My First 1957 RK

[aeroraider]

I received this in the mail today, and thought I should share it.
It is from the estate of Benno Herrmann, courtesy of Detlev.

Any information as to era, or any information about Benno, appreciated.

Thanks!

[Adrian]

Looks like a fine early pattern '57 RK!

[George L]

Looks like a very nice 1st patt 57 RK!

Herr Hermann was awarded the RK on 19.6.42 as an Oblt pilot assigned to 4./KG 76.

[aeroraider]

Thank You

I appreciate the information.
The lot came with about 200 bits of paper and photographs, much of it relating to his post-war civilian aviation career.
Is it possible to find any type of citation for a Knights Cross?
James

[Adrian]

Hi James,
If you mean a citation for a '57 RK I'm fairly sure you won't find one. You can find them for '39 RKs but they cost mega bucks.
As far as I am aware, the '57 RKs weren't awarded in the same way as their earlier versions, they replaced the swastika version and as such didn't need another citation. Hopefully someone who knows more about the paperwork and red tape side of things will give you more info but that is my understanding.

[aeroraider]

Oops

My language was faulty on this one.
By citation I meant the reason for the award, perhaps with some biographical information. There isn't much to be had on the net.

[Nico C]

Very nice cross! I saw it for sale at Detlev's, together with a bunch of some other items, all from Herr Herrmann.

Good job done .


Best,

[Luftm40]

An actual period summary of the actions that resulted in the award of the RK will be difficult to find. Army and Waffen SS officer records are held in the US National Archives and often include such documentation on RK winners (Commander's recommendations etc), but the archive collection of Luftwaffe material is sparse. The RK was typically awarded to aviators based on exceptional performance during sustained combat operations vice one dramatic event,often gauged by the number of victories in the case of a fighter pilot or the number of combat missions flown in the case of another type.

[Peter Wiking]

A very nice cross from the early period.

Peter

[DavidM]

Hello

An extremely nice, early 57 RK. And with the added bonus of knowing who the recipient was.

Regards

[aeroraider]

More Bits

A presentation plaque from the Deutscher Luftwaffenring 1998, with a photo of Herrmann receiving it.

[aeroraider]

Award Ceremnony

Herrmann on the left.

[aeroraider]

Pilot Materials

His flying log book with entries from his first post war flight in 1957 to his last in 1979, and his pilot licenses. All post war, but interesting!

[aeroraider]

Still Looking Like a Hawk!

A nice view of Herrmann in his civilian pilot role.

[aeroraider]

Another

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