Helmut Lipfert
World War II
- Invasion of Poland
- Battle of France
- Eastern Front
- Operation Southwind
- Operation Spring Awakening
Helmut Lipfert (6 August 1916 – 10 August 1990) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace and recipient of Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. Lipfert ranks as the world's thirteenth fighter ace.[1] Lipfert was credited with 203 victories achieved in 687 combat missions. All his victories were claimed over the Eastern Front and included a P-51 Mustang, 41 Yakovlev Yak-1, 41 Yakovlev Yak-9 fighters, two four-engine bombers and 39 Ilyushin Il-2 ground-attack aircraft. He was shot down fifteen times, without being injured.
Early life and career
Lipfert was born on 6 August 1916 in Lippelsdorf, present-day a borough of Gräfenthal, at the time in Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, as part of the German Empire. Following the compulsory labour service (Reichsarbeitsdienst), Lipfert joined the military service with Nachrichten-Abteilung 37 (37th Signals Battalion), a unit of 1st Panzer Division on 3 November 1937.[2]
World War II
World War II in Europe had begun on Friday, 1 September 1939, when German forces invaded Poland. Lipfert, who held the rank of Unteroffizier (sergeant), participated in the Invasion of Poland and in the Battle of France as a member of the 1st Panzer Division. In early 1941, he transferred to the Luftwaffe where he trained as a fighter pilot.[Note 1] He was promoted to Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel (officer cadet) on 16 June 1942 and to Leutnant (second lientenant) on 1 August 1942.[2]
Lipfert was then posted to the Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost (Supplementary Fighter Group, East) based at Saint-Jean-d'Angély, France and then via the Frontleitstelle Krakau, front dispatch center based at Krakau, to 6. Staffel (6th squadron) of Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing) on 16 December 1942.[Note 2] At the time, JG 52 was based on the southern sector of the Eastern Front in the vicinity of Stalingrad.[2] His 6. Staffel was commanded by Oberleutnant Rudolf Resch and subordinated to II. Gruppe (4th group) of JG 52 headed by Hauptmann Johannes Steinhoff.[3] The Gruppe was based at an airfield near Morozovsk and fighting in the Battle of Stalingrad.[4]
Eastern Front
On 18 December 1942, on one of his first combat missions, Lipfert made a forced landing in his Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 (Werknummber 14154—factory number) due to engine failure.[5] He is remembered by contemporaries as a consistent, professional pilot and leader. He withdrew often from squadron mates into long periods of contemplation.[1] On 22 January 1943, III. Gruppe moved to an airfield at Rostov-on-Don.[6] There, Lipfert claimed his first aerial victory over a Lavochkin La-5, a radial engined fighter aircraft, on the 30 January, near Malaya Balabinka, approximately 80 km (50 mi) east of Rostov-on-Don.[7]
On 20 March 1943, Lipfert was appointed acting Staffelkapitän (squadron leader) of 4. Staffel (4th squadron) of JG 52. He replaced Leutnant Wolf-Dieter von Coester in this capacity who had been killed in action that day. Following the death of Oberleutnant Karl Ritzenberger on 24 May, Lipfert was transferred to take command of 6. Staffel (4th squadron) of JG 52. He was succeeded by Leutnant Heinrich Sturm as commander of 4. Staffel.[8]
On 8 October, he shot down five Russian aircraft (kills 30 to 34). Four more are shot down on 5 December and his score raises to 72. By the end of 1943 his victories total had reached 80. On 5 April 1944, his 90th air victory had won him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). Six days later, 11 April 1944, an "all-white Sturmovik" provided him with his 100th aerial victory.[9][10] He was the 69th Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.[11]
The last Germans had to evacuate from Crimea in May, retiring to Kherson. There, the Luftwaffe Gruppen were subjected to near-constant Soviet bombing raids, and Lipfert's 6./JG 52, in particular, lost a number of aircraft.[9] On 11 June 1944 he destroyed his first United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) four engined bomber, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress north-northwest of Tătăruși, his 127th aerial victory.[12] Two weeks later, on the 24 of June, he downed a Consolidated B-24 Liberator over Ștefănești in the historical Romanian region of Moldavia ("victim" number 128). His 150th claim came on 24 October 1944: a Yakovlev Yak-7 over Feherto, Hungary.
Group commander
Lipfert was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53—53rd Fighter Wing) on 15 February 1945.[13] He thus replace Hauptmann Erich Hartmann who had briefly led the Gruppe after its former commander, Major Jürgen Harder, was transferred.[14] Command of 6. Staffel of JG 52 was given to Leutnant Heinz Ewald.[15] At the time, the Gruppe was based in Veszprém and had been fighting in the siege of Budapest, where German forces had surrendered on 13 February. The Gruppe then supported German forces in Operation Southwind, eliminating the Soviet bridgehead on the west bank of the river Hron, predominantly fighting over Esztergom.[16] On 20 February, Lipfert was ordered to move the Gruppe to Piešťany, located approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) northeast of Vienna, where they arrived the following day.[17] The following day, I. Gruppe again flew combat air patrols over Esztergom. That day, Lipfert claimed his first two aerial victories with JG 53 when he shot down a La-5 and Yak-3 fighter, taking his total to 181.[13][18] By 25 February, German forces had eliminated the Soviet bridgehead west of the Hron. That day, I. Gruppe flew combat missions to Zvolen (Altsohl). On a morning mission, Lipfert claimed a Yak-9 fighter shot down.[19]
On 26 February, water from the Váh started flooding the airfield at Piešťany. The airfield had to be abandoned and I. Gruppe first moved to Pápa before returning to Veszprém on 28 February. [20] Lipfert claimed his 183rd aerial victory, an Il-2 ground-attack aircraft, on 8 March. The following day, German forces attacked Soviet position on both sides of Lake Balaton during Operation Spring Awakening.[21] Supporting this operation, I. Gruppe flew many missions to the combat areas near Zvolen and Székesfehérvár (Stuhlweißenburg). On 11 March, Lipfert shot down a Yak-3 fighter near Sárbogárd and another Yak-3 near Siófok. From 12 to 17 March, I. Gruppe continued fighting in the vicinity of Székesfehérvár. In this timeframe, Lipfert claimed his 186th aerial victory on 13 March, his 187th and 188th on 14 March, and his 189th on 17 March.[22] On 20 March, with Soviet forces advancing, ground combat shifted to the area north of Lake Velence and to Székesfehérvár. Flying his second mission of the day, Lipfert shot down two Il-2 ground-attack aircraft, the first near Székesfehérvár, the second near Várpalota.[23] On 22 March, the airfield Veszprém was taken by Soviet forces and the Gruppe relocated to Pápa where they were joined by the Stab (headquarters unit) of Jagdgeschwader 76 (JG 76—76th Fighter Wing).[24]
On 5 April, I. Gruppe moved from Fels am Wagram to Brno.[25] Three days later, Lipfert claimed his 200th aerial victory in the vicinity of Hainburg an der Donau, west of Bratislava.[26] He flew his last and 687th combat mission on 16 April, claiming a Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter shot down, taking his total to 203 aerial victories. The next day, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub). He was the 837th member of the German armed forces to be so honored. The presentation was made by Generalleutnant Paul Deichmann, commanding general of I. Fliegerkorps (1st Air Corps), on 17 April.[27][28]
After the dissolution of I./JG 53, Lipfert was transferred to 7./JG 52, until the end of the conflict. He claimed 27 unconfirmed victories. After the end of the war he was not turned over to the Soviet forces.
Later life
After the war, Lipfert became a school teacher, and was seldom seen by his war comrades. He died on 10 August 1990 in Einbeck.[27]
Summary of career
Aerial victory claims
According to US historian David T. Zabecki, Lipfert was credited with 203 aerial victories.[29] According to Spick, Lipfert was credited with 203 aerial victories claimed in approximately 700 combat missions. All of his aerial victories were claimed on the Eastern Front and includes two USAAF four-engine bombers claimed over Romania.[30] Mathews and Foreman, authors of Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims, researched the German Federal Archives and found records for 200 aerial victory claims, plus six further unconfirmed claims. This figure of confirmed claims includes 198 aerial victories on the Eastern Front and two on the Western Front, including one four-engined bomber.[31]
Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = Planquadrat), for example "PQ 08693". The Luftwaffe grid map (Jägermeldenetz) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude, an area of about 360 square miles (930 km2). These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area 3 km × 4 km (1.9 mi × 2.5 mi) in size.[32]
Chronicle of aerial victories | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This and the ♠ (Ace of spades) indicates those aerial victories which made Lipfert an "ace-in-a-day", a term which designates a fighter pilot who has shot down five or more airplanes in a single day. This and the – (dash) indicates unconfirmed aerial victory claims for which Lipfert did not receive credit. This and the ? (question mark) indicates information discrepancies listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike, Bock, Mathews and Foreman. | |||||||||
Claim | Date | Time | Type | Location | Claim | Date | Time | Type | Location |
– 6. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52 –[33] | |||||||||
1 | 30 January 1943 | 12:47 | La-5 | PQ 08693, 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Malaya-Balabinka[34] | 92 | 7 April 1944 | 07:27 | Yak-7 | north-northeast of Tschumak[35] 15 km (9.3 mi) north-northeast of Tschumak |
2 | 25 February 1943 | 14:58 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 86763, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Fedorowskaja[36] | 93 | 8 April 1944 | 14:22 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | east of Tschigary[35] 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Tschigary |
3 | 28 February 1943 | 13:15 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 75433, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Novorossijsk[36] | 94 | 8 April 1944 | 14:32 | R-5 | southeast of Iwanówka[35] 14 km (8.7 mi) southeast of Iwanówka |
4 | 7 March 1943 | 08:20 | R-5 | 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Popowitschewskaja[36] | 95 | 9 April 1944 | 14:40 | Yak-7 | Tomaschewka[37] 6 km (3.7 mi) east of Tomaschewka |
5 | 7 March 1943 | 08:23 | R-5 | PQ 34 Ost 86731, Iwanowskaja[36] | 96 | 9 April 1944 | 15:58 | Pe-2 | Gramatikovo[37] 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Gramatikovo |
6 | 14 March 1943 | 06:56 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 75431, 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Novorossijsk[38] | 97 | 10 April 1944 | 08:16 | Yak-7 | Tomaschewka[37] 12 km (7.5 mi) east of Tomaschewka |
7?[Note 4] | 30 March 1943 | 06:26 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 86571, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Slawjanskaja[38] | 98 | 10 April 1944 | 12:12 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | southeast of Megasinka[37] |
8?[Note 4] | 30 March 1943 | 15:15 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76651, 5 km (3.1 mi) northwest of Anastasiewskaja[38] | 99 | 11 April 1944 | 07:02 | Yak-7 | Dzhankoi[37] 18 km (11 mi) west-northwest of Dzhankoi |
9?[Note 4] | 20 April 1943 | 06:30 | MiG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 85114, 20 km (12 mi) northwest of Abinskaya[38] | 100 | 11 April 1944 | 09:25 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Dzhankoi[37] 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Dzhankoi |
10 | 25 June 1943 | 16:13 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76694, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of Anastasiewskaja[40] | 101 | 15 April 1944 | 10:47?[Note 5] | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Sevastopol[42] 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Sevastopol |
11 | 25 June 1943 | 16:23 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 76692, 1 km (0.62 mi) southwest of Deschi[40] | 102 | 17 April 1944 | 15:49 | Yak-7 | Dzhankoi[42] 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Dzhankoi |
12 | 16 July 1943 | 05:45 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 86232, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Krymskaja[40] | 103 | 19 April 1944 | 14:21 | P-40 | Sevastopol[42] 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Sevastopol |
13 | 19 July 1943 | 13:55 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75263, 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Bakanskaja[40] | 104 | 19 April 1944 | 17:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Sevastopol[42] 12 km (7.5 mi) southeast of Sevastopol |
14 | 21 July 1943 | 09:37 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 76831, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Anastasiewskaja[40] | 105 | 22 April 1944 | 09:40 | Boston | Sevastopol[42] 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Sevastopol |
15 | 21 July 1943 | 16:43 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75741, 15 km (9.3 mi) southeast of Cape Utrish[40] | 106 | 27 April 1944 | 10:50 | Yak-7 | Kadykowka[42] 8 km (5.0 mi) southeast of Kadykowka |
16 | 23 July 1943 | 05:54 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 76894, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Kijewskoje[40] | 107 | 3 May 1944 | 18:35 | Yak-7 | north of Belbek[43] 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Belbek |
17 | 23 July 1943 | 17:33 | Il-2 | PQ 34 Ost 75264, 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Krymskaja[44] | 108 | 4 May 1944 | 06:44 | Yak-7 | 10 km (6.2 mi) west of Saky[43] |
18 | 3 September 1943 | 10:41 | La-5 | PQ 35 Ost 40262, 8 km (5.0 mi) south of Kotelwa[45] | 109 | 4 May 1944 | 09:10 | Yak-7 | northwest of Belbek[43] 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Belbek |
19 | 4 September 1943 | 17:17 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 35 Ost 41574, 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Jurewka[45] | 110 | 5 May 1944 | 10:38 | Yak-7 | southeast of Balaklava[43] 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Balaklava |
20 | 5 September 1943 | 10:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 35 Ost 60343, 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Taranowka[45] | 111 | 5 May 1944 | 10:50 | Yak-7 | Laspi Bay[43] 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Laspi Bay |
21 | 21 September 1943 | 07:16 | Yak-1 | PQ 35 Ost 11142, Kozelets[46] | 112 | 5 May 1944 | 14:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | north of Belbek[43] 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Belbek |
22 | 24 September 1943 | 13:55 | P-40 | PQ 35 Ost 11751, 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Jerkowzy[46] | 113 | 6 May 1944 | 07:30 | Yak-1 | southwest of Belbek[43] 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Belbek |
23 | 24 September 1943 | 16:40 | La-5 | PQ 35 Ost 11714, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Jerkowzy[46] | 114 | 6 May 1944 | 07:40 | U-2 | southwest of Belbek[43] 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Belbek |
24 | 25 September 1943 | 17:35 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 35 Ost 11782, 9 km (5.6 mi) west of Perejasslaw[47] | 115 | 7 May 1944 | 09:40 | Yak-1 | north of Balaklava[43] 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Balaklava |
25 | 28 September 1943 | 17:35 | R-5 | PQ 35 Ost 11714, 13 km (8.1 mi) west of Perejasslaw[47] | 116 | 7 May 1944 | 09:45 | Yak-1 | Sevastopol[43] 10 km (6.2 mi) east-southeast of Sevastopol |
26 | 1 October 1943 | 16:13 | Yak-9 | PQ 35 Ost 58163, 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Barbosta[47] | 117 | 7 May 1944 | 09:49 | Yak-1 | northeast of Balaklava[43] 4 km (2.5 mi) northeast of Sevastopol |
27 | 7 October 1943 | 06:57 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 39432, west of Annowka[47] | 118 | 30 May 1944 | 16:01 | Yak-1?[Note 6] | northeast of Iași[48] 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Iași |
28 | 7 October 1943 | 11:07 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 49774, 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Orlik[47] | 119 | 30 May 1944 | 16:04 | Yak-1?[Note 6] | northeast of Iași[48] 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Iași |
29 | 7 October 1943 | 11:28 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 49153, 12 km (7.5 mi) north of Orlik[47] | 120 | 31 May 1944 | 08:04 | Pe-2 | east of Busila[48] 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Busila |
30♠ | 8 October 1943 | 07:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 34 Ost 66692, 9 km (5.6 mi) west of Achtanisowskaja[47] | 121 | 31 May 1944 | 14:32 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | northeast of Iași[48] 7 km (4.3 mi) northeast of Iași |
31♠ | 8 October 1943 | 08:23 | LaGG-3 | PQ 34 Ost 66624, 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Jljitsch[47] | 122 | 4 June 1944 | 18:56 | Yak-1 | east-southeast of Soulani[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) east-southeast of Soulani |
32♠ | 8 October 1943 | 08:35 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 75543, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Fischerei[47] | 123 | 5 June 1944 | 07:58 | P-39 | northeast of Zahorna[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Zahorna |
33♠ | 8 October 1943 | 15:33 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 6669, 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Taman[47] | 124 | 5 June 1944 | 08:01 | Yak-7 | north of Zahorna[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Zahorna |
34♠ | 8 October 1943 | 15:42 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66692, 12 km (7.5 mi) west of Achtanisowskaja[47] | 125 | 5 June 1944 | 11:35 | Yak-7 | southwest of Carpiti[12] 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Carpiti |
35 | 10 October 1943 | 13:05 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39291, 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Mishorin-Rog[47] | 126?[Note 7] | 5 June 1944 | 11:45 | Boston | south of Românești[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Românești |
36 | 10 October 1943 | 13:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 49312, 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Borodajewka[47] | 127?[Note 7] | 11 June 1944 | 09:45 | B-17 | north-northwest of Tataturi[12] 7 km (4.3 mi) north-northwest of Tataturi |
37 | 20 October 1943 | 07:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39453, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Popelnastoje[47] | 128 | 24 June 1944 | 09:42 | B-24 | southwest of Ștefănești[12] 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Ștefănești |
38 | 21 October 1943 | 05:55 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 39482, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Pjatichatki[50] | 129 | 27 June 1944 | 10:34 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | northeast of Jasski[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Jasski |
39 | 21 October 1943 | 06:08 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 49372, 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Werchnedjeprowsk[50] | 130 | 14 July 1944 | 07:55 | P-39 | Shchurovychi[12] 18 km (11 mi) northwest of Shchurovychi |
40 | 21 October 1943 | 12:30 | La-5 | PQ 34 Ost 39612, 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Pjatichatki[50] | 131 | 15 July 1944 | 15:20 | Yak-7 | northwest of Horokhiv[12] 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Horokhiv |
41 | 26 October 1943 | 07:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 57123, 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Melitopol[50] | 132 | 16 July 1944 | 13:23 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | southern edge of Plowe[12] |
42 | 26 October 1943 | 07:17 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 57152, 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Melitopol[50] | 133 | 16 July 1944 | 13:27 | Yak-7 | southwest of Stojanow[12] 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Stojanow |
43 | 29 October 1943 | 07:00 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 47331, 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Agaiman[50] | 134 | 18 July 1944 | 15:12 | La-5 | west of Zaczernecze[12] 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Zaczernecze |
44 | 2 November 1943 | 09:25 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 3767, 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Chaplynka[50] | 135 | 18 July 1944 | 18:12 | Yak-7 | 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Turce[12] |
45 | 5 November 1943 | 10:20 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66734, 20 km (12 mi) south of Kerch[51] | 136 | 19 July 1944 | 16:40 | P-39 | northeast of Liuboml[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Liuboml |
46 | 6 November 1943 | 11:55 | Yak-7 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 500 m (550 yd) southeast of Eltigen[51] | 137 | 19 July 1944 | 16:41 | P-39 | northern edge of Liuboml[12] |
47 | 11 November 1943 | 13:45 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 34 Ost 66871, 2 km (1.2 mi) east of Katerles[51] | 138 | 19 July 1944 | 16:45 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | southeast of Liuboml[12] 17 km (11 mi) southeast of Liuboml |
48 | 11 November 1943 | 13:50 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66533, 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Bagerowo[51] | 139 | 20 July 1944 | 11:10 | Yak-9 | northwest of Liuboml[12] 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Liuboml |
49 | 12 November 1943 | 08:51 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66871, 1 km (0.62 mi) east of Kerch[51] | 140 | 21 July 1944 | 06:25 | Yak-7 | northwest of Busk[12] 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of Busk |
50 | 12 November 1943 | 10:47 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 34 Ost 6664, 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Bakssy[51] | — | 22 July 1944 | — | Boston | vicinity of Strij[12] |
51 | 13 November 1943 | 05:43 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66562, 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Bulganak[51] | 141 | 24 July 1944 | 18:41 | Yak-9 | south of Tuczana[12] 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Tuczana |
52 | 13 November 1943 | 05:47 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66642, 1 km (0.62 mi) north of Majak[51] | — | 2 August 1944 | — | unknown[12] | |
53 | 14 November 1943 | 09:15 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Eltigen[51] | 142 | 14 August 1944 | 17:14 | P-39 | southwest of Sobotka[52] 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Sobotka |
54 | 14 November 1943 | 13:50 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 34 Ost 66531, 6 km (3.7 mi) west-northwest of Katerles[51] | 143 | 16 August 1944 | 16:35 | Yak-11 | east-southeast of Opatow[52] 12 km (7.5 mi) east-southeast of Opatow |
55 | 15 November 1943 | 06:15 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66643, Kolonka[51] | 144 | 23 August 1944 | 17:25 | Yak-7 | southeast of Gaidar[52] 1.5 km (0.93 mi) southeast of Gaidar |
56 | 19 November 1943 | 06:30 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66821, 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Taman[51] | — | 23 August 1944 | — | Yak | vicinity of Galatz[52] |
57 | 20 November 1943 | 06:40 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66623, 3 km (1.9 mi) west of Jlitsch[51] | 145 | 31 August 1944 | 10:20 | P-51 | PQ 47257[52] 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Lövér |
58 | 21 November 1943 | 07:00 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | PQ 34 Ost 66712, 3 km (1.9 mi) east of Eltigen[51] | 146 | 17 October 1944 | 10:38 | Yak-11 | Hosszúpályi[52] 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Hosszúpályi |
59 | 21 November 1943 | 07:05 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66814, 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of Taman[51] | 147 | 21 October 1944 | 10:52 | La-5 | southeast of Ócsa[53] 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Ócsa |
60 | 27 November 1943 | 09:48 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 47771, 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Gromovka[54] | 148 | 23 October 1944 | 15:31 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | southeast of Szolnok[53] 1 km (0.62 mi) southeast of Szolnok |
61 | 27 November 1943 | 14:40 | Yak-9 | PQ 34 Ost 66732, 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Eltigen[54] | 149 | 23 October 1944 | 15:32 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | northeast of Szolnok[53] 1 km (0.62 mi) northeast of Szolnok |
62 | 29 November 1943 | 14:21 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66734, 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Eltigen[54] | 150 | 24 October 1944 | 09:22 | Yak-7 | northwest of Fehértó[53] 1 km (0.62 mi) northwest of Fehértó |
63 | 30 November 1943 | 06:10 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66792, 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Cape Takyl[54] | 151 | 27 October 1944 | 12:17 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Bűdszentmihály[53] 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Bűdszentmihály |
64 | 30 November 1943 | 13:45 | Yak-1 | PQ 34 Ost 66733, 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Eltigen[54] | 152 | 27 October 1944 | 12:21 | Yak-7 | Bűdszentmihály[53] 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Bűdszentmihály |
65 | 1 December 1943 | 11:47 | Yak-1 | 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Taman[54] | 153 | 13 November 1944 | 12:45 | Yak-3 | southeast of Jászberény[53] 9 km (5.6 mi) southeast of Jászberény |
66 | 2 December 1943 | 06:39 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of Cape Takyl[54] | 154 | 16 November 1944 | 12:39 | Yak-11 | 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Tura[55] |
67 | 2 December 1943 | 06:48 | LaGG-3 | 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Feodosja[54] | 155 | 17 November 1944 | 11:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | northwest of Jászberény[55] 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Jászberény |
68 | 2 December 1943 | 06:55 | LaGG-3 | 500 m (550 yd) south of Cape Takyl[54] | 156 | 17 November 1944 | 11:10 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | northwest of Jászberény[55] 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Jászberény |
69 | 5 December 1943 | 07:25 | Yak-7 | 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Kossa Tusla[56] | 157 | 17 November 1944 | 13:20 | Il-2 m.H.?[Note 3][Note 8] | northwest of Jászberény[55] 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of Jászberény |
70 | 5 December 1943 | 07:32 | Yak-1 | 5 km (3.1 mi) west of Taman[56] | 158 | 23 November 1944 | 10:40 | Yak-9 | southeast of Atkár[55] 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Atkár |
71 | 5 December 1943 | 10:23 | P-39 | Kossa Tusla[56] | 159 | 5 December 1944 | 10:30 | Yak-9 | southeast of Hatvan[55] 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Hatvan |
72 | 5 December 1943 | 13:55 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | 3 km (1.9 mi) southwest of Kossa Tusla[56] | 160 | 9 December 1944 | 15:05 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | southwest of Csajág[55] 2 km (1.2 mi) southwest of Csajág |
73 | 8 December 1943 | 07:58 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Katerles[56] | 161 | 11 December 1944 | 14:53 | Pe-2 | Balatonkenese[55] 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Lake Balaton |
74 | 9 December 1943 | 11:15 | Yak-1 | 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Taman[56] | 162 | 22 December 1944 | 09:37 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Székesfehérvár[55] 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Székesfehérvár |
75 | 11 December 1943 | 11:37 | Yak-7 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northeast of Majak[56] | 163 | 23 December 1944 | 10:48 | Yak-9 | 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Enying[55] |
76 | 17 December 1943 | 06:43 | Pe-2 | 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Starotitarowskaja[56] | 164 | 24 December 1944 | 14:25 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | north of Seregélyes[55] 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Seregélyes |
77 | 27 December 1943 | 12:08 | P-39 | PQ 34 Ost 66642, 2 km (1.2 mi) northeast of Majak[56] | 165 | 25 December 1944 | 12:08 | Yak-9 | Székesfehérvár[55] 9 km (5.6 mi) northwest of Székesfehérvár |
78 | 28 December 1943 | 07:16 | R-5 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Majak[56] | 166 | 25 December 1944 | 12:15 | Yak-9 | 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Mór[55] |
79 | 29 December 1943 | 07:12 | Yak-1 | 1 km (0.62 mi) west of Malikut[57] | 167 | 2 January 1945 | 11:15 | La-5 | eastern edge of Bodmér[58] |
80 | 29 December 1943 | 10:05 | Boston | 500 m (550 yd) southwest of Majak[57] | 168 | 2 January 1945 | 11:45 | Yak-9 | 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Vereb[58] |
81 | 11 January 1944 | 11:27 | P-39 | north of Cape Tarchan[59] 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Cape Tarchan | 169 | 4 January 1945 | 08:26 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Tarján[58] |
82 | 17 January 1944 | 06:46 | LaGG-3 | southeast of Bulganak[59] 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast of Bulganak | 170 | 4 January 1945 | 08:28 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | 5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of Tarján[58] |
83 | 21 January 1944 | 11:53 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | Tschurubasch[59] 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest of Tschurubasch | 171 | 4 January 1945 | 10:41 | Yak-9 | 6 km (3.7 mi) northwest of Bicske[58] |
84 | 23 January 1944 | 07:08 | Yak-7 | vicinity of Kerch[59] Kerch harbor | 172 | 4 January 1945 | 11:12 | La-5 | 1 km (0.62 mi) southeast of Tardos[58] |
85 | 23 January 1944 | 12:08 | Yak-7 | Kerch harbor[59] | 173 | 8 January 1945 | 14:13 | Boston | 5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Székesfehérvár[58] |
86 | 24 January 1944 | 06:30 | P-39 | northern edge of Kerch[59] | 174 | 8 January 1945 | 14:18 | Boston | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Székesfehérvár[58] |
87 | 25 January 1944 | 12:27 | Yak-1 | east of Bulganak[60] 2 km (1.2 mi) east of Bulganak | 175 | 14 January 1945 | 12:11 | Yak-3 | 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Mužla[58] |
88 | 25 January 1944 | 12:40 | Boston | Kossa Tusla[60] 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of Kossa Tusla | 176 | 14 January 1945 | 14:36 | Yak-3 | 1 km (0.62 mi) southwest of Mužla[58] |
89?[Note 7] | 1 April 1944 | 09:25 | LaGG-3 | southeast of Feodosia[61] 6 km (3.7 mi) southeast of Feodosia | 177 | 16 January 1945 | 12:17 | La-5 | 3 km (1.9 mi) north of Budaörs[58] |
90 | 1 April 1944 | 09:33 | LaGG-3 | northeast of Feodosia[35] 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of Feodosia | 178 | 22 January 1945 | 13:24 | La-5 | 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Székesfehérvár[58] |
91 | 7 April 1944 | 07:19 | Yak-7 | north of Taganaja[35] 20 km (12 mi) north of Taganaja | 179 | 27 January 1945 | 14:45 | Il-2 m.H.[Note 3] | 7 km (4.3 mi) northwest of Adony[58] |
– Stab I. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 53 –[62] | |||||||||
180 | 22 February 1945 | 14:00 | La-5[63] | Bart | 192 | 21 March 1945 | 11:58 | La-5[63] | vicinity of Lake Balaton |
181 | 22 February 1945 | 16:25 | Yak-3[63] | Bíňa | 193 | 21 March 1945 | 15:30 | Yak-5[63] | 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Felsőgalla |
182 | 25 February 1945 | 10:53 | Yak-9[63] | 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Zvolen | 194 | 27 March 1945 | 14:15 | Yak-9[63] | 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi) southeast of Nitra |
183 | 8 March 1945 | 14:10 | Il-2[63] | 6 km (3.7 mi) west of Szapolsc | 195 | 27 March 1945 | 14:18 | Il-2[63] | 6–8 km (3.7–5.0 mi) south of Nitra |
184 | 11 March 1945 | 10:35 | Yak-3[63] | 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Sárbogárd | 196 | 27 March 1945 | 16:55 | Yak-9[63] | 20–25 km (12–16 mi) southeast of Nitra |
185 | 11 March 1945 | 14:05 | Yak-3[63] | 9–10 km (5.6–6.2 mi) south of Siófok | 197 | 28 March 1945 | 17:12 | Yak-3[63] | 20 km (12 mi) south of Nitra |
186 | 13 March 1945 | 10:13 | Yak-7[63] | 1 km (0.62 mi) south of Pákozd | 198 | 1 April 1945 | 16:05 | La-7[64] | 8 km (5.0 mi) east of Nemetdiszeg |
187 | 14 March 1945 | 12:07 | La-5[63] | 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast of Székesfehérvár | 199 | 5 April 1945 | 09:45 | La-7[64] | 5 km (3.1 mi) north of Gairing |
188 | 14 March 1945 | 12:11 | Il-2[63] | 1 km (0.62 mi) west of Pákozd | 200 | 8 April 1945 | 15:54 | La-7[64] | 1–3 km (0.62–1.86 mi) east of Hainburg |
189 | 17 March 1945 | 16:15 | Il-2[63] | Lake Velence | 201 | 9 April 1945 | 17:20 | La-7[64] | 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of Lundenburg |
190 | 20 March 1945 | 15:33 | Il-2[63] | 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) southeast of Székesfehérvár | 202 | 14 April 1945 | 15:00 | Yak-9[64] | Stockerau |
191 | 20 March 1945 | 15:41 | Il-2[63] | 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) southwest of Várpalota | 203 | 16 April 1945 | 11:20 | Yak-9[64] | 20 km (12 mi) north-northwest of Göding |
Awards
- Iron Cross (1939)
- 2nd Class (12 March 1943)[65][66]
- 1st Class (29 April 1943)[65][66]
- Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for fighter pilots in Gold (26 April 1943)[65]
- Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe on 13 December 1943 as Leutnant and pilot[67][Note 9]
- German Cross in Gold on 28 January 1944 as Leutnant in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 52[69]
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross on 5 April 1944 as Leutnant of the Reserves and Staffelführer of the 6./Jagdgeschwader 52[70][Note 10]
- 837th Oak Leaves on 17 April 1945 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Jagdgeschwader 53[72][Note 11]
Notes
- ^ Flight training in the Luftwaffe progressed through the levels A1, A2 and B1, B2, referred to as A/B flight training. A training included theoretical and practical training in aerobatics, navigation, long-distance flights and dead-stick landings. The B courses included high-altitude flights, instrument flights, night landings and training to handle the aircraft in difficult situations.
- ^ For an explanation of Luftwaffe unit designations, see Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af The "m.H." refers to an Ilyushin Il-2 with rear gunner (mit Heckschütze).
- ^ a b c According to Mathews and Foreman claimed with 4. Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 52.[39]
- ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 10:44.[41]
- ^ a b According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Yakovlev Yak-11.[41]
- ^ a b c According to Mathews and Foreman this claim is unconfirmed.[49]
- ^ According to Mathews and Foreman claimed as a Yakovlev Yak-7.[41]
- ^ According to Obermaier on 14 November 1943.[68]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Leutnant (war officer).[71]
- ^ According to Scherzer as Hauptmann (war officer).[71]
Publications
- Lipfert, Helmut; Girbig, Werner (1993). The War Diary of Hauptmann Helmut Lipfert – JG 52 on the Russian Front 1943–1945. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-88740-446-7.
References
Citations
- ^ a b Toliver & Constable 1996, p. 250.
- ^ a b c Stockert 2011, p. 98.
- ^ Prien et al. 2006, p. 475.
- ^ Barbas 2005, p. 111.
- ^ Prien et al. 2006, p. 506.
- ^ Barbas 2005, p. 114.
- ^ Barbas 2005, p. 340.
- ^ Prien et al. 2012, pp. 374.
- ^ a b Weal 2002, p. 83.
- ^ Bergström 2008, p. 48.
- ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 243.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w Barbas 2005, p. 367.
- ^ a b Shores 1983, p. 107.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1653.
- ^ Barbas 2005, p. 286.
- ^ Prien 1991, pp. 1223–1224.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1226.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1227.
- ^ Prien 1991, pp. 1228–1229.
- ^ Prien 1991, pp. 1230–1231.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1232.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1233.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1237.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1239.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1246.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1248.
- ^ a b Stockert 2011, p. 100.
- ^ Prien 1991, p. 1251.
- ^ Zabecki 2019, p. 329.
- ^ Spick 1996, p. 228.
- ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 758–762.
- ^ Planquadrat.
- ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 758–761.
- ^ Prien et al. 2006, p. 498.
- ^ a b c d e Barbas 2005, p. 362.
- ^ a b c d Prien et al. 2012, p. 379.
- ^ a b c d e f Barbas 2005, p. 363.
- ^ a b c d Prien et al. 2012, p. 380.
- ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 758.
- ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2012, p. 385.
- ^ a b c Mathews & Foreman 2015, p. 760.
- ^ a b c d e f Barbas 2005, p. 364.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Barbas 2005, p. 365.
- ^ Prien et al. 2012, p. 386.
- ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 388.
- ^ a b c Prien et al. 2012, p. 389.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Prien et al. 2012, p. 390.
- ^ a b c d Barbas 2005, p. 366.
- ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 759–760.
- ^ a b c d e f g Prien et al. 2012, p. 391.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Prien et al. 2012, p. 392.
- ^ a b c d e f Barbas 2005, p. 368.
- ^ a b c d e f g Barbas 2005, p. 369.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Prien et al. 2012, p. 393.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Barbas 2005, p. 370.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Prien et al. 2012, p. 394.
- ^ a b Prien et al. 2012, p. 395.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Barbas 2005, p. 371.
- ^ a b c d e f Barbas 2005, p. 358.
- ^ a b Barbas 2005, p. 359.
- ^ Barbas 2005, p. 361.
- ^ Mathews & Foreman 2015, pp. 761–762.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Prien 1991, p. 1682.
- ^ a b c d e f Prien 1991, p. 1683.
- ^ a b c MacLean 2007, p. 220.
- ^ a b Thomas 1998, p. 30.
- ^ Patzwall 2008, p. 136.
- ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 76.
- ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 281.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, pp. 293, 496.
- ^ a b Scherzer 2007, p. 509.
- ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 102.
Bibliography
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- Bergström, Christer [in Swedish] (2008). Bagration to Berlin—The Final Air Battles in the East: 1944–1945. Burgess Hill: Classic Publications. ISBN 978-1-903223-91-8.
- Bergström, Christer [in Swedish]. "Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website". Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat. Archived from the original on 22 December 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer [in German] (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile [The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches] (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6.
- MacLean, French L (2007). Luftwaffe Efficiency & Promotion Reports: For the Knight's Cross Winners. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7643-2657-8.
- Mathews, Andrew Johannes; Foreman, John (2015). Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 2 G–L. Walton on Thames: Red Kite. ISBN 978-1-906592-19-6.
- Obermaier, Ernst (1989). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945 [The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Luftwaffe Fighter Force 1939 – 1945] (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 978-3-87341-065-7.
- Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II [The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8.
- Patzwall, Klaus D. (2008). Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg [The Honor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement in the Air War] (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-08-3.
- Prien, Jochen (1991). Pik-As: Geschichte des Jagdgeschwaders 53 — 3 — Das Ende in Italien 1944, Rumänien, Ungarn 1944/45, Einsatz zur Verteidigung des Reiches 1943–1945 [Ace of Spades: History of the Fighter Wing 53 — 3 — The End in Italy 1944, Romania, Hungary 1944/45, Defense of the Reich 1943–1945] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-16-8.
- Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2006). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 9/II—Vom Sommerfeldzug 1942 bis zur Niederlage von Stalingrad—1.5.1942 bis 3.2.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 9/II—From the 1942 Summer Campaign to the Defeat at Stalingrad—1 May 1942 to 3 February 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Struve-Druck. ISBN 978-3-923457-77-9.
- Prien, Jochen; Stemmer, Gerhard; Rodeike, Peter; Bock, Winfried (2012). Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 12/II—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943 [The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/II—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943] (in German). Eutin, Germany: Buchverlag Rogge. ISBN 978-3-942943-05-5.
- Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives [The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives] (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Militaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.
- Shores, Christopher (1983). Air Aces. Greenwich, CT: Bison Books. ISBN 978-0-86124-104-0.
- Spick, Mike (1996). Luftwaffe Fighter Aces. New York: Ivy Books. ISBN 978-0-8041-1696-1.
- Stockert, Peter (2011). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 9 [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 9] (in German) (2nd ed.). Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. OCLC 76072662.
- Thomas, Franz (1998). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 2: L–Z [The Oak Leaves Bearers 1939–1945 Volume 2: L–Z] (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2300-9.
- Toliver, Raymond F.; Constable, Trevor J. (1996). Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 978-0-88740-909-7.
- Weal, John (2002). German Aces of the Russian Front. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-620-1.
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