Hartmann: claims vs. victories

[FalkeEins]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

Aside, Hartmann's victories were of no importance. Luftwaffe just lost the war in the air in general.

...Indeed. You've hit the nail on the head. Its becoming obvious that many of Hartmann's 'claims' were 'wishful thinking' at best. But everyone knows that he achieved '352' victories even today. Only ONE writer has come out and said 'no he probably didn't' - and he's been dismissed because he's Russian. Same thing with Rudel's 1500 tanks destroyed (or whatever..). These guys are 'heroes' - or had to become so during the Cold War because by then they were on our side..