Lt. Herbert Franke of I./JG 53

[Tom Semenza]

I recall reading an account of this pilot by US ace Robert Goebel in which Goebel states that he shot Franke down on 18.08.44. Goebel also gives a brief outline of Franke's career. I do not find this in Goebel's book "Mustang Ace" and I think it was on the internet somewhere. Can anyone point me to the source.

Thanks,

Tom

[Doug Stankey]

We find no Herbert Franke of any JG unit BUT we do find an Alfred Franke that seems to be your man:


FRANKE, Alfred.
(DOB: 20.09.18 in Jena).
c.1940-42 in 2./JG 53.
09.09.42 KIA in collision with an Il-2 north of Stalingrad.
05.10.42 Ofw., posthumously awarded the DKG.
10.42 posthumously promo to Lt.
29.10.42 Lt., posthumously awarded the Ritterkreuz.
Credited with 60 air victories.

This is all we have on this guy. Look into Tony Woods loss and claims website for specific claims.



Good Luck.

LdZ
DGS

[Chris Goss]

Larry: You have the wrong Franke.

18 Aug 44: Bf 109 G-6, 441350, White 7, 1/JG 53. Shot down in combat with P-51 near Gazanesti. Lt Herbert Franke killed