 Following flight training, he was posted to "Jagdgeschwader" "Richthofen" (Fighter Wing "Richthofen") in 1934.In 1937, he volunteered for service with the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War where he was appointed "Staffelkapitän" (squadron leader) in "Jagdgruppe" 88 (J/88—88th Fighter Group).From April to September 1937, he claimed five aerial victories.