[aaatripp]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mr. Hermanns!

Mr. Hermanns is the father of Rudolf Hermanns and will turn 90 years old this coming May. So, you ask, why is today his birthday? According to his son, Rudolf, today marks his "2nd birthday" as, 68 years ago, he parachuted from his damaged Bf 110 shortly after noon in the vicinity of Nordlingen, Germany. Mr. Hermanns was the rear gunner in the Zerstorer. Franz Reich was the pilot. Their a/c had been damaged by an American P-51 of the USAAF, and they exited the a/c before it exploded....yes, a 2nd birthday indeed!

This is the reason why I've recently inquired about ME-110 losses on 16 Mar 44, to try and verify unit/squadron/other data in connection with this event as Bud Emmer is credited with a "damaged" ME-110 at this time and place.

Danke,
Tripp