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'''Otto "Bruno" Kittel''' (21 February 1917 – 14 or 16 February 1945) was a [[World War II]] [[Luftwaffe]] [[flying ace]]. He flew 583 combat missions on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]], claiming 267 aerial victories, making him the fourth highest scoring ace in aviation history.{{sfn|Weal|2001|p=123}}{{sfn|Scutts|1992|p=145}} Kittel claimed all of his victories flying the [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] and [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]] against the [[Red Air Force]].{{sfn|Sims|1970|p=174}}
'''Otto "Bruno" Kittel''' (21 February 1917 – 14 or 16 February 1945) was a [[World War II]] [[Luftwaffe]] [[flying ace]]. He flew 583 combat missions on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]], claiming 267 aerial victories, making him the fourth highest scoring ace in aviation history.{{sfn|Weal|2001|p=123}}{{sfn|Scutts|1992|p=145}} Kittel claimed all of his victories flying the [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]] and [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]] against the [[Red Air Force]].{{sfn|Sims|1970|p=174}}


Kittel joined the [[Luftwaffe]] in 1939, at the age of 22 and flew his first combat missions in 1941.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=267}} In spring 1941, he joined ''[[Jagdgeschwader 54]]'' (JG 54) supporting [[Army Group North]] on the Eastern Front. Kittel claimed his first victory on 22 June 1941, the opening day of ''[[Operation Barbarossa]]''. Kittel took time to amass his personal tally of aerial victories. By February 1943, he reached 39 kills, relatively insignificant when compared with some other German aces. In 1943, his tally began to increase when JG 54 began to operate the Fw 190. Kittel earned the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] (''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes'') on 29 October 1943, for reaching 120 aerial victories. By the time he was officially awarded the decoration he had a tally of 123. A large number of his Soviet victims included the [[Ilyushin Il-2|IL-2 Shturmovik]] aircraft, leading the German Army to call him the "Butcher Killer", a nickname they had given to the tough ''Shturmovik''.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=268}}
Kittel joined the [[Luftwaffe]] in 1939, at the age of 22 and flew his first combat missions in 1941.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=267}} In spring 1941, he joined ''[[Jagdgeschwader 54]]'' (JG 54) supporting [[Army Group North]] on the Eastern Front. Kittel claimed his first victory on 22 June 1941, the opening day of ''[[Operation Barbarossa]]''. Kittel received the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] (''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes'') on 29 October 1943, for reaching 120 aerial victories.


During the remainder of World War II, Kittel was credited with 144 other aerial victories, which earned him the coveted [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross#Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern)|Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]]. On his 583rd combat mission, he was shot down and killed by the [[air gunner]] of a ''Shturmovik'' on 14 or 16 February 1945. Kittel was the most successful German fighter pilot to be killed in action.{{sfn|Bergström|2008|p=103}}
During the remainder of World War II, Kittel was credited with 144 other aerial victories. On his 583rd combat mission, he was shot down and killed on 14 or 16 February 1945. He was one of the only 160 Wehrmacht men to receive the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross#Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern)|Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kittel was born on 21 February 1917 in Kronsdorf (Krasov <ref group="Note">In 1935 the municipality was renamed as [[Krasov]]</ref>) near [[Krnov]] in [[Silesia|Sudeten Silesia]], [[Austria-Hungary]]. His father's name was Eduard Kittel, a farmer. Kittel had a reserved personality, softly spoken, which did not fit the perceived public image of a fighter pilot.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=298}}
Kittel was born on 21 February 1917 in Kronsdorf (Krasov <ref group="Note">In 1935 the municipality was renamed as [[Krasov]]</ref>) near [[Krnov]] in [[Silesia|Sudeten Silesia]], [[Austria-Hungary]]. His father's name was Eduard Kittel, a farmer.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=298}} Kittel, a [[auto mechanic]], joined the [[Luftwaffe]] in 1939 at the age of 22.{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=105}} After completing his training on 12 February 1941, Kittel was posted to JG 54 based at [[Jever]], [[Germany]].{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=10}} Kittel was assigned to 2 ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Staffel|Staffel]]'' (Squadron) JG 54 at the rank of ''[[Unteroffizier]]''. During his training and early career [[Hannes Trautloft]] became a role model to Kittel. He also formed a friendship with the German ace [[Hans Philipp]].{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=299–300}} Kittel married his fiancé Edith in June 1942 and had a son, Manfred, in 1945.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=147–148}}

Fascinated with flight at an early age, he first became an [[auto mechanic]] before joining the [[Luftwaffe]] in 1939 at age 22.{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=105}} After completing his training on 12 February 1941, Kittel was posted to JG 54 based at [[Jever]], [[Germany]].{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=10}} Kittel was assigned to 2 ''[[Organization of the Luftwaffe (1933–1945)#Staffel|Staffel]]'' (Squadron) JG 54 at the rank of ''[[Unteroffizier]]''. During his training he was considered a [[comrade#German usage|good comrade]] on account of his unshakeable calm, presence of mind and sense of duty. Owing to his attributes, his superior officers treated him with respect. During his training and early career [[Hannes Trautloft]] became a role model and offered Kittel advice about his techniques. He also formed a friendship with German ace [[Hans Philipp]], who often shared advice about aerial combat. Philipp had served as a [[pastor]] when Kittel married his fiancé, Edith in June 1942 at [[Gatchina|Krasnogvardeysk]]. Edith had travelled into occupied Soviet territory near the front line to marry Kittel.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=299–300}} They had one son, Manfred Kittel, born in 1945.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=147–148}}


==World War II==
==World War II==
Kittel's first operations were [[air superiority]] missions during the [[Balkans Campaign (World War II)|Balkans Campaign]]. The [[German invasion of Yugoslavia]] and the [[bombing of Belgrade]] were supported by Kittel's ''[[Geschwader]]'' (Wing). Little air combat took place and Kittel's only combat actions were during strafing missions against [[Yugoslav Army]] forces. By the time of the Yugoslavian surrender, on 17 April 1941, JG 54 had claimed 376 aerial victories during the entire war. Kittel had yet to achieve a kill. During the course of the campaign Kittel acted as [[wingman]] for his ''staffel'' leader, who was the first to engage any enemy aircraft.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=10–11}} On 12 May 1941 JG 54 handed over its old Bf 109E fighters to ''[[Jagdgeschwader 77]]'' (Fighter Wing 77), and Kittel began intensive training on the new Bf 109F.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=268–269}}
Kittel's first operations were [[air superiority]] missions during the [[Balkans Campaign (World War II)|Balkans Campaign]], including the [[German invasion of Yugoslavia]] and the [[bombing of Belgrade]]. Kittel's was assigned to strafing missions against [[Yugoslav Army]] forces.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=10–11}} On 12 May 1941 JG 54 handed over its old Bf 109E fighters to ''[[Jagdgeschwader 77]]'' (Fighter Wing 77), and Kittel began training on the new Bf 109F.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=268–269}}


===Operation Barbarossa===
===Operation Barbarossa===
[[File:Bf 109 G-2 trop RAF Museum London.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Bf 109G-2. Kittel flew the Bf 109 during his earlier career.]]
[[File:Bf 109 G-2 trop RAF Museum London.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Bf 109G-2. Kittel flew the Bf 109 during his earlier career.]]
The German invasion of the [[Soviet Union]], [[Operation Barbarossa]], began on 22 June 1941. JG 54 was assigned bomber escort duties against Soviet airfields and the [[Baltic Fleet]] in the [[Baltic Sea]] ports. On this date he claimed a [[Yakovlev Yak-1]] and a Soviet bomber. Despite his two victories, Kittel got off to a slow start in combat. On 30 June 1941 he downed his first [[Ilyushin Il-2|Ilyushin Il-2 ''Shturmovik'']]. His third victory earned him the [[Iron Cross]] Second Class. The German advance had now taken JG 54 to [[Staraya Russa]], just south of [[Leningrad]]. JG 54 was to stay there for nearly two years.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=270–275}}
The German invasion of the [[Soviet Union]], [[Operation Barbarossa]], began on 22 June 1941. JG 54 was assigned bomber escort duties against Soviet airfields and the [[Baltic Fleet]] in the [[Baltic Sea]] ports. Kittel was awarded the [[Iron Cross]] Second Class for three arial victories during the opening stages of the war.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=270–275}}


By winter 1941–1942, he had 11 victories and was awarded the Iron Cross First Class in October 1941.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=275}} In mid-March Kittel claimed two ''Shturmoviks'' for his 13–14 aerial victories. However, his Bf 109 suffered damage and Kittel returned to base, resisting the urge to chase more and risk his life. His [[motto]] was to get back in one piece and avoid risks: "Take the safe route and avoid ill-considered and wild offensive tactics".{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=277}} In the end that alone produced success. Risking himself for a single victory was not Kittel's way. Within two months his tally had risen to 17. Sometime in May 1942 Kittel claimed a further two victories, one bomber and one fighter, in a single mission. During the combat he became involved in a dogfight with two experienced opponents. Using clever tactics, the Soviet fighters tried to force him into a trap; one chasing the other in an attempt to cut him off. Kittel's aircraft was fired on several times and hit. However, he managed to escape, in the process shooting down one of the enemy fighters.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=277–280}}{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=16}}
JG 54 was posted to [[Staraya Russa]], south of [[Leningrad]]. By winter 1941–1942, Kittel claimed 11 victories; he received the Iron Cross First Class in October 1941.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=275}} In March and May 1942 Kittel claimed further victories, including two in a single mission, raising his tally to 17.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=277–280}}{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=16}}


===Leningrad Front===
===Leningrad Front===
During the summer, 1942, aerial victories were hard to come by. Operating in the northern sector of the front usually meant little action as all the Soviet air activity was now combating German [[Army Group South]]'s summer offensive, [[Case Blue]]. Every now and again an enemy aircraft would be sighted and shot down, but Kittel was frustrated. The ground crews kept up his spirits.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=281}} On 19 February 1943, ''[[Feldwebel]]'' Kittel achieved his 39th victory, which was also JG 54's 4,000th of the war. JG 54 ''[[Geschwaderkommodore]]'' ([[Wing Commander (rank)|Wing Commander]]) [[Hannes Trautloft]] congratulated Kittel and said the following: "I have instructed that you're no longer to be assigned as wingman. Instead you're to be sent on ''[[Combat air patrol|''freie Jagd'']]'' [combat patrol] on your own whenever there's an opportunity."{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=285–287}}{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=67–69}}{{sfn|Bergström|2007|p=40}} In early 1943, JG 54 had been withdrawn from the frontline to convert to the Fw 190. With stronger undercarriage for the harsher conditions on the Eastern Front, greater firepower, speed and agility, the fighter was popular among pilots. Kittel, in particular, was pleased. The Fw 190 was an ideal interceptor against the tough and heavily armoured ''Shturmovik'', his favourite target. At this point, Kittel's victory tally climbed rapidly.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=288}} By mid-March 1943, Kittel had reached 46 victories, encompassing all types of aircraft.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=65}}
On 19 February 1943, ''[[Feldwebel]]'' Kittel achieved his 39th victory.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=285–287}}{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=67–69}}{{sfn|Bergström|2007|p=40}} He was then reassigned from wingman to [[Combat air patrol|combat patrol]]. In early 1943, JG 54 was withdrawn from combat to convert to the Fw 190, which had stronger undercarriage and greater firepower, speed and agility.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=288}} By mid-March 1943, Kittel reached 46 victories.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=65}}


On 14 or 15 March 1943 while on a mission over the [[Demyansk pocket]], Kittel's Fw 190 suffered engine failure. He crash landed and travelled three days by foot to the German lines {{Convert|80|km|mi}} away.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=292–296}}
On 14 or 15 March 1943 while on a mission over the [[Demyansk pocket]], Kittel's Fw 190 suffered engine failure. He was {{Convert|80|km|mi}} behind Soviet lines. He removed his precision board clock, an intricately engineered instrument (all pilots were ordered to do so) and landed his Fw 190 which slid {{Convert|150|m|ft}} to a stop in a snow-covered field. His comrade, and a member of the flight, [[Herbert Broennle]], advised him to hide after landing, to travel only by night and use a compass on a heading of 255 degrees (north-west) which would take him to Stayara Russa, towards JG 54's base behind German lines. Broennle himself had been shot down under the same circumstances in 1941, and had experience. Kittel ran for the nearest forest after landing. Several Russian women and children saw the crash from two houses nearby and came running out. No men were in sight. When Kittel got to the forest he found he had left his emergency rations behind, having only chocolate bar with him. He continued through the forest, able to move through the forest during the day unseen, resting often. Needing to eat, he raided several empty houses and found clothes but no food. Determined to find food, and now looking like a Russian peasant, he passed through several Soviet checkpoints looking for something to eat. Kittel spoke Czech and some Russian and managed to evade detection. On the route he stopped at several points and was given food. Eventually Kittel made it to the edge of [[Lake Ilmen]]. At night he crossed the frozen lake and made it to German lines. Kittel was 'recaptured' three days after crashing by a German sentry.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=292–296}}


Kittel took leave in March/April 1943. By the time he returned [[Walter Nowotny]] had taken over the ''Gruppe'' (Group). Hans Philipp had left to take command of ''[[Jagdgeschwader 1 (World War II)|Jagdgeschwader 1]]'' (JG 1) in Germany. He was killed on 8 October 1943. On 3 May 1943, Kittel resumed his combat career with three victories. However he was shot down and forced landed owing to return fire from a bombers' gunner.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=300–302}} On 10 June 1943, Kittel achieved another aerial victory, takking his totla to 50.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=302–304}}{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}}
Kittel took leave in March/April 1943. On 3 May 1943, Kittel resumed his combat career with three victories. He was shot down while in combat.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=300–302}} On 10 June 1943, Kittel achieved another aerial victory, taking his total to 50.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=302–304}}{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}}


===Kursk and back to the Baltic===
===Kursk and the Baltic===
JG 54 took part in many of the spring battles over the [[Crimea Peninsula]], [[Vyazma]]-[[Bryansk]], [[Vitebsk]], [[Kharkov]], [[Orsha]] and [[Oryol|Orel]] regions. As the spring battles ended, the Germans prepared for [[Operation Citadel]], which led to the [[Battle of Kursk]]. During the air battles Kittel's unit escorted [[Junkers Ju 87]] ''Stukas'' of III./''[[Sturzkampfgeschwader 2]]'' (Third Group, StG 2, or Dive Bomber Wing 2), which achieved fame under the leadership of [[Hans-Ulrich Rudel]].{{sfn|Bergström|2007|p=106}}
JG 54 took part in the spring battles over the [[Crimea Peninsula]], [[Vyazma]]-[[Bryansk]], [[Vitebsk]], [[Kharkov]], [[Orsha]] and [[Oryol|Orel]] regions. During the [[Battle of Kursk]], Kittel's unit escorted [[Junkers Ju 87]] ''Stukas'' of III./''[[Sturzkampfgeschwader 2]]'' (Third Group, StG 2, or Dive Bomber Wing 2).{{sfn|Bergström|2007|p=106}}
On 5 July 1943, the Germans launched their attack. By this date, Kittel had claimed 56 victories. During the first day of ''Citadel'' Kittel became an "[[Aviators who became ace in a day|ace-in-a-day]]" claiming six victories. The next day he shot down three more Soviet aircraft. It was at this point Kittel won recognition and become one of the most prominent aces. After the German defeat at Kursk, Kittel continued participating in further battles as the German Army retreated to the Dnieper river. Kittel had achieved a one kill per day average to reach 94 victories on 4 September 1943.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=306–311}} Just 11 days later, on 15 September 1943, Kittel claimed his 100th aerial victory.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=130}} He was the 53rd ''Luftwaffe'' pilot to achieve the century mark.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=243}} He received the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] (''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes'') on 29 October 1943 for 120 victories. By the time he was awarded it on 29 October, he had added three more victories to reach 123.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=81}}{{sfn|Scutts|1992|p=101}} The presentation was made by ''[[Oberst]]'' [[Franz Reuß]].{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=106}}
By 5 July 1943, Kittel had claimed 56 victories. During the first day of ''Citadel'' Kittel became an "[[Aviators who became ace in a day|ace-in-a-day]]" claiming six victories. The next day he shot down three more Soviet aircraft. After the German defeat at Kursk, Kittel's unit participated in the Wehrmacht retreated to the Dnieper river.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=306–311}} On 15 September 1943, Kittel claimed his 100th aerial victory.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=130}} He was the 53rd ''Luftwaffe'' pilot to achieve the century mark.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=243}} He received the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross]] (''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes'') on 29 October 1943 for 120 victories. By the time he was awarded it on 29 October, he had added three more victories to reach 123.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=81}}{{sfn|Scutts|1992|p=101}} The presentation was made by ''[[Oberst]]'' [[Franz Reuß]].{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=106}} A large number of his Soviet downed aircraft was the [[Ilyushin Il-2|IL-2 Shturmovik]], leading the Wehrmacht to call him the "Butcher Killer", a nickname they had given to the tough ''Shturmovik''.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=268}}


[[File:Fw 190 A-8.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An Fw 190 A-8. Kittel flew the Fw 190 and claimed over 200 of his 267 victories in the type.{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=92}}]]
[[File:Fw 190 A-8.jpg|thumb|right|300px|An Fw 190 A-8. Kittel flew the Fw 190 and claimed over 200 of his 267 victories in the type.{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=92}}]]
Between November 1943 through January 1944 Kittel was chief instructor of the [[Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost]] (Training Group East) in [[Biarritz]], France, passing on knowledge and experience to the ''Jagdflieger'' (fighter pilots) of the future. Unhappy in a teaching role, Kittel filed several applications to return to combat, and in March 1944 Kittel returned to JG 54 on the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=316}}
Between November 1943 through January 1944 Kittel was chief instructor of the [[Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost]] (Training Group East) in [[Biarritz]], France. Kittel filed several applications to return to combat, and in March 1944 Kittel was posted to JG 54 on the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=316}}


On 2 April 1944, having achieved 144 victories, Kittel claimed a further six for a total of 150. Kittel's 150th victory was claimed sometime between 4–8 April 1944. On April 14 he was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]] ({{lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub''}}) for his 152nd aerial victory, claimed on 12 April. Kittel received the Oak Leaves from [[Adolf Hitler]] at the [[Wolf's Lair]] in [[East Prussia]] on 5 May 1944, becoming the 449th German so recognised. Kittel continued to increase his tally, shooting down another 50 aircraft by 26 August 1944, bringing his overall total to 200.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=87–88, 139}}{{refn|According to Bergström and Obermaier, Kittel was credited with his 200th aerial victory on 23 August 1944.{{sfn|Bergström|2008|p=82}}{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}}|group="Note"}} At this time, Kittel was flying a Fw 190A-6, "Yellow 5".{{sfn|Weal|1996|pp=55, 92}} By the 27 October 1944, Kittel had achieved 254 victories, a total of 102 in just six months. He earned the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]] ({{lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern''}}) on 25 November 1944 for 264 victories, only the 113th German serviceman to receive the award.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=140–141}}{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=317}} Kittel flew to [[Führer Headquarters|Hitler's Headquarters]] to receive the award and then continued to Germany to spend his leave there. When he returned in January 1945 he took over 2./JG&nbsp;54, or 2 ''Staffel'' (No. 2 Squadron). Kittel added a further three victories during his time as the ''Staffel's'' leader.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=320}} By 13 February 1945, Kittel had a personal total of 266 aerial victories.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=142}}
Kittel achieved 150 victories by 8 April 1944. On April 14 he was awarded the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves]] ({{lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub''}}) for his 152nd aerial victory, claimed on 12 April. Kittel received the Oak Leaves from [[Adolf Hitler]] at the [[Wolf's Lair]] in [[East Prussia]] on 5 May 1944, becoming the 449th German so recognised. Kittel shot down another 50 aircraft by 26 August 1944, bringing his overall total to 200.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=87–88, 139}}{{refn|According to Bergström and Obermaier, Kittel was credited with his 200th aerial victory on 23 August 1944.{{sfn|Bergström|2008|p=82}}{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}}|group="Note"}} At this time, Kittel was flying a Fw 190A-6, "Yellow 5".{{sfn|Weal|1996|pp=55, 92}} By the 27 October 1944, Kittel had achieved 254 victories, a total of 102 in just six months. He earned the [[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords]] ({{lang|de|''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern''}}) on 25 November 1944 for 264 victories, only the 113th German serviceman to receive the award.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=140–141}}{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=317}} Kittel flew to [[Führer Headquarters|Hitler's Headquarters]] to receive the award. Returning to the front in January 1945, he took over 2./JG&nbsp;54, or 2 ''Staffel'' (No. 2 Squadron). Kittel added a further three victories during his time as the ''Staffel's'' leader.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|p=320}} By 13 February 1945, Kittel had a personal total of 266 aerial victories claimed.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=142}}


At 12:06 on 14 or 16 February 1945,{{refn|The date of Kittel's death is uncertain as some sources state the 14 February while others give the 16 February. If the later date is correct, Kittel was probably killed by a unit of the [[15th Air Army (Soviet Union)|Soviet 15th Air Army]] which carried out large-scale air operations over JG 54 airspace on that date. Kittel remained the highest scoring German ace to be killed in action.{{sfn|Bergström|2008|p=103}}|group="Note"}} Kittel took off with his ''[[Geschwader]]'' (Wing) flying Fw 190 A-8 "Black 1" (''Werknummer''—factory number 690 282) to engage a formation of 14 ''Shturmovik'' aircraft over the [[Courland Pocket]].{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}} His [[wingman]] ''[[Oberfähnrich]]'' Renner later reported: At 12:13 he made contact with the formation at low altitude, no more than {{convert|100–150|m|ft}}. Kittel attacked, firing at and damaging several ''Shturmovik''. Kittel damaged one aircraft and chased it. As he closed in for the kill, his Focke-Wulf was hit by return fire from a rear gunner, and descended towards the ground on fire. Kittel, probably incapacitated and unable to use his [[parachute]], did not bail out and the Fw 190 crashed in flames.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=320–321}}{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=84}} The site of the crash is believed to have been {{convert|6|km|mi}} south-west of [[Džūkste parish|Džūkste]] in [[Latvia]].{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=147}}{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=108}} Witnesses from Kittel's formation reported that a ''Shturmovik'' had been shot down by Kittel before he himself was killed during the air battle having scored his 267th and final victory.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=142–143}}
At 12:06 on 14 or 16 February 1945,{{refn|The date of Kittel's death is uncertain as some sources state the 14 February while others give the 16 February. If the later date is correct, Kittel was probably killed by a unit of the [[15th Air Army (Soviet Union)|Soviet 15th Air Army]] which carried out large-scale air operations over JG 54 airspace on that date. Kittel remained the highest scoring German ace to be killed in action.{{sfn|Bergström|2008|p=103}}|group="Note"}} Kittel took off with his ''[[Geschwader]]'' (Wing) flying Fw 190 A-8 "Black 1" (''Werknummer''—factory number 690 282) to engage a formation of 14 ''Shturmovik'' aircraft over the [[Courland Pocket]].{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=39}} His [[wingman]] ''[[Oberfähnrich]]'' Renner later reported: At 12:13 he made contact with the formation at low altitude, no more than {{convert|100–150|m|ft}}. Kittel attacked, firing at and damaging several ''Shturmovik''. His aircraft was hit by return fire and crashed, killing Kittel instantly.{{sfn|Kurowski|1996|pp=320–321}}{{sfn|Weal|1996|p=84}} The site of the crash is believed to have been {{convert|6|km|mi}} south-west of [[Džūkste parish|Džūkste]] in [[Latvia]].{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|p=147}}{{sfn|Stockert|2007|p=108}} Witnesses from Kittel's formation reported that a ''Shturmovik'' had been shot down by Kittel before he was killed during the air battle to claim his 267th victory.{{sfn|Kurowski|2007|pp=142–143}}


==Awards==
==Awards==

Revision as of 05:48, 21 February 2016

Otto "Bruno" Kittel
File:Otto Kittel.jpg
Otto Kittel
Nickname(s)Bruno, Annihilator of Shturmoviks
Born(1917-02-21)21 February 1917
Kronsdorf, Sudetenland
Died14 or 16 February 1945 (aged 27)
Džūkste, Latvia
Allegiance Nazi Germany
Service/branch Luftwaffe
Years of service1939–45
RankOberleutnant
UnitJG 54
Commands held2./JG 54
EJGr Ost
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsKnight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords

Otto "Bruno" Kittel (21 February 1917 – 14 or 16 February 1945) was a World War II Luftwaffe flying ace. He flew 583 combat missions on the Eastern Front, claiming 267 aerial victories, making him the fourth highest scoring ace in aviation history.[1][2] Kittel claimed all of his victories flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 against the Red Air Force.[3]

Kittel joined the Luftwaffe in 1939, at the age of 22 and flew his first combat missions in 1941.[4] In spring 1941, he joined Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54) supporting Army Group North on the Eastern Front. Kittel claimed his first victory on 22 June 1941, the opening day of Operation Barbarossa. Kittel received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 29 October 1943, for reaching 120 aerial victories.

During the remainder of World War II, Kittel was credited with 144 other aerial victories. On his 583rd combat mission, he was shot down and killed on 14 or 16 February 1945. He was one of the only 160 Wehrmacht men to receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

Personal life

Kittel was born on 21 February 1917 in Kronsdorf (Krasov [Note 1]) near Krnov in Sudeten Silesia, Austria-Hungary. His father's name was Eduard Kittel, a farmer.[5] Kittel, a auto mechanic, joined the Luftwaffe in 1939 at the age of 22.[6] After completing his training on 12 February 1941, Kittel was posted to JG 54 based at Jever, Germany.[7] Kittel was assigned to 2 Staffel (Squadron) JG 54 at the rank of Unteroffizier. During his training and early career Hannes Trautloft became a role model to Kittel. He also formed a friendship with the German ace Hans Philipp.[8] Kittel married his fiancé Edith in June 1942 and had a son, Manfred, in 1945.[9]

World War II

Kittel's first operations were air superiority missions during the Balkans Campaign, including the German invasion of Yugoslavia and the bombing of Belgrade. Kittel's was assigned to strafing missions against Yugoslav Army forces.[10] On 12 May 1941 JG 54 handed over its old Bf 109E fighters to Jagdgeschwader 77 (Fighter Wing 77), and Kittel began training on the new Bf 109F.[11]

Operation Barbarossa

A Bf 109G-2. Kittel flew the Bf 109 during his earlier career.

The German invasion of the Soviet Union, Operation Barbarossa, began on 22 June 1941. JG 54 was assigned bomber escort duties against Soviet airfields and the Baltic Fleet in the Baltic Sea ports. Kittel was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class for three arial victories during the opening stages of the war.[12]

JG 54 was posted to Staraya Russa, south of Leningrad. By winter 1941–1942, Kittel claimed 11 victories; he received the Iron Cross First Class in October 1941.[13] In March and May 1942 Kittel claimed further victories, including two in a single mission, raising his tally to 17.[14][15]

Leningrad Front

On 19 February 1943, Feldwebel Kittel achieved his 39th victory.[16][17][18] He was then reassigned from wingman to combat patrol. In early 1943, JG 54 was withdrawn from combat to convert to the Fw 190, which had stronger undercarriage and greater firepower, speed and agility.[19] By mid-March 1943, Kittel reached 46 victories.[20]

On 14 or 15 March 1943 while on a mission over the Demyansk pocket, Kittel's Fw 190 suffered engine failure. He crash landed and travelled three days by foot to the German lines 80 kilometres (50 mi) away.[21]

Kittel took leave in March/April 1943. On 3 May 1943, Kittel resumed his combat career with three victories. He was shot down while in combat.[22] On 10 June 1943, Kittel achieved another aerial victory, taking his total to 50.[23][24]

Kursk and the Baltic

JG 54 took part in the spring battles over the Crimea Peninsula, Vyazma-Bryansk, Vitebsk, Kharkov, Orsha and Orel regions. During the Battle of Kursk, Kittel's unit escorted Junkers Ju 87 Stukas of III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (Third Group, StG 2, or Dive Bomber Wing 2).[25] By 5 July 1943, Kittel had claimed 56 victories. During the first day of Citadel Kittel became an "ace-in-a-day" claiming six victories. The next day he shot down three more Soviet aircraft. After the German defeat at Kursk, Kittel's unit participated in the Wehrmacht retreated to the Dnieper river.[26] On 15 September 1943, Kittel claimed his 100th aerial victory.[27] He was the 53rd Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark.[28] He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 29 October 1943 for 120 victories. By the time he was awarded it on 29 October, he had added three more victories to reach 123.[29][30] The presentation was made by Oberst Franz Reuß.[31] A large number of his Soviet downed aircraft was the IL-2 Shturmovik, leading the Wehrmacht to call him the "Butcher Killer", a nickname they had given to the tough Shturmovik.[32]

An Fw 190 A-8. Kittel flew the Fw 190 and claimed over 200 of his 267 victories in the type.[33]

Between November 1943 through January 1944 Kittel was chief instructor of the Ergänzungs-Jagdgruppe Ost (Training Group East) in Biarritz, France. Kittel filed several applications to return to combat, and in March 1944 Kittel was posted to JG 54 on the Eastern Front.[34]

Kittel achieved 150 victories by 8 April 1944. On April 14 he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves ([Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) for his 152nd aerial victory, claimed on 12 April. Kittel received the Oak Leaves from Adolf Hitler at the Wolf's Lair in East Prussia on 5 May 1944, becoming the 449th German so recognised. Kittel shot down another 50 aircraft by 26 August 1944, bringing his overall total to 200.[35][Note 2] At this time, Kittel was flying a Fw 190A-6, "Yellow 5".[37] By the 27 October 1944, Kittel had achieved 254 victories, a total of 102 in just six months. He earned the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords ([Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) on 25 November 1944 for 264 victories, only the 113th German serviceman to receive the award.[38][39] Kittel flew to Hitler's Headquarters to receive the award. Returning to the front in January 1945, he took over 2./JG 54, or 2 Staffel (No. 2 Squadron). Kittel added a further three victories during his time as the Staffel's leader.[40] By 13 February 1945, Kittel had a personal total of 266 aerial victories claimed.[41]

At 12:06 on 14 or 16 February 1945,[Note 3] Kittel took off with his Geschwader (Wing) flying Fw 190 A-8 "Black 1" (Werknummer—factory number 690 282) to engage a formation of 14 Shturmovik aircraft over the Courland Pocket.[24] His wingman Oberfähnrich Renner later reported: At 12:13 he made contact with the formation at low altitude, no more than 100–150 metres (330–490 ft). Kittel attacked, firing at and damaging several Shturmovik. His aircraft was hit by return fire and crashed, killing Kittel instantly.[43][44] The site of the crash is believed to have been 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) south-west of Džūkste in Latvia.[45][46] Witnesses from Kittel's formation reported that a Shturmovik had been shot down by Kittel before he was killed during the air battle to claim his 267th victory.[47]

Awards

Notes

  1. ^ In 1935 the municipality was renamed as Krasov
  2. ^ According to Bergström and Obermaier, Kittel was credited with his 200th aerial victory on 23 August 1944.[36][24]
  3. ^ The date of Kittel's death is uncertain as some sources state the 14 February while others give the 16 February. If the later date is correct, Kittel was probably killed by a unit of the Soviet 15th Air Army which carried out large-scale air operations over JG 54 airspace on that date. Kittel remained the highest scoring German ace to be killed in action.[42]
  4. ^ According to Thomas on 26 February 1943.[50]
  5. ^ According to Scherzer as pilot in the I./JG 54.[54] According to Von Seemen as pilot in JG 54.[55]

References

Citations

  1. ^ Weal 2001, p. 123.
  2. ^ Scutts 1992, p. 145.
  3. ^ Sims 1970, p. 174.
  4. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 267.
  5. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 298.
  6. ^ Stockert 2007, p. 105.
  7. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 10.
  8. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 299–300.
  9. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 147–148.
  10. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 10–11.
  11. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 268–269.
  12. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 270–275.
  13. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 275.
  14. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 277–280.
  15. ^ Weal 1996, p. 16.
  16. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 285–287.
  17. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 67–69.
  18. ^ Bergström 2007, p. 40.
  19. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 288.
  20. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 65.
  21. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 292–296.
  22. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 300–302.
  23. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 302–304.
  24. ^ a b c d Obermaier 1989, p. 39.
  25. ^ Bergström 2007, p. 106.
  26. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 306–311.
  27. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 130.
  28. ^ Obermaier 1989, p. 243.
  29. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 81.
  30. ^ Scutts 1992, p. 101.
  31. ^ Stockert 2007, p. 106.
  32. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 268.
  33. ^ Weal 1996, p. 92.
  34. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 316.
  35. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 87–88, 139.
  36. ^ Bergström 2008, p. 82.
  37. ^ Weal 1996, pp. 55, 92.
  38. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 140–141.
  39. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 317.
  40. ^ Kurowski 1996, p. 320.
  41. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 142.
  42. ^ Bergström 2008, p. 103.
  43. ^ Kurowski 1996, pp. 320–321.
  44. ^ Weal 1996, p. 84.
  45. ^ Kurowski 2007, p. 147.
  46. ^ Stockert 2007, p. 108.
  47. ^ Kurowski 2007, pp. 142–143.
  48. ^ a b c Berger 1999, p. 152.
  49. ^ Patzwall 2008, p. 117.
  50. ^ a b Thomas 1997, p. 367.
  51. ^ Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 230.
  52. ^ a b Kurowski 2007, p. 149.
  53. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 257.
  54. ^ a b c Scherzer 2007, p. 444.
  55. ^ Von Seemen 1976, p. 193.
  56. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 81.
  57. ^ Von Seemen 1976, p. 43.
  58. ^ Fellgiebel 2000, p. 46.
  59. ^ Von Seemen 1976, p. 19.

Bibliography

  • Berger, Florian (1999). Mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. Die höchstdekorierten Soldaten des Zweiten Weltkrieges (in German). Vienna, Austria: Selbstverlag Florian Berger. ISBN 978-3-9501307-0-6. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Bergström, Christer (2007). Kursk—The Final Air Battle: July 1943. Hersham, Surrey: Classic Publications. ISBN 978-1-903223-88-8. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Bergström, Christer (2008). Bagration to Berlin—The Final Air Battles in the East: 1944–1945. Burgess Hill: Classic Publications. ISBN 978-1-903223-91-8. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000) [1986]. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 978-3-7909-0284-6. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Kurowski, Franz (1996). Luftwaffe Aces. Winnipeg: J.J. Fedorowicz Publishing. ISBN 978-0-921991-31-1. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Kurowski, Franz (2007). Oberleutnant Otto Kittel—Der erfolgreichste Jagdflieger des Jagdgeschwaders 54 (in German). Würzburg, Germany: Flechsig Verlag. ISBN 978-3-88189-733-4. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Obermaier, Ernst (1989). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945 (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 978-3-87341-065-7. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Patzwall, Klaus D.; Scherzer, Veit (2001). Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-45-8. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Patzwall, Klaus D. (2008). Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg (in German). Norderstedt, Germany: Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall. ISBN 978-3-931533-08-3. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Scutts, Jerry (1992). JG 54: Jagdgeschwader 54 Grunherz: Aces of the Eastern Front. Osceola, Wisconsin: Motorbooks. ISBN 978-0-87938-718-1. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Sims, Edward (1970). The Greatest Aces. Ballantine Books. OCLC 1349435. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Spick, Mike (1996). Luftwaffe Fighter Aces. New York: Ivy Books. ISBN 978-0-8041-1696-1.
  • Stockert, Peter (2007). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 5 (in German). Bad Friedrichshall, Germany: Friedrichshaller Rundblick. OCLC 76072662. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Thomas, Franz (1997). Die Eichenlaubträger 1939–1945 Band 1: A–K (in German). Osnabrück, Germany: Biblio-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7648-2299-6. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Von Seemen, Gerhard (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 : die Ritterkreuzträger sämtlicher Wehrmachtteile, Brillanten-, Schwerter- und Eichenlaubträger in der Reihenfolge der Verleihung : Anhang mit Verleihungsbestimmungen und weiteren Angaben (in German). Friedberg, Germany: Podzun-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7909-0051-4. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  • Weal, John (1996). Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Aces of the Western Front. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85532-595-1. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Weal, John (2001). Jagdgeschwader 54 'Grünherz'. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-286-9. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)

External links

Template:KCwithOLandSW Template:KCwithOL Template:Knight's Cross recipients of JG 54

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Otto_Kittel&type=revision&diff=706059414&oldid=705942208

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