KNIGHT'S CROSS (Rare Secondary Market Print)

One name stands out above all others in the anals of air fighting - Erich Hartmann. His prowess in combat became legend even before the course of WWII was run. His 352 aerial victories is a record that is never likely to be surpassed. As the deeds of the great aces of WWII become misted in time, his name above all, will be remembered for his astonishing record. Supreme flying skills with the courage and ability to push his aircraft to the very limit, were his trade mark. His method of attack was to approach at high speed and get in so close to his adversary ' that his aircraft filled my windshield' before firing his guns. This required great flying skill, considerable nerve, and was not without it's problems:

On eight occasions Hartmann's own aircraft was brought down by the debris of his opposite number. In this scene, depicting a typical high speed pass, Hartmann's Me109 has closed to within 100 metres of the Russian Ilyushin II, ignoring the stream of rear facing machine gun fire, to nail his quarry with pin point accuracy. Hartmann makes his cross decisive and effective and another victory is recorded for the world's greatest fighter ace.

Colonel Erich Hartmann, who flew over 1400 combat missions, was awarded Germany's highest military honour, the Knight's Cross with oak leaves swords and diamonds.

This edition is signed by:

ERICH HARTMANN

Overall Print size: 33" x 24"

Issued 1989.

Issue quantity: 1250.