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Rating: 
Summary: Two Words: Picture Book
Review: Erich Alfred Hartmann (1922-1993) is the top-scoring
fighter pilot in the annals of aerial combat. He
flew for Germany during the Second World War
and scored the vast majority of his astounding
352 aerial victories against the Soviets on the
Eastern Front. Nicknamed "Bubi" (German for 'boy')
because of his youthful countenance, Hartmann
was a member of Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 52
from Novemeber 1942 until the end of the war in
May of 1945. On one spectacular mission, Erich
shot down four American P-51 Mustangs over the
oil fields at Ploesti, Rumania. After the war,
Hartmann, who won the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves,
Crossed Swords, and Diamonds, was unceremoniously
handed over to the USSR by his American captors.
From May 1945 until October of 1955, Erich Hartmann
was confined in Soviet prisons and branded a "war
criminal" by the vengeful Stalin and his henchmen.
While in the gulags, Erich's father and his infant
son, whom he had never held, died in Germany.
Released in 1955 after the death of Stalin, Hartmann
returned to active duty in the new Luftwaffe and
was key in training the next generation of German
flyers in the ways of aerial combat. Erich retired
from active service in 1970 and enjoyed a peaceful
life until his passing in September of 1993.
This gorgeous photo album, composed by his loving
wife Ursula and introduced by Manfred Jager,
chronicles Hartmann's life from his childhood in
pre-war Germany, his military training and combat,
his inspiring and enduring romance with Ursula Paetsch,
and ends with his rebirth in Richthofen Geschwader
71.
I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is
an excellent companion to Toliver & Constable's
"The Blonde Knight of Germany", an in-depth biography
of Hartmann's life. One does not have to necessarily
be an aviation buff to enjoy these titles as Hartmann's
story is much, much more than just his
accomplishments in the air. His was a life of courage,
love, dedication, honor, and perseverance that can serve
as an inspiration for all.
Rating: 
Summary: A Story Of Triumph And Courage In Pictures
Review: Erich Alfred Hartmann (1922-1993) is the top-scoringfighter pilot in the annals of aerial combat. Heflew for Germany during the Second World War and scored the vast majority of his astounding 352 aerial victories against the Soviets on the Eastern Front. Nicknamed "Bubi" (German for 'boy') because of his youthful countenance, Hartmann was a member of Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) 52 from Novemeber 1942 until the end of the war in May of 1945. On one spectacular mission, Erich shot down four American P-51 Mustangs over the oil fields at Ploesti, Rumania. After the war, Hartmann, who won the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Crossed Swords, and Diamonds, was unceremoniously handed over to the USSR by his American captors. From May 1945 until October of 1955, Erich Hartmann was confined in Soviet prisons and branded a "war criminal" by the vengeful Stalin and his henchmen. While in the gulags, Erich's father and his infant son, whom he had never held, died in Germany. Released in 1955 after the death of Stalin, Hartmann returned to active duty in the new Luftwaffe and was key in training the next generation of German flyers in the ways of aerial combat. Erich retired from active service in 1970 and enjoyed a peaceful life until his passing in September of 1993. This gorgeous photo album, composed by his loving wife Ursula and introduced by Manfred Jager, chronicles Hartmann's life from his childhood in pre-war Germany, his military training and combat, his inspiring and enduring romance with Ursula Paetsch, and ends with his rebirth in Richthofen Geschwader 71. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. It is an excellent companion to Toliver & Constable's "The Blonde Knight of Germany", an in-depth biography of Hartmann's life. One does not have to necessarily be an aviation buff to enjoy these titles as Hartmann's story is much, much more than just his accomplishments in the air. His was a life of courage, love, dedication, honor, and perseverance that can serve as an inspiration for all.
Rating:
Summary: Two Words: Picture Book
Review: For those familiar with Erich Hartmann and would rather see him than read about his life, this is your book. Text is limited.
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