found records for 69 aerial victory claims, plus eleven further unconfirmed claims. This figure includes three aerial victories on the Eastern Front and 66 over the Western Allies, including 17 four-engined bombers. Awards Pilot Badge (4 October 1940) Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class (26 May 1941) 1st Class (8 June 1941) Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe for fighter pilots in Gold with Pennant "200" in Bronze (1 July 1941) in Silver (1 October 1941) in Gold (25 August 1942) Pennant "200" (10 July 1944) Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe) on 29 June 1942 as Feldwebel and pilot German Cross in Gold on 15 October 1942 as Feldwebel in the 4./Jagdgeschwader 26 Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves Knight's Cross on 29 August 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and pilot in the 4./Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" 508th Oak Leaves on 24 June 1944 as Leutnant (war officer) and pilot in the 6./Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" Dates of rank Notes References Citations Bibliography 1916 births 2002 deaths Luftwaffe pilots German World War II flying aces Recipients of the Gold German Cross Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves German racing drivers German Formula Three Championship drivers Reich Labour Service members National Socialist Flyers Corps members German prisoners of war in World War II held by the United States Military personnel from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania People from Ludwigslust-Parchim