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Luftwaffe Eagle: From the Me109 and Me262
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.
His mastery continued when in March 1945 he joined Jagdgeschwader 7, newly equipped with Me 262 jet fighters and shot down two Allied fighters on his first operation. He took command of the third Staffel of JG 7, and his success in the aerial theatre was unsurpassed when he brought down four B-17 bombers while on a transit flight. Shortly afterwards, meeting one of the bombers' escort fighters in combat, his fuel system exploded and he had to bail out. Walter Schuck's war was over, after more than 500 front-line sorties and 206 confirmed kills.
Celebrated by his colleagues for his skill, courage, sheer guts, and chivalry, including his 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 Luftwaffe, 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.
His mastery continued when in March 1945 he joined Jagdgeschwader 7, newly equipped with Me 262 jet fighters and shot down two Allied fighters on his first operation. He took command of the third Staffel of JG 7, and his success in the aerial theatre was unsurpassed when he brought down four B-17 bombers while on a transit flight. Shortly afterwards, meeting one of the bombers' escort fighters in combat, his fuel system exploded and he had to bail out. Walter Schuck's war was over, after more than 500 front-line sorties and 206 confirmed kills.
Celebrated by his colleagues for his skill, courage, sheer guts, and chivalry, including his 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 Luftwaffe, 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.
239 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 7, 2019
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 ancedotes, 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.
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 ancedotes, 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.
July 14, 2018
Story of German ace that has only about 15 min to spend In air before next landing to refuel.As they all has,in these bf 109 planes
Fling in Antarctic Peninsula and Russia, fighting American planes, supplies for soviet army.
And defending by delaying defeat in first jet plane that has been used at the end of war. Only to be shot down and by this possible survived not only crush but war to.
Honest telling of young mans life from someone who knew best, himself.
Fling in Antarctic Peninsula and Russia, fighting American planes, supplies for soviet army.
And defending by delaying defeat in first jet plane that has been used at the end of war. Only to be shot down and by this possible survived not only crush but war to.
Honest telling of young mans life from someone who knew best, himself.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews