DGS II and Memorial Day

[Guppy35]

The two teams are having a lot of fun with our cartoon airplanes and poking fun at each other on the boards.  But considering the Memorial Day weekend, I thought it couldn't hurt to remind folks of the people we represent when we fly these scenarios.  We face no risk in our airwar.  These guys faced an all too real threat.

Adolf Gallands "Great Blow" plan was for November of 44.  On November 2, 1944 the first test of the concept was tried against an Allied raid on Merseberg.  Lots of people died on both sides.

I have the 364th FG in the scenario, and I wanted it because I happened across some photos of a Mustang that belonged to a pilot who was KIA.  I was going through the history of the 364th today and came across this pilot, who was KIA on that first day of DGS for real.

I'm hoping some of the other history guys, both LW and Allied will add to this, remembering the pilots and aircrew who lost their lives all those years ago.

[M1A1]

 

Men like these made me want to serve. Glad I live in a place that has such men!!!

[Stampf]

 




19-year-old German Fähnrich Wolfgang Schade (7./JG11) was shot down during an air battle with American Thunderbolts in the Kaiserslautern area on 14 January 1945 and was KIA. He has been buried at the cemetery of Rothselberg (Kusel County) since that time.  Alongside his older Brother, a Major...killed two years earlier.

[Stampf]

Just kids.


Heinz Vontin - III/JG11.

[Stampf]

5./JG11 pilot - Franz Zambelli - KIA: 3/15/44.









Although Franz was killed prior to 'The Great Blow' I wanted to include here as, this mans Great nephew is a current member of the AH JG11 squadron and will be participating in DGS II.

 

[Raphael]

5./JG11 pilot - Franz Zambelli - KIA: 3/15/44.


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Although Franz was killed prior to 'The Great Blow' I wanted to include here as, this mans Great nephew is a current member of the AH JG11 squadron and will be participating in DGS II.

 

Cool!

[morfiend]

 Dan,    


 How right you are!  I was having fun myself but out of respect I stopped posting for the weekend.  Well this is an exception but it's not to poke fun.

  Stampf,having Zambelli in the squad is simply a great feeling and add in Mr Vilkas SIR!!! and I'm honoured to be apart of such a great group of guys.

  To those who have and those that will!          




    

[Stampf]

I am honored as much as the rest of you Morf, maybe even more, being the kommander.  I never dreamed that AH would be the experience it has turned out to be for me when I began playing.

Quite amazing, humbling, and exciting all at the same time.  I know I ask allot of you guys...sticking to the Irons in the MA and all...but I wouldn't change a thing.  It takes a special breed to fly JG11, and you guys who spin up with me are more family than friends, and I couldn't ask for a better bunch to be a part of.

[Hajo]

It would be better to not have to celebrate a Memorial Day.  But alas, it has always been necessary because

someone always wants something that someone else has.  It's unfortunate that this has been our worlds History.

I salute their memory and their self sacrifice.  And hope in the future such stupidity does not occur again.

What a terrible waste of life.  Remember, more civilians died during WWII then actual participants.

That is the true tragedy. I mention this to add perspective.  To Veterans present and past, I salute you.

And hope we don't get stupid ever again.  (We being mankind)