Hobby Master Archive

In 1940 Erich “Bubi” Hartmann joined the Luftwaffe and in 1942 was posted to JG 52 on the Eastern Front. Flying with some of the most experienced pilots Hartmann soon developed his formidable tactics. On October 29, 1943; having scored 148 victories; Hartmann was awarded the Knight’s Cross. On August 25, 1944 he was decorated with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds having a total of 301 victories. By the end of WWII Hartmann had 352 victories; all on the Eastern Front. Soviets called him the “Black Devil”.