Subordinates' opinions of Hans Dortenmann;

[NickM]

Originally Posted by kennethklee

I'm a little late to the discussion but wanted to comment on this interesting topic. Somewhat fortuitously I just read Axel Urbanke's Green Hearts First in Combat with the Dora 9. As those who have read this fine book know, Urbanke interviewed many surviving members of III/JG 54 and JG 26 and cited extensively from Dortenmann's diary. Many of the surviving pilots comment favorably on Dortenmann and his abilities as a fighter pilot and a formation leader, and that he looked out for the pilots under his command. In fact, I did not recall reading any quotes that were less than favorable for Dortenmann. Although Dortenmann was an aggressive fighter pilot and did not hesitate to engage the enemy, the welfare of his men seemed to take priority. One pilot is quoted stating that Dortenmann never lost a wingman while scoring a victory. I did not recall any quotes from his pilots suggesting that Dortenmann had the neck itch for the Knight's Cross. A lively party is briefly described as occurring spontaneously when Dortenmann encountered some of his former pilots from IV/JG 26, suggesting Dortenmann was held in high regard by his pilots, which would be unlikely if Dortenmann put any ambitions for decorations and advancement ahead of his men. Since Dortenmann passed in 1973, no motive for hiding unfavorable facts or opinions should be present for none of Dortenmann's surviving contemporaries.

Dortenmann's diary quotes often describe his affinity for his pilots from IV/JG 26, and his regrets at leaving them when he transferred to I/JG 26. A fellow officer, Lt. Hans Prager, describes in detail the aftermath when his Fw 190D-9 was severely damaged by collision with a P-47 and that Dortenmann took charge of guiding Prager home to a safe landing; he provided radio advice and reassurance and checked out the landing field ahead of him. When Dortenmann finally received his Knight's Cross in late April 1945, the pilots of his former Staffel 14/JG 26 are described as happy for him because he never scored his victories at the expense of his men, but because he was a very skilled pilot and leader.

Although this is only one book, it appears to be well-researched and documented, especially with regards to interviews with surviving pilots and use of logbooks (i.e., Dortenmann) and therefore very credible to me. In summary, the Green Hearts book left me with the impression that Hans Dortenmann was a very skilled fighter pilot and leader who took his leadership duties seriously and put his men first.

No doubt then, Dortenmann was Eager for combat AND a skilled AND careful pilot...thanks for the Feedback;

nickm