For a time the aircraft of 3./JG27 carried this Staffel emblem, in memory of this units former Kapitan, Hans Joachim Marseille. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

Marseille tribute emblem

Major Erich Rudorffer, Kommandeur of 11/JG54 in Courland. Rudorffer received the Oak Leaves to his KC on 4/11/44, after 130 Victories, and the Swords on 1/25/45, after scoring his 210th kill. When the war ended, he was Kommandeur of the Me-262 equipped 11./JG7. All told, Rudorffer shot down 222 enemy aircraft. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

Germany's Jet Squadron Commander

Axis troops form an honor guard for Hans-Joachim Marseille's coffin, which was buried where the young flier fell to his death after an engine fire in his plane. Marseille had managed to bail out of the flaming craft, but his head struck the tail of his craft, and he hurtled to the ground unconcious, unable to deploy his chute. All but 4 of Marseille's 158 victories, were over enemy fighters, more elusive than bombers. (scanned by HOS Bandit)