Victory scores on Luftwaffe fighters on the Eastern Front

[Luftwaffle8]

About 35 years ago, I happened to chat with a German mechanic who serviced their fighters on the Eastern Front. He said pilots in his squadron did not paint kill markings on their planes in case they were shot down and captured. It would not bode well for the pilot.

I told the guy that I've seen photos of Luftwaffe aces with elaborately decorated rudders, depicting a Knights Cross with lots of victory bars. He commented: "Most likely done for the newspapers back home."

I've talked with several former GIs who fought in Europe. There was a rumor going around that if you were captured and they found a Luger or German personal affects on you, they'd shoot yon on the spot. True or not, they avoided taking souvenirs until the war ended.

I wonder if the comment about Luftwaffe pilots not advertising their kills on their fighters is true??