Stuka crews saved behind enemy lines

[Thomas H]

From what I read, it often happend that downed Stuka crews were saved by their colleagues who would land their own Stuka behind enemy lines to pick them up. Regardless of the fact that this is a pretty heroic and collegial action, which could even be more dangerous than the official mission itself, I wonder where the rescued crew would be fitted into the Stuka. Would the rear gunner still have been able to operate his gun?

Another question. I haven’t read anything about pilots being award a life saving medal for this action.

Regards, Thomas

[VtwinVince]

I guess we all know about the actions of Rudel and other high-profile Schlachtflieger. This sort of action did not fall within the parameters for award of the Rettungsmedaille.