Erich Hartmann, German colonel and pilot (d. 1993)

Erich Alfred Hartmann, born on 19 April 1922 and passing away on 20 September 1993, stands as a legendary figure in the annals of aviation history. A German fighter pilot during World War II, he achieved an unparalleled distinction as the most successful fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare. His remarkable career saw him undertake an astonishing 1,404 combat missions, engaging in direct aerial combat on 825 separate occasions – a testament to the intense demands placed upon pilots on the Eastern Front.

During his service with the Luftwaffe, the German air force, Hartmann was officially credited with an incredible 352 aerial victories against Allied aircraft. The vast majority of these, 345 to be precise, were Soviet aircraft, with an additional seven American planes also falling to his guns. This extraordinary tally underscores the sheer volume of air combat he participated in and the skill he consistently demonstrated. Interestingly, throughout his entire operational career, Hartmann was never directly shot down by enemy action. He was, however, forced to crash-land his fighter 16 times, a consequence either of mechanical failures or, perhaps more tellingly, damage sustained from the debris of enemy aircraft he had just shot down in close-quarters combat.

Early Career and Ascendance on the Eastern Front

Hartmann's journey into military aviation began well before the war, having gained experience as a glider pilot. This early foundation in flight mechanics and airmanship likely contributed to his exceptional skill. He officially joined the Luftwaffe in 1940, completing his rigorous fighter pilot training by 1942. Shortly thereafter, he was posted to Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52), a highly seasoned and decorated fighter wing operating predominantly on the Eastern Front. This theatre of war was known for its relentless and brutal aerial engagements, making it a demanding environment for any new pilot. Placed under the tutelage of some of the Luftwaffe's most experienced fighter pilots, Hartmann rapidly honed his tactical prowess and flying techniques, quickly developing a fearsome reputation.

A Shower of Decorations

Hartmann's escalating number of aerial victories earned him rapid recognition and a series of Germany's highest military decorations. On 29 October 1943, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross after achieving 148 confirmed aerial victories. His success continued unabated, and for reaching 202 enemy aircraft destroyed, he received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross on 2 March 1944. Just four months later, on 2 July 1944, the Swords to the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves were bestowed upon him for his 268th aerial victory. His most prestigious award, however, came on 25 August 1944, when he was presented with the highly coveted Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds for his monumental achievement of 301 aerial victories. At the time, this was Germany's absolute highest military decoration, signifying extraordinary bravery and distinction in combat.

End of War, Captivity, and Exoneration

Erich Hartmann achieved his 352nd and final aerial victory at midday on 8 May 1945, mere hours before Germany's unconditional surrender brought World War II in Europe to an end. In the chaos of the war's conclusion, he, along with the remaining elements of JG 52, surrendered to United States Army forces. However, in accordance with wartime agreements, he was subsequently turned over to the Red Army. What followed was a harsh period of imprisonment. The Soviet authorities, in an attempt to coerce him into service with the newly formed, Soviet-friendly East German National People's Army, put him on trial for war crimes. Despite the dubious nature of these charges, he was convicted and initially sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, a term later extended to 25 years. Hartmann spent a decade enduring the brutal conditions of various Soviet prison camps and gulags before finally being released in 1955. Decades later, a significant act of justice occurred: in 1997, the Russian Federation posthumously relieved him of all charges, clearing his name and acknowledging the injustice of his wartime conviction.

Post-War Life and Legacy

Following his release from Soviet captivity, Hartmann returned to a dramatically changed Germany. In 1956, he joined the newly established West German Air Force, part of the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Force). His exceptional experience and leadership qualities were recognized, and he became the first Geschwaderkommodore (Wing Commander) of Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen," an honorary title that paid homage to Germany's legendary World War I ace, Manfred von Richthofen. Hartmann's distinguished military career in the Bundeswehr concluded in 1970, largely due to his strong opposition to the controversial procurement of the F-104 Starfighter, an aircraft that faced significant reliability and safety concerns in German service. After retiring from the military, he continued his passion for aviation by becoming a civilian flight instructor, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with a new generation of pilots. Erich Hartmann passed away at the age of 71 on 20 September 1993, leaving behind an indelible mark on military aviation history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Erich Hartmann

What made Erich Hartmann the "most successful fighter ace" in history?
Erich Hartmann earned this title by being credited with the highest number of aerial victories in combat: 352 confirmed kills during World War II, a record that remains unsurpassed.
Did Erich Hartmann ever get shot down by an enemy pilot?
Remarkably, no. Erich Hartmann was never shot down by direct enemy action. The 16 times he was forced to crash-land his aircraft were due to mechanical failures or damage caused by debris from enemy aircraft he had just engaged and shot down.
What was his highest military decoration?
Hartmann received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds on 25 August 1944, for achieving 301 aerial victories. This was Germany's highest military decoration at that time.
Why was Erich Hartmann imprisoned after World War II?
After surrendering to U.S. forces, Hartmann was handed over to the Red Army. He was subsequently tried and convicted by Soviet authorities on fabricated war crimes charges, primarily as a means to pressure him into serving with the Soviet-backed East German National People's Army.
Was he ever cleared of the war crimes charges?
Yes. In 1997, more than 40 years after his release and four years after his death, the Russian Federation officially and posthumously relieved Erich Hartmann of all charges, acknowledging the political motivations behind his original conviction.
What did Erich Hartmann do after his release from Soviet captivity?
After his release in 1955, Hartmann joined the newly established West German Air Force (Bundeswehr) in 1956. He rose to become the first Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen." Following his military retirement in 1970, he became a civilian flight instructor.