Description
WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE – WOLFGANG SPÄTE – JAGDFLIEGER ACE – 99 VICTORIES
Wartime portrait photo & signature. 9x13cm. One of several portraits requested by a Hitler Jugend boy, and officially sent to him – see image of reverse.
Wolfgang Späte (September 8, 1911 – April 30, 1997) was a German fighter ace and test pilot during the Second World War.
Background & Career:
- Originally a noted glider pilot and engineering student before the war.
- Served as a fighter pilot in Jagdgeschwader 54, flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
- Later became head of the test program for the rocket-powered Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, and also flew the jet-powered Messerschmitt Me 262.
- Flew combat missions on the Eastern Front and later in defense of Germany with units such as JG 400 and JG 7.
Combat Record:
- Flew around 600 missions.
- Credited with 99 aerial victories (including 5 in the Me 262).
Awards & Recognition:
- Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (1941), later awarded Oak Leaves (1942)
- German Cross in Gold (1941)
- Iron Cross (2nd Class 1939; 1st Class 1940)
- Luftwaffe Honor Goblet (1941)
Postwar Life:
- Joined the West German Bundeswehr in 1956.
- Retired as Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) in 1967.
