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The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew




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There is a rogue group of copyright infringers who have stolen a much earlier version of my data - from at least 10 years ago - and have the affrontery to publish that, along with using my name, on their poorly researched website. They claim this is the 'original' Kracker Archive, a ridiculous claim since my Archive has been in a state of continuous development for over 30 years and nobody - NOBODY - has the original. They have no right to use my name or my data and readers who come across this nonsense should do nothing to encourage theft of this nature. I am outraged by this blatant theft and misrepresentation of my lifetime's work. The ONLY person I have ever authorized to publish my data and use my name is Kelvin Youngs, who earned my trust and respect many years ago and is authorized by me to publish my work on whichever website he organizes, currently this being its present home at the highly respected Aircrew Remembered.
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You searched for: “"polster"

#Pilot/Crew
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PhotoUnitsAircraftAwards*************Notes*************LinksAuthorComments
1 Bubel, OttoFw11/TG-2Ju 52/3m Werk # 640612 "8T + LV" (lost 2/11/45)Transport Operational ClaspMIA 11 February, 1945 when his ac was lost due to unknown circumstancesduring a flight from Papa to Budapest, both in Hungary. Remaining crew (desig unk): Uffz Fritz Polster (MIA), Fw Günther Stenz (KilledInAction (KIA)) and Uffz Hans Hülshoff (KilledInAction (KIA)). VDK burial matches found for Uffz Hülshoff and Fw Stenz. Uffz Hülshoff has not been transferred to a military cemetery, but a grave is understood to exist at Budapest, Fehervari ut, Hungary. He is commemorated in the German War Cem at Budaörs, Hungary. Fw Stenz is buried at Budaörs in Blk 1, among the unknowns (D.Drury).
2 Polster, Walter?Uffz5/JG-3 (Schiphol)Bf 109G-5 Werk # 15724 (10% dam 11/23/43)Fighter Operational ClaspPilot uninjured 23 November, 1943 when he crash landed 2km SE of Purmerend due to a fuel shortage (SGLO). This may be Walter Polster, however I found no evidence that Walter served in JG-3.
3 Polster, Wolfgang 'Poldi'Fw5
8./JG 26 (joins 11/42), 11/JG 26 (07/43; 02/45 Plantlünne)Fw 190 A-4 in 42, Bf 109 G-3 "Red 16" Werknr 16277 (lost 21/08/43; pilot injured, engine fire), Bf 109 G-6 (06/44), Bf 109 K-4, Fw 190 D-9 "Yellow 10 + I" Werknr 500603 (lost 24/02/45)
EK 1 & 2
Wound Badge

Fighter Operational Clasp in Silver
WIA 24 February, 1945, when he was strafed by a Tempest of No.274 Sq., piloted by S/Ldr David "Foob" Fairbanks, after landing in "Yellow 10" at Plantluenne. His war flying was over after 107 missions. According to Gehrke, Polster flew more missions during the last bitter year than any other III Gruppe pilot. One known victory, a Spitfire at Scheld Mündung on 30 July, 1943. His 2nd, a B-17 (HSS) of 385BG NW of Münster on 10 October, 1943. His 3rd, a P-51 of 355FG E of Zwolle on 8 April, 1944. His 4th, a P-38 of 55FG at Pontoise, N of Paris, on 14 June, 1944. His 5th, another P-51 of RAF No. 122 Sq. N of Lisieux on 27 July, 1944. Aka "Wolfgang" per Butler Pilot List & Magnus.
Courtesy CK
4 Tippe, ErhardFw211/JG-26 (5/44)Bf 109G-6 "Yellow 13" (5/44; damaged 6/14/44), Bf 109G-6 Werk # 412351 "Yellow 21" (lost)
EK 1 & 2
Fighter Operational Clasp
POW 16 June, 1944, shot down in "Yellow 21" by Spitfires of RCAF No. 443 Squadron over Normandy beachhead. He bailed safely but suffered a shoulder injury, and was quickly captured by Canadian soldiers. Shot down two days earlier on 14 June, 1944, in "Yellow 13" by a P-38 of 55FG over Paris. His coolant line was hit and he made a belly landing just outside Paris after eluding his pursuer. He became the favorite wingman of Klaus Mietusch. Earlier flew wingman for Ofw Karl Laub in May, 1944, and Wolfgang Polster in June, 1944, before Mietusch. His two victories; a P-38 of 55FG in the Pontoise area, N of Paris, on 14 June, 1944 and a B-24 (HSS) of 392BG SW of Chartres on 15 June, 1944.

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Wer vor der Vergangenheit die Augen verschließt, wird blind für die Gegenwart. Richard von Weizsäcker

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