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Re: Klaus Gerlach, WWII German pilot
I am a virtual pilot who flies the WWII sim “IL-2” but in real life I had the pleasure of working with Klaus from 1995 to 1997 in the Chicago, IL area. Klaus was on loan from his Houston plant, helping us with our operating procedure for a chemical plant.
Klaus was a wonderful man who was a delight to work with. A couple times we went out for a beer and he opened up and talked about the good old days. He had substantial experience with 109 and 190 types and (from what I remember) may have flown a 262 but if so, not for an extended period.
Both my father (crew chief/pacific) and uncle (pilot/Europe-med.) flew in B-24’s and survived the war. When I told Klaus this, he referred to the Liberator as “A F@cking Death Trap” and said he was glad not to have flown in one. He enjoyed the single seat of a 109 the best, as it was very agile.
One historical event stood out. Both Klaus and my uncle participated in the famous raid on Ploesti, uncle in his 24 and Klaus in an Me-109. I was told the story from both pilot’s perspective. Heck, they could have shot at one another!
Sorry, I don't know their units but the Ploesti raid defense gives a clue.
God Bless You Klaus and Uncle Vic! Thankfully, dad is still with us at 92 y/o.
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