WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE - HERBERT IHLEFELD

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    Description WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS WINNER PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE – HERBERT IHLEFELD Wartime portrait photo & signature. 9x13cm. One of several portraits requested by a Hitler Jugend boy, and officially sent to him – see image of reverse. Herbert Ihlefeld (June 1, 1914 – August 8, 1995) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace who served in both the Spanish Civil War and Second World War. Credited with 130 aerial victories in over 1,000 combat missions, and survived being shot down eight times. Early Career & Spanish Civil War: Joined the Reichswehr in 1933; transferred from the army to the Luftwaffe in 1935. Volunteered for the Condor Legion and flew with Jagdgruppe 88 in Spain. Claimed 7–9 victories (some unconfirmed) between February and July 1938. Awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords for his service. World War II Service: Served with Lehrgeschwader 2 during the invasions of Poland and France. Awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in September 1940 after 21 victories during the Battle of Britain. Appointed group commander of I./JG 77 and fought in the Balkans and during Operation Barbarossa. Received the Oak Leaves (1941) and Swords (1942) after surpassing 100 victories. Later War Roles: Took command of JG 52 in June 1942 but was wounded shortly after. Later led a fighter pilot school and a specialized Mosquito interception unit (JG 25), which had limited success. Served on staff positions before becoming commander of JG 1 “Oesau” in May 1944. Participated in Operation Bodenplatte. Combat Record: 67 victories on the Eastern Front 56 on the Western Front, including: 15 four-engine bombers 26 Supermarine Spitfire

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