Adolf Galland

Adolf Josef Ferdinand Galland was a German Luftwaffe general and flying ace who served throughout the Second World War in Europe. He flew 705 combat missions, and fought on the Western Front and in the Defence of the Reich. On four occasions, he survived being shot down, and he was credited with 104 aerial victories, all of them against the Western Allies. Galland, who was born in Westerholt, Westphalia on 19 March 1912 to a family with French Huguenot ancestry, became a glider pilot in 1929 before he joined the Luft Hansa. In 1932, he graduated as a pilot at the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule (German Commercial Flyers' School) in Braunschweig before applying to join the Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic later in the year. Galland's application was accepted, but he never took up the offer. In February 1934, he was transferred to the Luftwaffe. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, he volunteered for the Condor Legion and flew ground attack missions in support of the Nationalists under Francisco Franco. After finishing his tour in 1938 Galland was employed in the Air Ministry writing doctrinal and technical manuals about his experiences as a ground-attack pilot. During this period Galland served as an instructor for ground-attack units. During the German invasion of Poland in September 1939, he again flew ground attack missions. In early 1940, Galland managed to persuade his superiors to allow him to become a fighter pilot. Galland flew Messerschmitt Bf 109s during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. By the end of 1940, his tally of victories had reached 57. In 1941, Galland stayed in France and fought the Royal Air Force (RAF) over the English Channel and Northern France. By November 1941, his tally had increased to 96, by which time he had earned the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. In November 1941, Werner Mölders, who commanded the German Fighter Force as the General der Jagdflieger, was killed while a passenger in a flying accident and Galland succeeded him, staying in the position until January 1945. As General der Jagdflieger, Galland was forbidden to fly combat missions. Galland was known for his exceptional leadership skills and charisma, which earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow pilots. He was revered for his willingness to listen to and incorporate the suggestions and experiences of his subordinates into his tactical approaches. Galland also became friends with many former enemies, such as RAF aces Robert Stanford Tuck and Douglas Bader. He was also famous for his chivalry and hospitality to downed Allied pilots throughout the war. Galland openly criticized the Luftwaffe's leadership for its flawed tactics and decision-making, particularly during the later stages of the war. This led to his removal from command positions multiple times. He also clashed with Adolf Hitler and Hermann Göring over strategic decisions and found himself at odds with the Nazi regime's ideology. In January 1945, Galland was dismissed as General der Jagdflieger and transferred to the reserve. He then formed and led the Jagdverband 44 (JV 44), an elite unit of jet fighter pilots. He flew the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet fighter, and claimed nine victories in 17 missions. On 26 April 1945, Galland was wounded in the leg by American anti-aircraft fire. He flew his last mission on 30 April, the day of Hitler's suicide. He surrendered to the United States Army on 10 May. After the war, Galland was held as a prisoner of war until 1947. He then worked as a civilian pilot and eventually became a successful aerospace industry executive. He also served as an advisor and consultant for fighter aircraft development. Despite his controversial past, he was highly regarded for his expertise and contributions to aviation technology. Galland married three times and had one son, Andreas Hubertus, born in 1966. He died of a heart ailment on 9 February 1996 at his home in Oberwinter, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. His body was buried at the Cementerio in Oberwinter on 21 February. A memorial service was held on 31 March at the St. Laurentius Church.