[Larry deZeng]

I almost gave up, Byron, because you didn't spell the name correctly. The only pilot by the name of W I L K E in JG 53 was an Unteroffizier. Here is who I think you are referring to:

WILCKE, Wolf-Dietrich. (DOB: 11.03.13 in Schrimm near Posen). (RES, DKG). 1934 joined the army, served in a Cavalry Rgt. 1935 trf to the Luftwaffe, as an Oberfähnrich. 01.04.36 promo to Lt. (n.d.) trf to JG 132. c.10.37 trf to JFS Werneuchen as an instructor. 1939 served with the Legion Condor in Spain. 01.07.39 Oblt., trf from I. of J/88 Legion Condor to III./JG 53. 03.10.39 Oblt., appt Staka 7./JG 53 (to 18.05.40). 18.05.40 POW – in Bf 109 E-3 shot down by French fighters W of Rethel and bailed out; aircraft crashed at LaGravière, Doux.01.07.40 promo to Hptm. 07.40 re-appt Staka 7./JG 53 (to 12.08.40). 13.08.40 Hptm., appt Kdr. III./JG 53 (to 18.05.42). 06.08.41 Hptm., awarded Ritterkreuz, Kdr. III./JG 53. 19.05.42 trf to JG 3. 12.08.42 Hptm./Maj., appt Kommodore JG 3 (to 23.03.44). 09.09.42 Hptm., awarded Eichenlaub, Kommodore JG 3. 03.11.42 Maj., awarded DKG, Kommodore JG 3. 23.12.42 Maj., awarded Schwerter, Kommodore JG 3. 01.02.43 promo to Obstlt. 01.12.43 promo to Oberst. 23.03.44 KIA - shot down by P-51 Mustangs near Schöppenstedt by Braunschweig). Credited with 162 air victories in 732 combat missions.

Larry & Doug