[Larry Hickey]

Hello,

Two of our EoE experts have reported back to me their opinions about the Nodinger FB, including comparisons with the FB of other veterans of the units that he served with during the same periods. Both feel that the overall claims of a dozen victories or so over his career are significantly exaggerated, possibly after the fact, to improve his war record. This may have been done for entirely understandable reasons at the time, but a number of his claims don't hold up well to historical scrutiny. It looks like perhaps a third to half of them are either documentable (the B-17) or could be supported as a "benefit of the doubt." The fact that he won the EK II and I by 04.09.40 and had been promoted to Feldwebel, indicates that he probably did accomplish some victories, perhaps several, during this period, and showed potential leadership qualities. We think that about three of the 1940 victories may have merit, possibly more, but there just isn't enough evidence one way or another to reach a valid conclusion. This in no way takes away from the value of the collection as documents, medals and materials from a Luftwaffe Zerstörer pilot. These materials, including the Flugbuch, all appear to be genuine. However, if the very high price being asked for the materials is based upon Nodinger's being a well known and accomplished "ace" during this time, that, without further information or support, simply does not stand up to historical scrutiny.

Unfortunately, it does not appear that his FB is going to add significantly to our information on victory claims by the units that he served with during 1940, although even three recognized claims during that period, if the could be further documented, would be welcome in helping to complete the record. I wish that it were otherwise. However, the great potential value of his FB is in documenting combat missions flown by 3./JGr101, II./ZG1 and III./ZG76 during the period of Nodinger's service with these units. Since by and large the records of these units have not survived the war, any documentation for these unit's activities during this period are historically valuable. It remains to be seen if these FB, especially the 4th one, will eventually become available to researchers in the field.

Regards,