[Johannes]

Hi Michel

The Oskar-Heinz Bär theory is a sound one. Kurt Tanzer also received the Ritterkreuz for a lowly total of Russian aircraft, again probably due to his efforts as a wingman. I wonder if Erich Rudorffer "lobbied" for a high decoration (Ritterkreuz of DKiG) for Kurt Tangermann?.

I always thought perhaps that Heinz Knoke who may have caused a lot of damage, got his Ritterkreuz perhaps for his political beliefs rather than the number of Allied aircraft claims he had confirmed. However few Luftwaffe pilots were so inclined, and those that were, were not popular, wouldn't think that Schuhmacher was a "Nazi", In fact Bär himself was refused the Brillianten seven times for speaking-out against the system.

Kind Regards

Johannes