.68. on war by Russians. victory 290-92. 29-30 (see tactics in also Hartmann. scores East- creases aerial victory. 79. 250. 266-68. Erich Hartmann). 27- 61. Lieutenant. first meeting with wife. introduced to camp imprisonment Me-109. 209-23 ff. 256. 104-5. 113-15. hunger victories. 195-96. 147. of the camp imprisonment of. Knight's Cross Iron Cross award to after 150th victory. with hus- 274-76. and prison letters. 56. 114-15. 224-37. intuition for presence of enemy. in of Phoe- Polryshkin Hartmann. xiii- imprison- 1-8. wingmen and. 81-82. 218. 224-37. 11- 29-30. 211. scores 300th victory and receives Diatory monds award. 156. 27-30. 13. and postwar Shakhty decora- 78-93. 9. 10-11. tion awarded to. 78-93. war criminal charges by Russians against. JG"5 2 assignment on East- 238-54. in combat record of 352 air an all-time world record pilots. 225-37. Ursula ("Usch"). credits logbook of. Hitler scores fifty victories in sixty-six day in 206. 14. 60. 242. 94. Luftwaffe. 107. 216 Israel-Arab J Tell the war (1967). bombing a leading ace 141-42. 90 57 retirement 288 Hauer. 18 7 War bombers). 195 46. surrender Luftwaffe 102-3.. 266. 175Mustangs and. Dietrich 64-65. 116. Aces of the Luft- squadrons). account of Hartmann's 300th victory by. 66 I-16 Rata. specific 129 "Horrido!" 37. Juterborg. 64 ff. West 59. 97> 31 5. 280 n Truth (Hahn). 159 Honest John (Mahurin). 66 ff. 125. 199 plot against. Hart- transfer resists also Group and is reas- signed to. Aces. Oak ers Herleschausen. 8 I-151 Rata. 267. Carl. 6. aerial combat. jets. 8-11. Heinrich. Hartmann's fame in. quoted." Wing 52). of. Adolf. 121 51. time imprisonment. 106. I 34-37. 158-60 . 1J 6-i8. Diamonds award to Hartmann by. 68.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 3^6 Hartmann. 66 ff. an d Swords decoration to Hartmann. 142-46. Gunsche as adjutant to and cremation of. 121 JV-44. 48 112. I-153 Rata. 97 Wing War 77). 191. 115-18. 97. 166-67 Jiirgens. 197-98. Swords Iron Curtain. comes t0 power. treatment of prisoners of war by. 106. 95.. 32-47. 226. 44-46. 217-18. Sergeant.. 198. 103 individuals). Major-General Sir Percy. 33. and Hartmann's 300th victory. of. oho Diamonds. Soviet. ff. 203-4. 162 Squadron. Hobart. Luftwaffe. 2 39 112. World 92 Hungary. 78-93. marriage of. J 43» bomb 19. 157. 209-10. 104-5. 269 Hoffmann. 108-9 JG-71 Richthofen Fighter Wing. See Food (hunger) Attack (Kozhedub). Hrabak. 9-11. 107 ff. 116-17. tories. See also A-20 Douglas Boston attack bomb- 222. 21 ^> 21 7» "Havoc" (USAAF plane). Ursula (cont'd) Ihlefeld. commands JG-52. 258 Hero of the Soviet Union awards. Hungarian Group 90. Japan. Fighter specific groups. 196-97. I... Germany. 131 Himmler. 131. Jassy. 92. aces 94.. 52. 315. 95. USAAF War Diary entries of record. 89-93. 124. Gerhard. War II). II 210). 103 Hohagen. 224.S. 155-56 Hunger. (Dieter). Communists and. 115. 277-86 JG-77 (Fighter Wing World War JG-210 (Fighter 180 Ju-52 (World II. 161-74. leadership in. 252. 315 JG-52 (Fighter 158. 48 ff. 103. and U. 148-57. 9596. Luftwaffe. See 55. 155-60. 244 Iron Cross decoration. 89-93 dive IL-10. World War II aerial and. indi- locations. 92-93. 147. 103. 148- II Russian Informers. 87. 148. 115 (World IL-2 Stormoviks German AF. 205-8. 3. 109. 218 Horizontal maneuvering. Herbert. Me-262 and. with 125 vicand new German Air Force. 136-38. and combat with USAAF Mustangs. 125. Hein. Luftwaffe. 116- scription of. Me-262 and Leaves. 31. 128 JG-26 (Fighter Wing 26). 162. 110 Ju-87. mann 120 waffe. Knight's Cross. Gold Star to. tactics (World War Fighter II. 158 Hitler. 75. 97. 130 (see also viduals. Lieutenant. Hartmann's combat tactics against. Hartmann's de104-5. 197-98. 29. wartime reunions with husband. as most successful wing. Luftwaffe trans- port plane). 61. 124-25 121 combat (see II. 140-41. 165. 30. 7. 9 5. 32 Junger. Squadron of Experts. 144and Oak Leaves award to Hartmann. known as "Abbeville Boys. Shakhty camp revolt. scores 150th 62 after crashing. 62. and Hartuse of F-104. 55. A.. 316 Lufbery Circle aerial formation. camp camps G. 103. 50-55. 131. 100-1 Aircraft Corporation. 132 Kirov prison camp. N. 94-103. Walter 50. 285 Kamozin. air Karaya Front nicknamed "Graf (Count) Pun54. 155 Korean War. M.INDEX 327 Kalinovka. 61. N. individuals. locations. N. an ace with 203 Luftwaffe career World War of. 152. siege of. I. 132 94. 132 Knight Cross of the Iron Cross. 191-208.. Ivan N. 133 Kirilyuk. 132 Kuehl. V. 55. of. 266- Lufbery. See II Krasnodar. 123. 111. P. 95. Lipfert. 119 ff. 103. 6061. 52. 153. 282-83. 316. 241 Leningrad. 136 Klemm Kuban Labor Khlobystov. USAAF). 93. plane). 272. a leading ace with 197 victo- new German (Russian Lenin. 18 "Dad. 276.. 58. head. 132. 132 One (Sweetheart One. 93. 75-76.. Likhobabiyi. Gunther. 55. 10-11. 61. 26 Korts. Vladimir D. 159. planes. Krupinski. 97 Kubarev.. 78-93. Kuznetsov. destroyed. of Luftwaffe aces receiving. 100-1. 124-25. D. Otto ("Bruno"). 133 Helmut. General. 103 Kuteynikovo: of-war prisoner-of-war War II Russian fighter also Lightning (Lockheed P-38 fighter plane... 273 Lavrinekov. 157. 65. 34 Lagg-3 (World 27 (plane). Y. 100. 109 Lend-Lease aircraft. Squadron 7th Lagg-9 planes. F. 115 ("Count Punski"). prisoners of war by Reds in. 156. Raoul. 67 ff. treatment of U. victories. 33 Liberators. 63. 135.. 134-37. 36-47.. 148 ff.. Peninsula. 29. 124. victory. 314 Lagg-5 planes. 125 Kraznov. 108. See B-24's (Liberators) ries. 20923. 130. Berthold. 200-1 Klubov. A. 109 Air Force (West Germany).. 132 Konigsberg Neumark. M. decoration to. "Usch" heart painted on fuselage. a leading ace 298. 157-60 (see also specific battles. Gerhard. 51. Kamenets Podolski. destruction of Russian Air Force on ground . 192. F. 121. Likholetov. 197. 32. 132 Kotchekov. 134.. 300th victory. A. Swords). mann on 13. 140. 134 Krakau. Hartmann takes instrument course at. 238-54 Klingbeil. 158. 161-74. increasing fame on Eastern 78-93. 23. P. S. 81 Kharkov.. 62-63. Oak Leaves awarded to. Sergeant. 133 I. in 225-37 132 Lechfeld. 159. 66 48. {see also Diamonds. list combat slave labor S. specific planes Kolberg. V. V. N. 2 39 Korntal School. 36. 132 Lockheed ries. 230. 158 Lemberg. 195-96. units). 50. 28 Koldunov. at 64. 316 D. 115. Hartmann's plane).. 61 10. camps). Bridge- Russian prisoner- 75. at. with 108 victoSwords to Knight's Cross 298. 271 Krasnodar Aviation Club. 277. hospitalized after crashing. described by Hartmann. and combat with USAAF P-51 Mustangs. 206 Kittel. See also specific aircraft Luetzow (Liitzow).. Black Devil insignia on..." Captain. 59 Landsberg. aces and awards.. 175-80. 298 Koeppen. 136 Hartmann's wedding. 107. Poland. V. 92-93. recalls Hartmann's escape 67. 134-171. 132 Kozhedub. 1. 298 Oak Leaves. 7893. 218. 103 112. criteria for acedom in.. Luftwaffe base at. 26 ff. 60.S. Alexander. 316 Luftwaffe (World War II)." Kammhuber. 132 Komelkov. last mission. 31. 9. 92 ski. Captain. Kostilev. 50 Me. 170.. S. training in. 72. Joachim. 180. German 119-33 passim. 108. 318 Mossokv.. organization units). 49 Model. 108. 134 132 MacArthur. 134 General. Me-262 (World War II German 115 of. 193 Mariupol. 161-74. 215. See also Germany. victory. 32. Hartmann sentative of. 295. Swords decoration awarded to. 111-12 Me-iogD (World War II German plane). James. and 116.. 161-74 Lukyanov. 27. 148. 278. (Reich). Neubistritz prisoner-of-war camp. increase in production of.. 60 29 n (World 142. specific individuals Nellis AFB. Arizona. records of tops and firsts by. ability of. of Maykop. 52. Diamonds 158. crew chief's devotion to Hartmann. 134 ff. M. 32. jet 157-60. single- engined fighter plane). ing ace with 135 victories. 226-27 Makharov. 180-81 . 29. 272. 33 Marseille. 48-77. 219. 103 MIG-3 (World War I. 65-66. and Hartmann's 300th and. 84. 120. 32-47. 88 90th U. 98. 205-8. 39-40. 105. 96. Phoenix. 28 Nikolaev. 132 Miethig. and combat USAAF Mustangs. 128-30. 218 Mail. 59. Russian Air Force render Commando. 32-47. 161. 109. 108 ff. sur175-90.. 161-74 My Air Combats (Fonck). 281-82. 272.. Hans-Joachim. V. Walker M. 141. 250 Morgunov. downed. per111-12. 157.. 298. 29 Me-i09E4 to.109 (World War II German name of. 48 ff. 224. 162. Bf-109 as with Moelders. 273 Maramures II plane). and Soviet aircraft compared. surrender and destruction of. 314.. formance Werner ("Daddy"). Douglas. 189-90. as West Germany's repreon Standing Committee 284 Nazism (Nazis). 132 Mosquito fighter-bombers. 191-92 plane). 133 Mangum. Second Lieutenant. 71-72. War II German fighter plane). 131. Heinz ("Bimmel"). Infantry Division. 33. 36 n. 130. downed aircraft claims confirmation procedures. 209 Mohne Dam. M. 1 Mahurin. S. 126 National Committee. Nikopol. surrender. avoids Russian captivity. 212-13. General. searches for Hart- after he is Luganskii. 1 79 n. V. 298 Mustangs (USAAF P-51's). 178-79. 130. 206. 42-47. 203. 79. N. 197-98. postwar ca271-72. 176. USAAF Mustangs to. 121. 124. 51. of. 27476 S. locations. 276 Neukuhren. 117 prisoner-of-war camp.. Diamonds awarded 135. 32. 178-79. 142. a lead- 161-74. Karl. 128-30. 276. 55. 280. D. 146. of.S. ft. Mass Miller. 284. 65 ff. 62. quoted. 71- ff. 157-60 Merschat. 28-30. 182.. 115. 78 148 (see also specific individuals. 37 Mertens. 317. weather and flying ability of. 211. 148. mann 140. 21718. Test (June 1941) by. Eastern (Russian) Front activ- ity of. compared reer of. 120. as work horse in emergencies. 131 Miincheberg. pilot training in. Rudolf. 34. bombing 95. MIG-15 115. 198 NATO. 146. 59-60 Molotov. 252.. 192 Psychology The Fascism.r r THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 328 Luftwaffe (cont'd) xiv. 35. 190 official jets. posthumous award to. prisoners of war and. ("Bud"). 63. 81. Hartmann and Luftwaffe in combat with. 75-76 Luke AFB. 177. 79-81. 142 Marx. Russian fighter Mineral'nyye. 39-40. 134. 263-65. Orel. 27. 201 Popkov.. 134. 272. 2 43~ 36 P-2's 135. 132 victories. ("Sacha"). U. 247. 182-90. 204-5. 224-37. 224-37. reaches 200 victories. World many War II surrender of Ger- and. Luftwaffe). reaches 250 victories. 256 Nowotny. 133 Pokryshkin. (see also specific bat- 123. 221 Proskurov. raises air combat record to 250 victories. 210. 218 n 123 317 Puis. Politburo. 198. 190. 115. 87-88. 2 38— 54. biography and career as Russian ace of. Walter ("Guile"). V. NKVD 219. 115. 13. Ursula. sance planes). 112. 129. 132. P. Mr. an ace with 120 victories. 202-3. 198 Pavlushkin. 285-86 Partisans. 250. ff. 119. Walter. 275 94. 73> 3ii P-47's (Thunderbolts. 217. 238 ff. North Korean Air Division. 171- tles. and. Y. 108.. Oldenburg. planes) Guenther. 220. 298 104-6. 40 Propaganda (propagandists).S. See Hartmann. allied I. 124. A. 224-37. 115. 66 Punishment of war Ostrowiez. 98. 274-76 wounded. individuals. 91. II Russian reconnais- prisoners. 103. 99. Hartmann given command 181-82 Cub Piper planes. 218-23. (JG-52. 115. Russians and. and war crime of war. with Hartmann. 157-58 World War II. General. RAF. 190. 61-62. 25 Paetsch. and Mrs. 198-208. 94. 263. NKVD and. xv. 221. 210-11. 264-65. 202. Swords decoration West German Pilipenko. Obleser. Diamonds decoawarded to. 89.. 286 Prager. 250. 111. Wahn. 132 Ploesti oil fields. 135. 215-16. 92. Field Marshal von. prisoners of war and. 136. 95. Portz 2. described and praised by 98-100.. M. Arizona. 280-81. and Air Force.. 183-90 . 139. 161-74.. charges. 224-37. to. 88- Rape. of. re1-8. Russian treatment of. a leading ace with Phoenix. 132 Rail. 108. 218-23. Ursula Panitzki. 4. 142. 135 Wilhelm. N. flies 89. 87. Hartmann.. 59-60. psychology after release of. 95. 191-208.. 316 139.. II). 181. S. against. a leading ace with victories. P-39's World War (Airacobras). See Nuremberg 272-73 Pisek. 124 Novocherkassk prisoner-of-war camp. 120. brainwashing of. charges 135 OSSOVIAKIM. 2 3 8 ~54 Prokhladnyy. 52-53. lease ("Fritz"). Peat-digging. 178. 92 Pueblo. Geneva Convention and. Russian. 224-37. 135ration Oak Leaves to Knight's Prisoners of war. 70. 10.S. Friedrich Cross awards. 3.. 145 Paulus. 176 Paetsch. 102. 135. Lieutenant. 8. 209-23. 180. 195 Pieck. 189. M. 132 44> 2 47 Prague. 57-58. brainwashing techniques used by. 171 215 trials. Pokryshev. 320 P-51's (Mustangs). 259. 270. 276-77 (World of. I. 121. 123 air combat 202-3. 139 War war 255-68. 183 Pivovarov. Lieutenant-Colonel. 209-23. 78. 198 I. USAAF). 2. 266-67. 125-31 125-31. 103 Oesau. of. 96. criminal 217. 317. and prisoners 238 Pilsen. Alexander 224-37 NATO bombings 161. 162 North Atlantic Treaty Organization.INDEX 329 9th Squadron 107 ff. 62 NKVD. 171 (Lightnings) (USAAF fighter 22 5> 2 3 2 "37> 2 3 8 "54 P-38's plane. 91-93.) lx 4> See Russian Air Force.. 268. A. 64. 201 Schuttenhofen prisoner-of-war camp. 89.S. 119-33. A. 117 n Schoerner. 181. 105 Roman. quoted on war. 46-47. 2. Red Air Force. World War II. 142. Russian Army. 181-90. 156. 66. 193 Rumanian Front. der. 215. 2. II.. 190 Reich Defense. 38. 62. quoted. 103 Schnaufer. Luftwaffe. Union Russian Air Force. 119-33. destruction on ground by Luftwaffe (June and 130— ability of. (see also Eastern Front. Sexual excesses.S. 181. 154 Schongau.. World War II prisoners war and. 48. 161 57-58. 280. 48 1 ff.. aerial II ^ » U. quoted. hemia.Break. 244. 190 "See . 132. 238 World War 62. 54. 87. K. 78 Ruhr. 6-7.R. defined. 110. 121 Russian Army. 199 n Semyonov. 78 ff. 134 and. General von. 245. allied bombings of. World War 246 ff. Rumania.S. 91. 248 Ryazanov. Rostov. Rumanian Communists. British. Recce. 78-93. specific planes). 48. 182-90 Reich. 103 Schmidt. 182 villagers. 117 Roosevelt. 54. 11. (Russian) battles. 129-30. development of. 56. 135. 148 Riele. Hans-Ulrich. 318 Rechkalov. Heinz.Attack . World War II. 47. Heinz. 109-10. See RAF Rudel.. captured by Russians. 209 Russian Front.Decide . 13. 246. 134. 238-54 Shaw. 178. 34 ff . 216. Germany. II treatment of. Alfred. 200. 103 Sandowiez. 22-23. Regensburg. 50-51 Sevastopol. defined. prisoners of USAAF 1941). Maramures camp run by. 132 Richthofen Rickenbacker. 171-73. Rockets. 119-33. 49. Lieutenant. 151-52. See Russian Air Force Red Army. Eduard "Paule." Hart- mann air tactics. 49. 51. prison Soviet (Stalingrad war judge). preparedness 31. 257 Rottweil School. 61. 114. Eddie. 139 Rossmann. 113. 277-86 war and. N. 267 16th U. reorganization of. 191-208.. 182-83 Schwarm. and German prisoners. See East- (Russian) Front ern German 2 77 Russian Wing. Sighet. 195 Germany and World War II. 47. pilot training in.. pilots. Hartmann's fame with. 84 Seidemann. 135. 145-46 war and. Franklin D. prisoners of war in World War combat tactics of. noff. 117 Rossbach. West German Air Force. Manfred von. Heinz. 108 ff. 6. 144. 6 4. 72 n. prisoners 108 ff. 128 Sergeants. Wilhelm. Richthofen. Bo- 7th Squadron. 37-47. and German surren- 175-76. 219-20 II World War Refugees. 183-90 Seydlitz. 183 Religion. Franz. dogfights with allies by. Erwin. Arthur. 64. 132 . 156 Schumann man to. 40-47. 98. II. 111. General. 51. 101. 175.. flying. 165 Rommel. Luftwaffe.. World War combat 161-74 on. 219-21. 92. Union. 48-77. 314 SD. Armored Division. 2 7 Royal Air Force. (Soviet 10 9 81-83. See Russian Army Red Cross. 180. 176. Ilartmann wing- as 39-44.THE BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY 33° Rata War (World planes Russian II 121 fighter planes).Wolfgang. George Bernard. Schall. 177-78. 245. 59-60 Russia of Sachsenberg. 54. and surrender and treatment of German prisoners. 181 Skomorokhov. M." 39-44. General. 193 Simpfendorfer (Hartmann's school- teacher). 198 Shakhty prison camp. of revolt in. G. 49. aces of. 134. 272 Stormoviks (Russian AF World War bombers). 198. Russian Russian Army. 255 ff. servicemen as prisoners of war. increase Strakonitz. specific (see also Force. lo- II 66 > prisoners of II and. 27. 44-46. Uman.. Leon. 104 Torture. Pokryshkin's. 274 Toliver. Spitfires. 103. 10. 178-84. and Russian. 159.. 33 Stalin 274 combat jet. 95. tactics man World War 239. Gerin. 274 tacks on. 121. Gunnery). 120. 103 Treppe.S.. Soldatskaya. bombings 171-74. 267. 50 decoration. 181 274-75. pilots. 255-57 Space race. 127 United States Army Air Force (USAAF).. 153-54. 99. 186. Rudolf. 119-33 (see Force). ff. in. 83-84.. Germany Air Force. 209 20th U. 217. 313. 109 ff. 51. 198 Steinbatz. 46 Trotsky. Air Force and. See also Kuban Teheran Conference. planes). Russian air achievements I. 217. and West Steinhoff. 1 5°» 1 51 » Russian treatment of prisoners and. and achievements.S. 282-86 United States Army. (World War West Germany II). quoted. 109. cations. 216. 66. 1 58— 60 Joseph. 8 9~93> 97» 112 H4~ l6 > mann's combat 66 ff. 173-74. 244 Storch (plane). Arnold. German 230 157-58.. 108. 50 Raymond. 52. 157. 92. Hartmann's behalf Stalingrad. 50. 132 Second Lieutenant. 64. 161-74. 264 Suicides.INDEX Snap-roll aerial maneuver. 106-7. 182. 119-20 Spanish Civil War. air Sturm. World War II. 126-31 Taman Kuban. and Eastern Front Red Air Force war. 37 Sommer. 1 ff. 107 ff. 105. 161-74. and Ardennes offensive. 282. 117-20. 97-98. Leopold.. 96. 129 Swords (Schwertern) 115-18. 89-93. and German 152. 119-33. 50. 176. 36 ff. and compared 124. U. and prisoner-of-war camps. Hawks. Germany. 44-45. 266. to. letter of appeal Stalin. 155. 97. 181. 97. 202-3 Third Army. 51. Stepanenko. air Soviet Union Air NKVD. by. JV-44. 259. and Lend-Lease program. and dogfights with Russian Air Force allies. 103 ("Macky"). 102-3. See also JG-52 Thunderbolts (USAAF P^'s). 182- 191-208. locations). and release of Hart- 90. 95. Heinrich. 191 ff. battles. 210-11 Toynbee. 32. 284-85 (see also under Hartmann. 50 T-33 Souvenir wristwatches. also Russian German World War air- and Air surrender. 38 n. 127 Sytov. U. 135. 102-3. 215 Tempelhof. 112. 103 Stuttgart. 108 Squadron of Experts. 37 dive United States (see also United States Air Force. 222. 272-76. 255 German World War II at- Hartmann (see also on. individuals. Stukatcha. 181 Tactics. Colonel von. 27. 258. Tactical Fighter Wing. 161-74 61. 3*9 Ulbricht. 175-90. 182. H^- 134 32-33. Slavyanskaya. N. III/JG-52. 320 Timoshevskaya. Johannes 52. 132 I.S. 14546. postwar. 3 J 5. 225. Stiebler. 154. craft. First Lieutenant. 175-90. 218*9> 2 39 . 203. 119. United States Army). 177 Stuka dive bombers. Walter. II. 284 Stool pigeons. 92 surrender. 171. 123. Trenkel. NKVD use on prisoners of war. 127-28. on 249-50. Erich). Captain. 298 Sokolov (Russian fighter pilot). war (see also specific battles. 69 See also Stool pigeons 7. pilots. mann. 203. 157. N.. 99. against. V. 103 War crimes charges. 247 Wolf. ^S-l 6 YAK-9 (World War II Russian fighter plane). 238. General. Hartmann's return after Russian imprisonment to. 269-87. Helmut. A. 266-68. 202-3 243-44. 277 n Weil im Schonbuch. 162 Zilistia. 103 . 94. Air Base. 202-3. 112. M. Poland. Lieutenant. career of. 103. 156 Vertical air maneuvering. 132 30 110. 217. Colonel. 123. Air Force. 202-4 7. 911. 49. 99 Waldmann. 38 n. Captain. 81-82. an ace with 133 victories. 238-54 Warsaw. Second Lieutenant. 37 Wolf rum. 132 surrender and of. 19 also Allies West Germany (Federal Republic II 221. 162 Wester. as 181 of Ger- Zwernemann. See also United States Army Air Force Uvarov. 52. 112 Zelenkin. 20. 136 Weather. 134. 178. prisoners. German treatment by Russians Vorozheikin. 181- 90 Wahn Wristwatches. 88 Zarnesti. Geneva Convention and.. Western Front. A. 24. 93.THE BLOND KNIGHfT OF* GERMANY 332 United States Army Air Corps. 1 7 1 "73» sou- 82-83. 66 Yevstigneev. 252-53. 255-68 Wiese. Herbert. World War YAK fighter planes. Sigi Graf. 222. 21. 155. K. Josef. 255. See Zogling 38 (glider). 238. 129 Vienna. 29. Franz. 232. 202-3 Van de Kamp. 9-11. Hans. M. 103 Van Camp. Zerbst. 97-98 Woerner. Johannes ("Kubanski Lion"). 192-93 Vietnam War. release of prisoners. 239 der Schulenburg. venirs.. Wolf. 180 Von many). 260 Woidich. World War II air combat op224-37. Walter. 110. 66. 19. 259. Will. 11-12. crating effectiveness and. 103 278 Women Vlasov. 260-68 Zaporozhe. 25568.. 94. 66. 132 79-81 Wehnelt. 236. 161. and release of prisoners of war. 32. 18. Shakhty revolt and. Colonel. 105. 101-2. Notes . . . . . BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY blondknightofgerOOtoli t blondknightofgerOOtoli blondknightofgerOOtoli of** Boston Public Library COPLEY SQUARE ARY The DateT5ue^af^iHBITpocket indi- cates the date on or before which this book should be returned to thf Please do not remove cards pocket. ibrary. i s . . Pa. 17214 Send for FREE TAB Catalog describing over 750 current ISBN titles in print.S.BLOND KNIGHT OF GERMANY RAYMOND TREVOR F. TOLIVER AND CONSTABLE The fascinating biography of the most successful fighter ace the history of aerial warfareErich Hartmann whose 352 victories amounted to more than six times those of the top U. J. ace! in Blue Ridge Summit. D-fllbfl-Mlflfl-fl ) . 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