Any living Luftwaffe pilots we can list here?

[WEISNER]

Greetings gang, I wonder if we can all get together and come up with a list of living Luftwaffe Fighter, Bomber, Recon Pilots etc. that are still living? thought it would be good info to know for those researching projects, No need to post Addresses or such, Just Names.
Thanks much.
Kevin

[Peter Kassak]

What would this effort be good for? to give signature hunters reason to bother people with the name given here around the world?

[ju55dk]

Originally Posted by Peter Kassak

What would this effort be good for? to give signature hunters reason to bother people with the name given here around the world?

I also fail to see the reason for this???? Many of those who are still around
are for many reasons reluctant to be contacted by persons they do not know.

Junker

[Horst Kube]

Originally Posted by Peter Kassak

What would this effort be good for? to give signature hunters reason to bother people with the name given here around the world?

... and those hunters even are not willing to pay for the return post costs.

I hate these "Cheap Charlies" and hope, none of the aces ever will give those disgusting, poor individuals any kind and in any form something, which looks like an autograph.

[David P. Williams]

Very well said Horst!!

Most of these gentlemen just want to be left alone with their families. Let's honour their privacy!

[Horst Kube]

Originally Posted by Horst Kube

... and those hunters even are not willing to pay for the return post costs.

I hate these "Cheap Charlies" and hope, none of the aces ever will give those disgusting, poor individuals any kind and in any form something, which looks like an autograph.

-----------------------

As being one of the "first threes", I want to clarify, that all of the signature searchers are very welcome from/by the veterans.

But - and to be honest, we/I did not understand the original question about "hunters", which are only looking for their own fortune, which only like to make money out from them and asking for many, maybe 20, 50 or more signatures from the veterans

and

even are not willing, let's say just forget, to pay one cent for the postal return costs...

This is, what makes me angry, and this is the reason why I name them "Cheap Charlies" and why I wanted to express this in my personal anger, see above.

All this - and not more, my dear friends, I experience nearly every day, when I read always the same nonesense from those "hunters", as

.... Ohh, Mr. sososo, I admire you already for such a long time, I started collecting aircrafts since I was 15 years old, my grandpa, my father was in this or that unit blablala...

My god, when do you silly nonthinkers please stop that everyday bullshit and just clearly say, what you want:

An autograph and a little bit of small talk, so what??

Sure, most/all of the veterans like it to be petted by you a/c collectors in written or personally given words, but how can they (over 80 years or older gents) be sure, that it is true, what you mean?

Calm down and ask Mr. Rall, Bob, Herrmann, Schuck a.s.o for your wishes -

but please do not forget the stamp for the return.

If you want to know why I personally take money from you/collectors in ebay or in Speyer, the answer is very easy: I give all the money from you to my friends, the veterans.

Thanks for your attention, Horst

[mayfair35]

Gentlemen:

I certainly cannot speak for German pilots, but as an American ace, I see no reason why someone who is collecting autographs for a private collection should not ask for my autograph. I receive several such requests and try to honor them when possible. Sometimes it takes awhile to get it done due to other more pressing problems.

However, some of the comments in this thread are correct. Occasionally I do get requests for autographs and pictures with no return postage. I usually ignore this type of request. In the last ten years, I doubt that I received more than two such requests. I also object to the individual who asks more than once. There is one person who every 8 months or so asks for 5 or more autographs at a time. Forget him! One individual did not ASK but TOLD me to send him my A-2 jacket, flight suit, and helmet. So occasionally, I expect to get a request from someone who is stupid or perhaps has a mental problem, and I try to handle it as the occasion requires.

BUT, there are many, many folks who have sent me drawings of my airplane or other things, and seem to be a very fine, patriotic individuals. It is my pleasure to assist them. I believe most of my comrades think and respond on this matter as I do.

Cordially, Art Fiedler

[Artist]

Dear Horst, WOW! do you make me feel like a total oss.Although I have always sent postage for my paintings to be signed, I never did for autographed photos. My dumb oss never thought of all the other requests these great men get from around the world. I must say I have never wrote to a Luft Ace that did not respond to my letters. Walter Krupinski was one of the best for sending back letters and info.One of the last responses I got from him was written by his son in law because he was so ill, but still wanted to respond to my letter! For now on I will send postage and more, (to cover the price of the print!) Thank you for making me think! all the best Robert

[Franek Grabowski]

Really? My experience is just the opposite, most of veterans I have met were most happy to help in any possible way, and definetelly glad someone was interested in their stories.

[John Manrho]

I agree with Franek. I talked to probably around a hundred German pilots and I would say in some 3% I was turned down. Please note, none of these were the important aces or anything like that. They are sometimes harassed. I remember clearly when I visited Herbert Kutscha when he showed me piles of letters of people who just wanted a signed photo. He did not respond to any of those. At least that was what he told me.

Listing names seems to me out of the question. When you have something to say to these old veterans and that message is of interest to them, they will respond. No need to create a public hit list...

cheers,

John.