Adolf Galland

Adolf "Dolfo" Joseph Ferdinand Galland was a World War II German fighter pilot and commander of Germany's fighter force from 1941 to 1945. Galland joined the Luftwaffe in 1933, and despite suffering injuries, including a damaged eye, in two crashes, he continued his military career. In 1937 he was one of 20,000 German military personnel to see action in the Condor Legion, providing Galland with valuable combat experience. Galland transferred to a fighter unit in 1940 and quickly reached Ace status during the Battle of France. In November 1941, with his score standing at 94 Galland became General der Jagdflieger at the age of 29. Galland continued to test fly many types of German aircraft, occasionally flying combat missions when he could. In January 1945, Galland, along with other Luftwaffe officers, was sent back to operational units after questioning the competence of Hermann Göring. Galland surrendered to United States Army forces in May 1945. He claimed a total of 104 victories in 705 missions and was awarded the Knight's Cross with oakleaves, swords and diamonds, one of only 27 recipients of the highest German military decoration. His victory claims were all against the Western Allies.