Luetzow told them what the SS had asked of him and said he would remove his Knight’s Cross and resign from the Air Force if any of his men complied with the SS’s request.4 When The Party learned of Luetzow’s speech, rumors circulated that he would be court-martialed and perhaps even shot. Galland heard this and was worried for his friend. He removed Luetzow from command of the wing, probably saving his life.
