Gerhard Barkhorn, German general and pilot (b. 1919)

Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn: A Legend of Aerial Combat

Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn, born on 20 March 1919, was an exceptional German military aviator and highly decorated wing commander who served in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He achieved a remarkable place in aviation history as the second most successful fighter pilot of all time, surpassed only by his esteemed colleague, Erich Hartmann. Barkhorn holds the unique distinction, alongside Hartmann, of being the only fighter ace to ever exceed 300 claimed aerial victories, a testament to his unparalleled skill and perseverance in combat. After the war, he continued his distinguished military career, becoming a high-ranking officer in the nascent German Air Force of the Federal Republic of Germany, known as the Bundeswehr, playing a pivotal role in its re-establishment and integration into NATO.

Early Career and Ascendance in the Luftwaffe

Barkhorn began his journey in military aviation during the turbulent interwar period, joining the Luftwaffe in 1937, just prior to the outbreak of World War II. He successfully completed his rigorous fighter pilot training in 1939. His initial combat experiences unfolded during the "Phoney War" – a period of limited military operations between September 1939 and May 1940 – and subsequently during the intense aerial clashes of the Battle of Britain. Despite flying multiple combat missions during these early stages of the war, he did not achieve any aerial victories, highlighting the formidable challenges and learning curve faced by new pilots.

Barkhorn's career trajectory fundamentally shifted with his assignment to Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52), the 52nd Fighter Wing, which would go on to become the most successful fighter wing in history. It was with this legendary unit that he claimed his first aerial victory in July 1941, shortly after the commencement of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. His tally of confirmed kills began to rise steadily and dramatically against the Soviet Air Forces on the Eastern Front, a theater characterized by vast numbers of aircraft and continuous, often brutal, air-to-air engagements.

Recognizing his growing combat prowess and leadership capabilities, Barkhorn was appointed squadron leader of 4. Staffel (4th squadron) of JG 52 in March 1942. His exceptional performance was formally acknowledged in August 1942 when he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, one of Germany's highest military decorations, presented for outstanding bravery or successful leadership. By September 1943, his leadership roles expanded further as he was given command of II. Gruppe (2nd group) of JG 52. His continued accumulation of victories, reaching 250 aerial triumphs, led to him receiving the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords – the second-highest decoration in the Wehrmacht at that time, signifying extraordinary courage and achievement.

Peak Performance and Post-War Legacy

Throughout his extensive combat career, Gerhard Barkhorn flew an astonishing 1,104 combat sorties. The overwhelming majority of his 301 confirmed victories were achieved on the Eastern Front, where he primarily piloted the formidable Messerschmitt Bf 109, a highly versatile and widely used fighter aircraft of the Luftwaffe. The nature of air combat on the Eastern Front, often involving large formations and less experienced Soviet pilots in the early years, allowed for the accumulation of exceptionally high victory counts by seasoned German aces.

As the war entered its final stages, Barkhorn's assignments shifted. In January 1945, he departed from JG 52 on the Eastern Front and took on a new leadership role as Geschwaderkommodore (wing commander) of Jagdgeschwader 6 (JG 6—6th Fighter Wing). In this capacity, he was tasked with the critical defense of Germany against the increasingly dominant Western Allied air forces. The aerial landscape on the Western Front presented a different, often more technologically advanced and tactically sophisticated challenge from the Allied fighters.

In April 1945, in the dwindling days of the conflict, Barkhorn joined one of the Luftwaffe's most elite units, Galland's Jagdverband 44 (JV 44—44th Fighter Detachment). This renowned "Squadron of Aces" was unique for operating the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter. His time with JV 44, though brief, marked his experience with cutting-edge jet technology. He eventually surrendered to the Western Allies in May 1945 and was subsequently released later that same year.

Following World War II, Barkhorn dedicated himself once more to military service. He joined the newly formed German Air Force of the Bundeswehr, playing an integral part in rebuilding Germany's aerial defense capabilities within the framework of NATO. He served with distinction until his retirement in 1975.

Tragically, Gerhard Barkhorn's remarkable life concluded after a devastating car crash. On 6 January 1983, he was involved in an accident with his beloved wife, Christl. She succumbed to her injuries instantly, and Barkhorn himself passed away five days later, on 11 January 1983, a poignant end to the life of one of history's greatest fighter pilots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gerhard "Gerd" Barkhorn

How many aerial victories did Gerhard Barkhorn achieve during World War II?

Gerhard Barkhorn was officially credited with 301 aerial victories, making him the second most successful fighter pilot in history.

What was Barkhorn's primary aircraft?

He primarily piloted the Messerschmitt Bf 109 throughout his career on the Eastern Front, although he briefly flew the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter towards the end of the war with JV 44.

Which military decorations did Barkhorn receive?

Barkhorn was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and later the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other decorations, for his exceptional bravery and leadership.

What was Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52)?

Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) was the most successful fighter wing of the Luftwaffe during World War II, known for producing many of Germany's top aces, including Barkhorn and Erich Hartmann.

What was Jagdverband 44 (JV 44)?

Jagdverband 44 (JV 44) was an elite, experimental Luftwaffe unit formed in the final months of World War II, composed of highly experienced fighter aces and tasked with operating the advanced Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter.

What did Barkhorn do after World War II?

After his release from captivity, Gerhard Barkhorn joined the German Air Force of the Bundeswehr, the post-war West German armed forces, serving as a high-ranking officer until 1975 and contributing to the rebuilding of Germany's air capabilities within NATO.