Adolph Galland, Fighter General of Luftwaffe, jet pilot ace and German hero, Adolph survived war. Born in Westerholt, Westphalia, Galland was the second of four sons of a land manager. He developed an early interest in aviation, flying home-built gliders (at the time the only type of aircraft allowed in Germany under the terms of the Versailles treaty) from an improvised field near his hometown. In November 1941, following his 94th official victory, he was chosen by Luftwaffe commander Hermann Göring to command Germany's fighter force as General der Jagdflieger, succeeding renowned ace Werner Mölders who had just died in an air crash (having himself just succeeded another German aviation legend, Ernst Udet). The promotion made Galland the youngest Generalleutnant in Germany. No longer flying operationally, he organized the successful air protection for the Channel Dash of the German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, and the cruiser Prinz Eugen. In 1942, Galland flew an early prototype of the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter. After the flight, he described his experience: "It was as if an angel is pushing you..." and he became an enthusiastic supporter of this aircraft. During 1943 Galland became more involved with the air defence of the Reich against the increasing USAAF day bombing offensive. As General der Jagdflieger, he had at his disposal a small flight operating FW-190s. He flew a dozen or so combat missions through 1942–44 and probably gained two more victories over USAAF B-17 heavies sometime during early 1944, although on one occasion narrowly avoided being shot down by the USAAF escort fighters. Orders are Orders, I witnessed a dramatic scene between Goering and General Galland, who commanded his fighter planes. Galland had reported to Hitler that day that several American fighter planes accompanying the bomber squadrons had been shot down over Aachen. He had added the warning that we were in grave peril if American fighters, thanks to improved fuel capacity, should soon be able to provide escort protection to the fleets of bombers on flights even deeper into Germany. Hitler had just relayed these points to Goering. Goering was embarking for Rominten Heath on his special train when Galland came along to bid him good-by. "What's the idea of telling the Fuehrer that American fighters have penetrated into the territory of the Reich?" Goering snapped at him. "Heir Reichsmarschall," Galland replied with imperturbable calm, "they will soon be flying even deeper." Goering spoke even more vehemently: 'That's nonsense, Galland, what gives you such fantasies? That's pure bluff!" Galland shook his head. "Those are the facts. Herr Reichmarschall!" As he spoke he deliberately remained in a casual posture, his cap somewhat askew, a long cigar clamped between his teeth. "American fighters have been shot down over Aachen. There is no doubt about it!" Goering obstinately held his ground: "That is simply not true, Galland. It's impossible." Galland reacted with a touch of mockery: "You might go and check it yourself, sir; the downed planes are there at Aachen." Goering tried to smooth matters over: "Come now. Galland, let me tell you something. I'm an experienced fighter pilot myself. I know what is possible. But I know what isn't, too. Admit you made a mistake." Galland only shook his head, until Goering finally declared: "What must have happened is that they were shot down much farther to the west. I mean, if they were very high when they were shot down they could have glided quite a distance farther before they crashed." Not a muscle moved in Galland's face. "Glided to the east, sir? If my plane were shot up..." "Now then, Herr Galland," Goering fulminated, trying to put an end to the debate, "I officially assert that the American fighter planes did not reach Aachen." The General ventured a last statement: "But, sir, they were therel" At this point Goering's self-control gave way. "I herewith give you an official order that they weren't there! Do you understand? The American fighters were not there! Get that! I intend to report that to the Fuehrer." Goering simply let General Galland stand there. But as he stalked off he turned once more and called out threateningly: "You have my official order!" With an unforgettable smile the General replied: "Orders are orders, sir!" |
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