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Adolf Galland
19 March 1912(1912-03-19) – 9 February 1996 (aged 83)
Image:Adolf Galland portrait.jpg
Nickname Dolfo
Place of birth Westerholt
Place of death Remagen-Oberwinter
Allegiance Flag of Nazi Germany Nazi Germany
Service/branch Luftwaffe
Years of service 1933–1945
Rank Lieutenant General
Unit Condor Legion, LG 2, JG 27, JG 26, JV 44
Commands held JG 26, JV 44
Awards Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillianten
Relations Wilhelm-Ferdinand Galland
Other work Aircraft consultant

Adolf "Dolfo" Joseph Ferdinand Galland[1] (19 March 1912 – 9 February 1996) was a World War II German fighter pilot and commander of Germany's fighter force (General der Jagdflieger) from 1941 to 1945. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Westerholt is a municipality in the district of Wittmund, in Lower Saxony, Germany. Remagen is a town in Germany in Rhineland-Palatinate, in the district of Ahrweiler. Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers ( German 'luftvafe is a generic German term for an Air force. Lieutenant General is a Military rank used in many countries The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the The Condor Legion (Legion Condor was a unit composed of "volunteers" from the German Air Force ( Luftwaffe) which served with the Nationalist Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27 Afrika was a World War II Luftwaffe Geschwader. Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26 Schlageter was a Luftwaffe fighter - wing of World War II. Jagdverband 44 (JV 44 was a special fighter unit of top German fighter ace pilots in the Luftwaffe during the last months of World Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26 Schlageter was a Luftwaffe fighter - wing of World War II. Jagdverband 44 (JV 44 was a special fighter unit of top German fighter ace pilots in the Luftwaffe during the last months of World For other meanings please see Iron Cross (disambiguation The Iron Cross ( was a Military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia Wilhelm-Ferdinand "Wutz" Galland (born 23 October 1914 in Bochum – Killed in action 17 August 1943) was Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. A fighter aircraft is a Military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other Aircraft, as opposed to a Bomber, which is designed Inspector of Fighters ( German language: Inspekteur der Jagdflieger redesignated to General der Jagdflieger) was not a rank but a leading position within Galland joined the Luftwaffe in 1933, and despite suffering injuries, including a damaged eye, in two crashes, he continued his military career. In 1937 he was one of 20,000 German military personnel to see action in the Condor Legion, providing Galland with valuable combat experience. The Condor Legion (Legion Condor was a unit composed of "volunteers" from the German Air Force ( Luftwaffe) which served with the Nationalist Galland transferred to a fighter unit in 1940 and quickly reached Ace status during the Battle of France. In World War II, the Battle of France, also known as the Fall of France, was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries In November 1941, with his score standing at 94 Galland became General der Jagdflieger at the age of 29. Galland continued to test fly many types of German aircraft, occasionally flying combat missions when he could. In January 1945, Galland, along with other Luftwaffe officers were sent back to operational units after questioning the competence of Hermann Göring. Hermann Wilhelm Göring (also spelled Goering) (12 January 1893 15 October 1946 was a German Politician, Military leader and a leading member Galland surrendered to United States Army forces in May 1945. The United States Army is a military organization whose primary mission is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities. He claimed a total of 104 victories in 705 missions and was awarded the Knight's Cross (Ritterkreuz) with oakleaves, swords and diamonds, one of only 27 recipients of the highest German military decoration. For other meanings please see Iron Cross (disambiguation The Iron Cross ( was a Military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia His victory claims were all against the Western Allies. The Western Allies were the democracies and their colonial peoples within the broader coalition of Allies during World War II.

Contents

Early life

Born in Westerholt, Westphalia, Galland was the second of four sons of a land manager. Westerholt is a municipality in the district of Wittmund, in Lower Saxony, Germany. The Province of Westphalia (Provinz Westfalen was a province of the Kingdom of Prussia and the Free State of Prussia from 1815-1946 Two of his brothers also became fighter pilots and aces. Paul Galland scored 17 victories and was shot down and killed by a RAF Supermarine Spitfire on 31 October 1942[2], and Wilhelm-Ferdinand Galland, a 54 victory ace, shot down on 17 August 1943[3]. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Wilhelm-Ferdinand "Wutz" Galland (born 23 October 1914 in Bochum – Killed in action 17 August 1943) was Events 986 - A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.

He developed an early interest in aviation, flying home-built gliders (at the time the only type of aircraft allowed in Germany under the terms of the Versailles Treaty) from an improvised field near his hometown. The Treaty of Versailles was one of the peace treaties at the end of World War I. Galland graduated from Hindenburg Gymnasium (high school) in Buer in 1932 and was among 20 who were accepted to the aviation school of Germany's national airline, Lufthansa. A gymnasium (pronounced with ɡ- in several languages is a type of school providing Secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar Buer is a spirit that appears in the 16th century grimoire Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and its derivatives where he is described as a Great President of Hell, having [4]

Galland transferred to the new and technically illegal air force (Luftwaffe) in 1933. ( German 'luftvafe is a generic German term for an Air force. During his training Galland crashed his aircraft and was in a coma for three days, suffering from a damaged eye, fractured skull and broken nose. A year later he crashed an Arado Ar 68 and was hospitalised again, aggravating his injured eye. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [5] Galland was allowed to continue his training after passing an eye test (which he memorised) he completed his training in Italy in 1935 and was posted to Jagdgeschwader 2 Richthofen, then based at Döberitz airfield near Berlin. Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2 Richthofen was a World War II Luftwaffe wing. Dallgow-Döberitz is a Municipality in the Havelland district in Brandenburg, Germany. Berlin is the capital city and one of sixteen states of Germany.

Condor Legion and Spanish Civil War

During the Spanish Civil War, Galland was appointed Staffelkapitän of a Legion Condor squadron, 3. The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict in Spain that started after an attempted Coup d'état committed by parts of the army against the government of Staffelkapitän is a Luftwaffe position (not a rank that is the equivalent of Royal Air Force / US Air Force Squadron Leader. The Condor Legion (Legion Condor was a unit composed of "volunteers" from the German Air Force ( Luftwaffe) which served with the Nationalist Staffel J/88,[6] on the Nationalist side at Ferrol from mid-1937, flying ground attack missions in Heinkel He 51s. This article refers to Ferrol Galicia For other uses see Ferrol (disambiguation. The Heinkel He 51 was a German single-seat Biplane which was produced in a number of different versions In Spain, Galland first displayed his dashing style, flying in swimming trunks with a cigar between his teeth, in an aircraft decorated with a Mickey Mouse figure. Mickey Mouse is a comic animal Cartoon character who has become an icon for The Walt Disney Company. [7] When asked why he developed this style he replied:

I like Micky Mouse. I always have. And I like cigars, but I had to give them up after the war. [8]

He flew over 300 missions in Spain, developed early gasoline and oil bombs, suggested the quartering of personnel on trains to aid in relocation, and was awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds following the Nationalist victory. The Spanish Cross ( German: Spanienkreuz) was an award of Germany given by Adolf Hitler to Germans who participated in the Spanish Civil [9]

World War II

Front line service: 1939-1941

Just before the outbreak of World War II, Galland was promoted to Hauptmann and took part in 50 ground-attack missions during the Invasion of Poland. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Hauptmann is a German word usually translated as Captain when it is used as an officer's rank in the German, Austrian and Swiss armies The Invasion of Poland (1939 precipitated World War II. It was carried out by Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and a small German-allied He flew with 4. (S)/LG 2,[10] equipped with the Henschel Hs 123, a "biplane Stuka", from 1 September 1939 onwards. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka (from Stu rz' ka' mpfflugzeug, " Dive bomber " was a two-seat (pilot and rear gunner Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Galland flew an average of four daily sorties in Poland and received the Iron Cross Second Class; however, he wanted to join the fighter arm. After the Polish Campaign Galland falsely claimed he was suffering from rheumatism and, on medical grounds, was removed from his post as a direct ground support pilot. [11] He was transferred to the fighter unit Jagdgeschwader 27 in February 1940, as adjudant, restricting him from flying. Jagdgeschwader 27 (JG 27 Afrika was a World War II Luftwaffe Geschwader. Galland had to sneak away to fly combat missions using various tricks and ruses. [12] On 12 May 1940, near Liege, Galland scored his first three aerial victories, over RAF Hawker Hurricanes. Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout His wingman on his first mission was Gustav Rödel. A wingman (or wingmate) is a pilot who supports another in a potentially dangerous flying environment Oberst Gustav Rödel (born 24 October, 1915 in Merseburg – died 6 February, 1995 in Bonn - Bad Godesberg [13] By the end of the French campaign, Galland had achieved 14 victories. In World War II, the Battle of France, also known as the Fall of France, was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries On 1 August 1940, Galland became the third fighter pilot to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross ( German language: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, often simply Ritterkreuz) was a grade of the Iron Cross

Adolf Galland describes a dogfight to fellow pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Adolf Galland describes a dogfight to fellow pilots. (U. S. Air Force photo)

From June 1940 on, Galland flew as a Gruppenkommandeur of III. Gruppenkommandeur is a Luftwaffe ( German air force position that is the equivalent of a commander of a group or wing in other air /JG 26, fighting in the Battle of Britain with Messerschmitt Bf 109 "Emils" from bases in the Pas de Calais. Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26 Schlageter was a Luftwaffe fighter - wing of World War II. The Battle of Britain (German ''Luftschlacht um England'' is the name given to the sustained strategic effort by the German Luftwaffe during the summer and WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Pas-de-Calais is a department in northern France. Its name is the French language equivalent of the Strait of Dover, which it borders In July, Galland was promoted to major. Major is a Military rank the use of which varies according to country By mid August, Luftwaffe commander Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring's dissatisfaction with the performance of the fighter arm led him to replace several of his pre-war Jagdgeschwader commanders with the current wave of younger high-achievers. Reichsmarschall (Marshal of the Empire or Imperial Marshal in English) was the highest rank in the Armed forces of Nazi Germany during Hermann Wilhelm Göring (also spelled Goering) (12 January 1893 15 October 1946 was a German Politician, Military leader and a leading member [14] Thus on 22 August Galland replaced Major Gotthard Handrick and became Geschwaderkommodore of JG 26. Events 392 - Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor. Karl Hermann Gotthard Handrick ( 25 October 1908 &ndash 30 May 1978) was a German Olympic athlete and Fighter Geschwaderkommodore is a Luftwaffe position (not rank that is the equivalent of a Royal Air Force Group Commander or USAF Wing Commander A month later, on 25 September, Galland was awarded the Eichenlaub to the Ritterkreuz for 40 kills. Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France

During the Battle of Britain, in a legendary front line General Officer briefing on Luftwaffe tactics, the Reichsmarshall asked what his pilots needed to win the battle. Werner Mölders replied that he would like the Bf 109 to be fitted with more powerful engines. Werner Mölders ( March 18, 1913 – November 22, 1941) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace. Galland replied: "I should like an outfit of Spitfires for my squadron. " Göring was speechless with rage. [15]

During the Battle of Britain the question of killing enemy pilots while in their parachutes was raised. In another confrontation with Göring, Galland recalled:

Göring wanted to know if we had ever thought about this. " Jawohl, Herr Reichsmarschall!" He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "What would you think of an order to shoot down pilots who were bailing out? "I should regard it as murder, Herr Reichsmarschall", I told him, "I should do do everything in my power to disobey such an order". "That is just the reply I had expected from you, Galland". [16]

By the end of 1940, Galland had 58 victories. Promoted to Oberstleutnant, he continued to lead JG 26 through 1941 against RAF fighter sweeps across northern Europe. In early 1941 most of the fighter units of the Luftwaffe were sent to the Eastern Front, or south to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, thus leaving JG 26 and Jagdgeschwader 2 Richthofen as the sole single-engine fighter Geschwader in France. The Eastern Front of World War II (die Ostfront 1941-1945, der Rußlandfeldzug 1941-1945 (Russian campaign or der Ostfeldzug 1941-1945 (Eastern Campaign This page deals with the United States military 's Mediterranean Theater of Operations Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2 Richthofen was a World War II Luftwaffe wing.

By this time, JG 26 were starting to re-equip with the new Bf 109 F, normally equipped with a 15 mm (or later a 20 mm) cannon firing through the propeller hub and two cowl mounted 7,9 mm MG 17. Galland felt the model was grossly under-armed and so tested a series of 109 "specials;" one with a unique armament of an MG 151/20 cannon and two cowl-mounted 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, and another with integral wing-mounted 20 mm MG-FF cannons.

For the next two years, these two Geschwader were the main adversaries to the RAF’s day offensives over occupied Europe. Galland's careful husbanding of his resources and astute tactical awareness meant JG 26 kept their losses to a minimum while inflicting maximum damage on the RAF's tactical fighters through 1941. This became even more evident with the arrival of the potent Focke-Wulf Fw 190A to units in late 1941 - early 1942, which completely outclassed the current Spitfire Mark Vb in service with the RAF. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

On the morning of 21 June 1941, Galland was shot up by a No. 303 Squadron Spitfire and had to crash land. Events 524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. RAF No 303 "Kościuszko" Polish Fighter Squadron ( Warszawski Dywizjon im WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout In the afternoon, he was shot down by a No. 145 Squadron Spitfire, bailing out and suffering slight injuries. The Schwerter (Swords) award to the Ritterkreuz followed the same month.

On 2 July 1941, Galland led JG 26 into combat against a formation of Blenheims. Events 310 - Pope Miltiades is elected 626 - In fear of assassination Li Shimin ambushes and kills his rival Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A Spitfire of the bomber escort (probably from 308 Squadron) managed to hit Galland's plane with a 20 mm shell. The armour plate mounted on the fighter just days earlier saved Galland's life. Galland landed at base, where he was hospitalised for the second time in a few days. Experiences like this taught Galland to respect his opponents.

High command

In November 1941, following his 94th official victory, he was chosen by Hermann Göring to command Germany's fighter force as General der Jagdflieger, succeeding renowned ace Oberst Werner Mölders who had just died in an air crash (having himself just succeeded another German aviation legend, Ernst Udet, and ironically died en route to Udet's funeral). Werner Mölders ( March 18, 1913 – November 22, 1941) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace. Colonel General Ernst Udet ( April 26 1896 – November 17 1941) was the second-highest scoring German Flying Galland was not enthusiastic about his promotion, seeing himself as a combat leader and not wanting to be "tied to a desk job"[17]. In November 1942 a promotion to Generalmajor made Galland the youngest officer to attain General rank in Germany. Galland was now responsible for deciding the ongoing tactical and operational doctrine of the Luftwaffe's fighter strategies. No longer flying operationally, one of his first tasks was organising the successful air protection for the Channel Dash of the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the cruiser Prinz Eugen. For the German armoured cruiser commissioned in 1907 see SMS Scharnhorst The sisters - Scharnhorst and Gneisenau The Construction She was laid down in February 1934 at Deutsche Werke Kiel. A cruiser is a large type of Warship, which had its prime period from the late 19th century to the end of the Cold War. Early war The Prinz Eugen suffered repeated damage before deployment

On 23 May 1943, Galland flew an early prototype of the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout A jet aircraft is an Aircraft propelled by Jet engines Jet aircraft fly much faster than Propeller -powered aircraft and at higher altitudes -- as high as After the flight, he described his experience:

For the first time I was flying by Jet propulsion! No engine vibrations. No torque and no lashing sound of the engine propeller. Accompanied by a whistling sound, my jet shot through the air. Later when asked what it felt like, I said, "It was as though angels were pushing[18]

He became an enthusiastic supporter of this aircraft, realising its potential to be that of a fighter rather than a "Blitzbomber". [19] However due to Hitler's determination the Me 262 was not developed as a fighter fast enough. Galland hoped that the Me 262 would compensate for the numerical superiority of the Allies:

In the last four months [January - April 1944] our day fighters have lost 1,000 pilots. . . we are numerically inferior and will always remain so. . . I believe that a great deal can be achieved with a small number of technically and far superior aircraft such as the [Me] 262 and [Me] 163. . . I would at this moment rather have one Me 262 in action rather than five Bf 109s. I used to say three 109s, but the situation develops and changes[20]

During 1943, Galland became more involved with the organization of the air defence of the Reich against the increasing USAAF day bombing offensive. The United States Army Air Forces ( USAAF) was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II. As General der Jagdflieger, he had at his disposal a small staff flight operating Fw 190s. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Galland was a supporter of attempts to develop heavily armed versions of the Fw 190, and add one to each of the nine Geschwader defending the Reich. In order to experience the operational conditions under which his pilots flew, Galland flew a dozen or so combat missions through 1942–44[21] and probably gained two more victories over USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers sometime during early 1944, although on one occasion, flying with Hannes Trautloft, he narrowly avoided being shot down by the USAAF escort fighters. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout A heavy bomber is a Bomber aircraft of the largest size and typically longest ranges Johannes "Hannes" Trautloft ( 3 March 1912 - 11 January 1995) was a German World War II Fighter ace

By mid 1944, the catastrophic aircrew losses suffered by the Luftwaffe prompted Galland to carefully husband a last reserve of 1,000 pilots and fighter planes in order to strike a potentially decisive single blow at the Allied bomber streams. However the daring operation, planned for late 1944, never came about, as the reserves were squandered in the ill-fated Operation Bodenplatte. Unternehmen Bodenplatte (German "Operation Baseplate" or "Operation Ground Plate" launched on January 1 1945, was an attempt by the

Conflict with the Luftwaffe leadership

Typically open, blunt and a consistent critic of his superiors, as the war progressed, Galland soon became distanced from the Nazi hierarchy, who no longer tolerated his outspoken views. While patriotic, he increasingly found himself at odds with them over how they ran the war as it began to turn against Germany. In January 1945, he was finally relieved of his command and put under house arrest following the "Fighter Pilots Revolt". The Fighter Pilots Conspiracy Legend refers to the poorly documented verbal rebellion of the leading officers of the Luftwaffe against the incompetence of the Galland's high standing with his fighter pilot peers led to a group of the most decorated Luftwaffe leaders loyal to Galland (including Johannes Steinhoff and Günther Lützow) confronting Göring with a list of demands for the survival of their service, coupled with their concern over the Reichsmarschall's lack of understanding and unwillingness to support his pilots against accusations of cowardice and treason. Johannes Steinhoff ( September 15, 1913 – February 21, 1994) was a German Luftwaffe Fighter ace of Günther Lützow ( 4 September 1912 - 24 April 1945) was a German Luftwaffe Fighter ace and a leader in the Heinrich Himmler had wanted to put Galland on trial for treason himself. Heinrich Luitpold Himmler ( 7 October 1900 – 23 May 1945 was a Nazi German politician and head of the Schutzstaffel (SS. The Schutzstaffel (SS) and Gestapo had already began investigations into who he associated with[22]

The Oberkommando der Luftwaffe appointed the more politically acceptable Gordon Gollob to succeed him as General der Jagdflieger. The ( German for "Protective Squadron" abbreviated SS - or ( Runic)- was a major Nazi organization under Adolf Hitler and the The ( contraction of ge heime Sta ats' po' lizei: "Secret State Police" was the official Secret police of Nazi Germany The Oberkommando der Luftwaffe (OKL was the air force High Command of the Third Reich. Gordon M Gollob ( 16 June 1912 &ndash 8 September 1987) was an Austrian fighter pilot and Flying ace Although professional contemporaries, Gollob and Galland had a mutual dislike, and after Galland had removed the Austrian from his personal staff earlier in the war Gollob started to gather evidence to use against Galland, detailing false accusations of his gambling, womanizing and his alleged private use of Luftwaffe transport aircraft. [23]

Return to front line service with JV 44

Galland was returned to front line duties in disgrace, and was initially assigned to command a Staffel of JG 54, at that time stranded behind Soviet lines in the Courland pocket. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 Army Group Courland (Heeresgruppe Kurland was a German Army Group on the Eastern Front which was created from remnants of the Army Group North, He never took up this command, however, but was tasked to form JV 44 (Jagdverband) in March 1945. Jagdverband 44 (JV 44 was a special fighter unit of top German fighter ace pilots in the Luftwaffe during the last months of World He was allowed to handpick a number of formidable experten for the unit, including such highly-decorated men as Johannes Steinhoff, Heinrich Bär and Gerhard Barkhorn. Johannes Steinhoff ( September 15, 1913 – February 21, 1994) was a German Luftwaffe Fighter ace of Colonel Heinz (Oskar-Heinrich "Pritzl" Bär ( 21 March 1913 – 28 April 1957) was a German Luftwaffe Lieutenant-General Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn ( 20 March, 1919 - 8 January, 1983) was the second most successful Fighter Achieving seven kills over the USAAF, Galland led JV 44 until his last mission on 26 April 1945, when he was wounded in a dogfight with an American P-47 Thunderbolt and sustained a knee injury crash-landing his Me 262. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout It appears the Me 262 was not destroyed, despite an attack by two P-47s on the airfield. Galland managed a "wheels up" landing. The engagement resulted in five American aircraft shot down. [24]

Command was transferred to Bär, but Galland was concerned about his men and tried to negotiate a separate surrender for the JV 44 pilots to Allied forces in early May.

Galland's 104 victory claims included seven with the Me 262. [25] His claims for aircraft destroyed include 55 Spitfires, 30 Hurricanes, and five French Armee de L'air aircraft. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The French Air Force ( French: Armée de l'Air (ALA literally Air Army) is the Air force of the French Armed Forces. All seven of his Me 262 kills were against American aircraft, two of them heavy bombers.

In the 1970s a Japanese-American student from San Jose State University came across Galland's memoirs the First and the Last, while researching records of United States Army Air Force records and matching them to Japanese victory claims. San José State University, commonly shortened to San José State and SJSU, is the founding campus of what became the California State University system The United States Army Air Forces ( USAAF) was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II. After contacting Galland, the Graduate asked if Galland would like to know which pilot shot him down on 26 April 1945. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar It was found that James Finnegan, a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot of the 50th Fighter Group, Ninth US Army Air Force had made a "probable" claim that day. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The details of the engagement matched. Galland and Finnegan met for the first time at an Air Force Association meeting in San Francisco in 1979. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city [26]

Post-war

Galland was captured by the US Army on 14 May 1945 and remained a prisoner of war until 1947. The United States Army is a military organization whose primary mission is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities. Events 1264 - Battle of Lewes: Henry III of England is captured in France making Simon de Montfort the Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar His first job after captivity was to lecture on tactics for Britain's Royal Air Force. From 1948 to 1955, he and other ex-Luftwaffe experts worked as consultants to the Argentine Air Force and the nascent Argentine aircraft industry. ( German 'luftvafe is a generic German term for an Air force. The Argentine Air Force ( Fuerza Aérea Argentina or FAA) is the national aviation branch of the Armed forces of Argentina. Following the termination of Argentina's attempt to establish an indigenous aeronautical industry, Galland returned to Germany and had a successful career running his own aviation firm and consultancy. Through the postwar years Galland built up lasting respect and friendship with many of his former adversaries, particularly Robert Stanford Tuck, Johnnie Johnson and Douglas Bader. Wing Commander Robert Roland Stanford Tuck DSO, DFC & Two Bars, AFC ( 1 July 1916 – 5 May Air Vice Marshal James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson CB, CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC and Bar ( 9 March Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader CBE, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, FRAeS, DL, RAF (21 February 1910 [27]

Galland married Sylvinia von Dönhoff in February 1954. In 1984, he married his second wife, Heidi Horn, who remained with him until his death.

In his private home museum, Galland had many souvenirs of his dogfights (such as pieces of American aircraft he shot down) and his service in the war, including German newsreels from that time. He also had two almost identical oil painting portraits that were made of him during the war. They feature Galland in his Luftwaffe uniform, but in the first painting he was holding one of his ubiquitous cigars. Hitler was adamantly opposed to smoking and ordered the second portrait made without the cigar.

Galland's autobiography, The First and the Last (Die Ersten und die Letzten), was published in 1954. In 1969 he served as technical adviser for the film Battle of Britain. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [28]

Awards

References

Notes
  1. ^ David & Charles, 2000, p. Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Wehrmachtbericht was a daily report made by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht regarding the military situation on all fronts Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 303 - On a voyage preaching the Gospel, Saint Fermin of Pamplona is beheaded in Amiens, France Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1570 - A Tidal wave in the North Sea devastates the coast from Holland to Jutland, killing more than 1000 Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 217 BC - Battle of Raphia: Ptolemy IV of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid kingdom. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 72.
  2. ^ Aces of the Luftwaffe: Paul Galland
  3. ^ Aces of the Luftwaffe: Wilhelm Galland
  4. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 2.
  5. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 2.
  6. ^ Jagdgruppe 88, a four Staffel Gruppe
  7. ^ Feist 1993, p. 104.
  8. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 3.
  9. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 3.
  10. ^ For an explanation of the meaning of Luftwaffe unit designation see Organization of the Luftwaffe during World War II
  11. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. Organization of the Luftwaffe: The German Air Force ( Luftwaffe) of World War II had a distinct organization and command structure 4.
  12. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 4.
  13. ^ Ring 1994, p. 27
  14. ^ Deighton 1977, p. 182.
  15. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 10.
  16. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 15.
  17. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 9, 30.
  18. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 41.
  19. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 43.
  20. ^ Caldwell and Muller 2007, p 189.
  21. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 39.
  22. ^ Caldwell and Muller 2007, p. 262 .
  23. ^ Caldwell and Muller 2007, p. 264.
  24. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. 49-50.
  25. ^ For a list of Luftwaffe Jet aces see List of German World War II jet aces
  26. ^ Kaplan 2007, p. The following is a complete list of German World War II jet aces. 49.
  27. ^ Interview with World War II Luftwaffe General and Ace Pilot Adolf Galland
  28. ^ Galland At the Internet Movie Database
Bibliography

External links

Military offices
Preceded by
Major Gotthard Handrick		 Commander of Jagdgeschwader 26 Schlageter
22 August 1940 – 5 December 1941		 Succeeded by
Major Gerhard Schöpfel
Preceded by
Oberst Werner Mölders		 General der Jagdflieger
5 December 1941 – 31 January 1945		 Succeeded by
Oberst Gordon Gollob
Preceded by
Generalleutnant Theo Osterkamp		 Commander of Jagdfliegerführer Sizilien
15 June 1943 – 31 July 1943		 Succeeded by
Oberstleutnant Carl Vieck
Preceded by
none		 Commander of Jagdverband 44
1 February 1945 – 26 April 1945		 Succeeded by
Oberst Heinrich Bär


Persondata
NAME Galland, Adolf
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION German World War II fighter pilot
DATE OF BIRTH 19 March 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH Westerholt, Germany
DATE OF DEATH 9 February 1996
PLACE OF DEATH Remagen, Germany
Karl Hermann Gotthard Handrick ( 25 October 1908 &ndash 30 May 1978) was a German Olympic athlete and Fighter Jagdgeschwader 26 (JG 26 Schlageter was a Luftwaffe fighter - wing of World War II. Events 392 - Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Major Gerhard Schöpfel ( 19 December, 1912 &ndash 17 May, 2003) was a German World War II Luftwaffe Werner Mölders ( March 18, 1913 – November 22, 1941) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace. Inspector of Fighters ( German language: Inspekteur der Jagdflieger redesignated to General der Jagdflieger) was not a rank but a leading position within Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Gordon M Gollob ( 16 June 1912 &ndash 8 September 1987) was an Austrian fighter pilot and Flying ace Theodor "Theo" Osterkamp ( 15 April 1892 - 2 January 1975) was a World War I and World War II Luftwaffe Jagdfliegerführer Sizilien was part of Luftflotte 2 (Air Fleet 2 one of the primary divisions of the German Luftwaffe in World War II. Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 30 BC - Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian 's forces but most of his army subsequently Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Jagdverband 44 (JV 44 was a special fighter unit of top German fighter ace pilots in the Luftwaffe during the last months of World Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Colonel Heinz (Oskar-Heinrich "Pritzl" Bär ( 21 March 1913 – 28 April 1957) was a German Luftwaffe Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting Westerholt is a municipality in the district of Wittmund, in Lower Saxony, Germany. Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Remagen is a town in Germany in Rhineland-Palatinate, in the district of Ahrweiler.
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