I didn't realize rich, your correct on german aircraft keeping accurate records - however I didn't realize germans as a whole kept such good records. I just had the idea between propaganda and edited records come to mind.
Then again I live in USA where every news station pumps out its own propaganda (CNN prime example)
No doubt Goebbels et al had his hand in some things. But the truth is when the Allies took over Germany they found entire troves of accurate records regarding almost everything that happened in the war. From concentration camps, to friendly deaths, to vehicles/planes lost, to who did what and when. Also this was a very professional military machine in Germany. One that didn't hand out medals easily. Thats why I believe Hitler actually earned his WW-l Iron Cross as did any other soldier, sailor, or airman, that was awarded medals for bravery. Many dont realize it but it was very unusual for a trench corporal, who ran messages, to be awarded an Iron Cross for bravery. There really can be no doubt Hitler was a very brave soldier his ownself.
The Nazis inherited a very professional and capable bureaucracy. And like he did with the Prussian Army elite, and the rich Industrialists, Hitler made his peace with the Bureaucrats. Hitler could be very practical when he wanted to be. But even still the keeping of accurate records, indeed counting and organizing everything, is part of the German psyche. Its part of the reason a small, almost landlocked, middle European country almost conquered the world.
Yaknow Douglas MacArthur gave Lyndon Baines Johnson, yes LBJ, a Silver Star during the war because he took one training flight in a bomber and because LBJ wanted one. This is one of our highest military honors and MacArthur gave this clown one cause MacArthur was ever the astute Politician and figured he might need a friend down the road.
I doubt such a thing could have happened in the German armed forces. Just a thought to share.