Das waren die deutschen Jagdflieger-Asse 1939-1945

by Raymond F. Toliver, Trevor James Constable

The most successful fighter pilots of all time spring to vibrant life again in this revised and updated edition of the classic account of Germany's greatest aces in action. Ride into combat with such Luftwaffe luminaries as ace of aces Erich Hartmann, Gunther Rall, Gerhard Barkhorn and dozens of others as they provide first-hand accounts of the German fighter arm's epic battle for the skies over Europe, Africa, and Russia. Accurate pen portraits illuminate outstanding fighter leaders and tutor like Werner Molders, Adolph Galland, "Macky" Steinhoff and many more, who invested the Luftwaffe Fighter Arm with its characteristic spirit and vigor. Legendary air heros like Marseille, and mercurial "Star of Africa", are shown in hundreds of photos from German collections. Personal combat accounts appear against the backdrop of Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring, who undermined his own pilots. From early aerial ascendancy, followed by its triumphant assault on the Red Air Force, the Luftwaffe Fighter Arm was inexorably crushed by overwhelming Allied air power. Unquenchable courage, devotion to the defense of their country's civilians, and unmatched combat skills were of no avail. The great aces, even in Germany's revolutionary Me 262 jet fighter, could not win, yet they fought to the final hour in an unforgettable combat saga. All of it is here, exactly as it was lived by the German aces. This book is considered by surviving Luftwaffe aces to be their monument. Also included are data lists covering all known Luftwaffe aces, night fighter aces, jet aces, and tops & firsts., over 600 photographs, 8 1/2" x 11"

Genres: Aviation, History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Aircraft, Military History

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The camaraderie of fighter pilots with the enemy (never shared, for example, by opposing infantrymen) here assumes rather silly proportions. Beginning with the authors' (they wrote Fighter Aces) hero-worshipful profile of Luftwaffe ace Adolph Galland who writes the introduction to this book. But then all the Luftwaffe aces of World War II seem to have been dazzling sportsmen-patriots. ""Horrido"" was the death cry of the Luftwaffe when they shot down an Allied plane, which is here the equivalent of ""Tally-ho."" In other words, in their efforts to set the record straight and to readjust their own views of an enemy they now know personally, Messers. Constable and Toliver have overcompensated. A reconnaissance through rose-tinted sunglasses.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read on some of the more interesting German pilots of WW2. This is an excellent introduction to the Luftwaffe and gives a reader the sense of what it must have been like to be in the cockpit during the epic air battles raging on both fronts. Of particular interest is the 10th chapter, Knights of the Night. A very illuminating read on the perils of nightfighter combat. There are more detailed books out there, but this book is an enjoyable read written with enough first person accounts to capture the imagination of any would-be air warrior.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary and overview of the Luftwaffe's fighter aces, including first-hand comments from some of the pilots. Perhaps lacking in detail about some of the dog-fighting but it's a good starting point for going to find further reading about some of the aces.

[carl theaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book covering the top aces of the Luftwaffe with an overview and personal
stories of pilots such as Rall, Barkhorn, Marseille and Hartman. First
published in 1968, the stories are more immediate to the events, that is
these fellows were still alive.

Also as 1968, the authors spend some time explaining the credibility of the
200 or 300 victory counts, which were discounted at the time; explained away
as shoddy accounting, grounded aircraft kills or for battling easy 'inferior'
Russian pilots and aircraft.

I've read it a couple times, and I'd do it again.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about the fighter aces and operation from the Luftwaffe during WWII, this is a good book to read. It is well done. The authors have done an excellent job with interviewing many of the remaining pilots to get their stories. They also shed light on the high scores. The also have helped to provide an understanding of the politics they had to deal with during this time and the poor leadership that existed in Germany.

[Phill Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special order. Rare. Expensive. Worth it.