Günther Rall: A Memoir- Luftwaffe Ace & NATO General

by Jill Amadio, Günther Rall

Gunther Rall was the elite of the elite. The third ranking German fighter ace of World War II with 275 kills, Rall and his fellow fighter pilots were feared and respected in the war-torn skies of Europe. Now, with Jill Amadio, Gunther Rall recalls his years as a fighter pilot in the Luftwaffe on both the Eastern and Western fronts in his long-awaited biography, Gunther Rall: A Memoir. Rall recounts his many dramatic victories and his narrow brushes with death, as well as his years as a NATO general and architect of the new German Air Force.

Genres: World War II, Aviation

423 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[Christopher Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Amadio's Gunther Rall, and I have to say it was an eyeopener. I learned many interesting facets about the war from the German perspective as well as gaining a better understanding of battle from the pilot's point of view. Most interesting to me was the respect that pilots on opposite sides of the war had for each other. It was a unique comradeship formed in the air, no matter what the ensignia was on your plane. A very good read that I would recommend heartily.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story well-worth telling. Gunther Rall survived Hitler as well as the break-up of Germany and the joining of NATO. This book gives good insight into the politics surrounding life in the German air force, both during the Nazi regime and during NATO. Although the literary style can be somewhat confusing at times (it jumps around in time periods), the content is top notch. It is also a fluid enough read that you don't get too bogged down. Especially recommended for pilots and history buffs.

[Spad53 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly good WW2 fighter pilot memoir/biography. It's mostly his own words, and interesting to read about the mindset of the Luftwaffe aces. I also enjoyed reading about the trials and tribulations of the Starfighter story in Germany. One thing that hasn't been mentioned much in reviews is that the book tells the story of the Bf109 very well, I've read hundreds of eulogies on my favorite the Spitfire, but I don't often read how much loved the 109 was by the German pilots, and the reasons why, the FW190 and other planes are hardly mentioned. The book also tries to be balanced about the whole nazi germany issue, but sort of rambles on a bit too much about it, I've read the German excuses dozens of times before, and they all sound a little naive, nothing new here. OTOH well done for tackling the issue. It's worth reading but not memorable.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history buffs read

I broke this book up reading slowly over time. General Rall’s life is explained from his early days of flying, working with NATO and speaks on his view of peace. An interesting read that helps to see the other side of WW2.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography about a true knight of the sky.

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 2 out of 5]

This new `authorised' biography of Gunther Rall, the Luftwaffe's third highest scoring ace of WW2, offers the reader an interesting insight into the man who piloted a Bf 109 against Germany's enemies on the Eastern and Western Fronts of the Second World War.

The book provides the reader with details about Rall's wartime activities, the end of the war, his civilian life and his role in the re-emergence of a German Air Force during the Cold War. For those who may not be aware of Gunther Rall's tally of victories during the Second World War he amassed a total of 275 `kills', mostly on the Eastern Front.

I was immediately attracted to this book for two reasons, the eye catching cover and because it's the only biography that I am aware of covering this extraordinary ace. I have read a few accounts of German aces and Rall is mentioned in most but nothing in great detail.

I must admit that I was slightly disappointed in this book, I was hoping for much more in relation to Rall's aerial fighting over the Russian steppes. This book didn't offer much in-depth detail about his fighter combat against Russian aircraft or his role in the defence of the Reich in 1944-45.

The author does provide some insightful information about Rall the man, the pilot and the leader, although somewhat general in nature, with numerous first-hand accounts thrown in. The book is still quite interesting to read and held my attention throughout, especially the period of Rall learning to fly the F-104 during the Cold War.

I found that the narrative was sometimes a bit disjointed along with what appeared to be a few chronological errors. However the overall affect was an enjoyable read about a most courageous and decent pilot offering `the other side' of the story from his perspective. I enjoyed reading about Rall's encounters with Allied aces after the war and the stories they swapped around a dinner table.

In the end I would have liked more aerial combat detail, a bit more nitty-gritty about how he chalked up so many kills, and more stories about his experiences fighting on the Eastern Front. One good point is that the book does provide numerous black and white photographs from Rall's wartime years and onwards.

In spite of my criticisms I am still pleased that I purchased the book and had the chance to `meet' this most fascinating man. However, I think that the definitive `combat' account of Gunther Rall and his experiences flying and fighting with the Luftwaffe is yet to come.

[blacksheep01 · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a serious historic aviation enthusiast, I was initially very interested in reading this book about the highest scoring living ace. I also thought it might provide some interesting insight from the German side of the war. However, I was generally disappointed with the author's seeming lack of knowledge about both the aircraft she was writing about and how aerial combat works.

To write a book like this and only have a vague idea about the central theme, WWII aviation, is kind of pointless. This book may serve as an ok introduction to the WWII aviation/WWII for those who know nothing about the topics, but I found it to simplistic.