Uffz. Karl Schmitz of 6.Staffel JG 27 is seen here on the presentation of an EK II for his first victory, a B-17 downed over Nancy during the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid on 14 October 1943. Wearing the award, Schmitz poses proudly for photos in front of his Bf 109 G-6 ‘yellow 4’.
After shifting back to Germany from Italy in late July 1943, the Gustavs of II./JG 27 were based in Wiesbaden but from early September regularly flew out to their 'advanced' airfield at St. Dizier (north-eastern France, west of Strasbourg) when put on alert to counter USAAF raids. According to Schmitz - who flew as Rottenflieger to Oblt. Kientsch - 6. Staffel claimed 14 victories during their brief spell on mainland Italy, 13 of which were 'credited' to Kientsch.....
For personal accounts and more images from Karl Schmitz see my 16-page feature "JG 27 in the defence of the Reich" published in "Luftwaffe Fighters - Combat on all Fronts" Vol 2
For personal accounts and more images from Karl Schmitz see my 16-page feature "JG 27 in the defence of the Reich" published in "Luftwaffe Fighters - Combat on all Fronts" Vol 2