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Re: Most Representative Luftwaffe Pilot?
Apples and oranges.
That bomber can't be equated to either POWs or airmen in their chutes, it is as simple as that.
Would that SS Panzer have escorted a damaged enemy tank back to its own lines? No, it would probably have put in another canon round...
Again, I do not judge the man, for I have no right to do so, but I find the deed questionable, even if today we honor such a thing. What does it mean if the (remaining) crew flew other bombing missions killing countless German civilians?
perhaps I am simple, but I'd rather kill that crew than feel guilt about letting it go to fight another day...
That bomber if you like it or not was still an enemy combattant.
Have you ever heard of US fighter pilots escorting damaged enemy bombers back?
Again, there may be some room for this romantic stuff between fighter pilots, but bombers, no...I don't buy that.
__________________
Ruy Horta
12 O'Clock High!
And now I see with eye serene
The very pulse of the machine;
A being breathing thoughtful breath,
A traveller between life and death;
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