Erich Hartmann
Prints depicting the world's all-time greatest ace, Erich Hartmann.

"Bubi" Hartmann was the most successful fighter pilot ever. In October 1942, he joined the 9./JG 52 on the Eastern Front and achieved his first victory on 5 November 1942. After 100 missions in April 1943, he had been credited with only seven victories, showing that he — like many other top pilots — had a lengthy running-in period. On 13-7-1943, he had 200 missions and 34 victories. 100 missions later, on 18-9-1943, he had already 95 victories to his credit.

After his 90 th victory on 20 August 1943, he was forced to belly-land on Russian territory and was a POW for only four hours before escaping. In August 1943 alone he was able to achieve 49 victories, 25 in September (his 100th on 20 September 1943), and 33 in October. His next big series came in July/August 1944; within four weeks 78 enemy aircraft were shot down, among them eight on 23 August 1944 and 11 the following day (his 301st ). His 250th victory came on 18 July 1944, only the fourth German fighter pilot to achieve this many victories.

In October 1944, he came as Staffelkapitan to the 4./JG 52, part-time Gruppe leader, and took over the I./JG 52 on 1 February 1945. He was awarded the Diamonds to his Knight's Cross on 25 August 1944. After the German surrender, Hartmann was handed over to the Russians by the Americans and did not return from Russia until 1955.

Hartmann can truthfully be called one of the most gifted fighter pilots, with his unique shooting ability even in the middle of a free-for-all dogfight and up to 500 yards distance. On over 800 missions, during which he was only twice shot down himself, he achieved a total of 352 victories, out of which were 260 fighter aircraft – seven American ones included. His last victory was achieved on the last day of the fighting over Brunn.