Dietrich Hrabak
Dietrich "Dieter" Hrabak (born 19 December 1914 in Groß-Deuben, Leipzig, died 15 September 1995 in Pfaffenhofen) was a German World War II fighter ace who served in the Luftwaffe from 1935 until the end of World War II on 8 May 1945 and again in the Bundeswehr from 1955 until his retirement on 30 September 1970. During World War II he shot down 125 enemy aircraft achieved in over 1000 combat missions. 109 of his victories were claimed over the Eastern front, with 16 against the Western Allies.
His various commands included Geschwaderkommodore of JG 52 and JG 54, the two highest scoring fighter Geschwaders of the war.
His greatest contribution to the Luftwaffe was not his combat record however but his command, tactical and leadership qualities, which endeared him to the men under his command and sealed his reputation within the Luftwaffe leadership.
Quotes
Dietrich Hrabak was famous for saying: "If you return from a mission with a victory, but without your Rottenflieger [Wingman], you have lost your battle."Awards
- German Cross in Gold (10 July 1944)
- Iron Cross 2. and 1. class
- Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross (21 October 1940)
- 337. Oak Leaves (25 November 1943)
References
- The Men of JG 54. Dietrich Hrabak. Retrieved on 25 March., 2007.
- Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
- Patzwall, Klaus D. and Scherzer, Veit. Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 - 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II. Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall, 2001. ISBN 3-931533-45-X.
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Last updated on Thursday September 18, 2008 at 17:17:32 PDT (GMT -0700)
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