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Jagdfieber
(Hunting Fever)
by Heinz Krebs


During late 1944 the Luftwaffe introduced the jet fighter, a sensational revolution in aviation technology. In their mission debriefings, allied fighter pilots reported encounters, or even gunfights, with very fast German aeroplanes of unusual design, without propellers, these were usually Me262's.
The scene depicted here is high above the Tyrolean Alps, where at the beginning of the winter of 1944/45 aircraft of the 15th Air Force often clashed with Me 262's.
A 94th FS P38 Lightning and Me 262's of EKdo Lechfeld have passed one another in a high-speed, head-on encounter, and are about to turn into the ensuing aerial battle. The Jagdfieber (hunting fever), has taken possession of the participants.
Each print is signed by three P 38 pilots of the US Army Air Force;
Col. Richard E. Willsie, Col. Francis H. Harris and Lt. Col. Edwin C. Baquet,
and three Me 262 pilots of the Luftwaffe;
Maj. Erich Rudorffer, Lt. Hermann Buchner and 1st Lt. Walter Schuck.

Low inventory
27" x 36" Edition size: 750 $250



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The signatories
  Major Erich Rudorffer

First aerial victory May 14th, 1940. Posted to Africa end of 1942, where he stayed until his 70th victory, a B 17 on March 12th 1943. Eastern Front via France. Group Cdr II/JG 54. This commission ended with hi 212th aerial victory on November 5th, 1944. From January 15th 1945 Group Cdr. of I/JG 7 and a further 12 victories on Me 262. More than 1.000 missions,
224 aerial victories (12 on Me 262). Decorations include: Knights Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, German Cross.
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  Colonel Richard E. Willsie

From mid 1943 service in Africa in a night fighter squadron flying Beaufighters. Posted to Italy at the end of 1943 (96th FS). Three confirmed, multiple unconfirmed aerial victories. 113 missions (82 day, 31 night). Later served as a pilot both in Korea and Vietnam. Decorations include: Legion of Merit, 3 DFC's, Air Medal with 4 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaves, Purple Heart, Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France), Order of the Red Banner (USSR).
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  First Lieutnant Walter Schuck

First kill on May 15th, 1942 (Eismeer), the 100th on June 15th, 1944. 12 victories in a day on June 17th, 1944. Posted to Norway and 198th victory in that theater on February 16th, 1945. Conversion training to Me 262 and C.O. of 3./JG 7 from March 24th, 1945. Eight further victories on Me 262. Shot down by US fighter planes on April 10th, 1945 and bailed out. Approx. 500 missions, 206 aerial victories (8 on Me 262). Decorations include: Knights Cross with Oak Leaves, German Cross, Cup of Honour.
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  Colonel Francis H. Harris

Served as a pilot stationed in England from May 1942. Bailed out of a burning P-38 over England on September 7th, 1942. Posted to Africa from November 1942. One confirmed victory (Me 109). Posted back to US in May 1943. Returned to Europe (Italy) from May 1944. Received orders to take command of the 94th FS on July 20th, 1944. 142 missions. Decorations include: DFC, Air Medal with one Silver and two Bronze Oak Leaves, Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France).
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  Lieutnant Herman Buchner

Eastern Front from April 26th, 1942 (SG 1, later SG 2). 46th aerial victory on July 20th 1944
(IB 24 on June 23rd, 1944). Posted to SG 154 as instructor pilot from August 1944 and conversion training on the Me 262 (EKdo Lechfeld) from November 1944. Shot down a P-38 on November 26th, 1944 flying the 262 and gained another 11 victories on this jet. 631 missions, 58 aerial victories (12 on Me 262). Decorations include: Knights Cross, German Cross, Cup of Honour. Recommended for the Oak Leaves.
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  Lt. Colonel Edwin Baquet

Served as a pilot stationed in Italy from June 1944 through December 1944 (14th FG). Posted back to the US and volunteered for conversion training in the P-59 Bell Aircomet, the Army Air Corps' first jet fighter in preparation for combat in the Pacific theater, 105 missions, three aircraft destroyed on ground (Ju 87), two aircraft damaged in air (FW 190). Decorations include: DFC, Air Medal with two Silver Oak Leaves.
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