Luftwaffe Eagle: From the Me109 to the Me262

by Walter Schuck, John Weal (Translator)

Luftwaffe pilot Walter Schuck flew the Me109 in the Arctic Sea fighter squadrons becoming the Russian air force's feared enemy in the far north. Awarded the Knights Cross in April 1944 he claimed his 100th kill in June of that year, then barely 48 hours later shot down 12 aircraft in one day, a record never achieved by any other Arctic Sea pilot. Celebrated by his colleagues for his skill, courage, sheer guts and chivalry including the deep feelings for those he shot down, he earned the nickname "Adler der Tundra" or "Northern Knight."

In this autobiography, the author tells his story simply, conveying his impressions of life, the rationale of the Lufwaffe and the everyday life of a military man in those times, including the difficulties and hardships of the war in the Arctic Seas. In a gripping narrative, the author helps us to understand why he and his colleagues were prepared to lay down their lives for their people, and their country.

Rich in detail and facts and supplemented by photographs from his personal collection and color aircraft profiles, Walter Schuck helps us to put the past into context, painting a unique picture of life in the Luftwaffe during the times of the Third Reich.

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2015

Reviews

[TheHenry Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent memoir from an obscure pilot with 200+ victories, mostly against Russians over north Norway. He finished his combat career with a bang, shooting down four B-17s in a Me-262 on his last mission, only to be bounced and then shot down himself by a P-51 while returning to base.

A smallish but independent-minded fellow of humble background who rubbed some of his peers the wrong way, he only narrowly avoided washing out of flight school in spite of his undeniable talent at flying. The text itself is a good combination of personal anecdotes, operational events, and aerial combat.

I have the Hikoki edition, which is large with quality paper well-suited to photos, color maps, and color plates of aircraft the author flew. His victory list and decorations are included as well. Translated by John Weal. A superb publication.

[Lyle Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading from the Luftwaffe point of view. Lots of pictures!