A Wartime Signed Picture Postcard of Flying Ace Major Gordon Gollob
Item #G30889
$51
A postcard, measuring 91x140mm, near mint condition. It is signed in blue ink by Gollob.
Footnote:
Gordon Gollob (1912–1987) was a flying ace and a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. Born in Austria, he joined the Austrian air force in 1933. In 1938, after the annexation of Austria by Germany, he was transferred to the Luftwaffe. Gollob took part in the attacks on Poland, Norway, and France, and claimed six aerial victories on the Western front. He then became Group Commander of the 2nd Group of Fighter Wing 3 in June of 1941 with which he flew missions on the Eastern Front. Here he claimed most of his aerial victories, being awarded the Knight’s Cross on September 18, after his 42nd victory. The Oak Leaves followed on October 26 for a total of 85 victories. Gollob was made Wing Commander of the of the Fighter Wing 77 in May of 1942. On June 23, following his 107th victory, he was awarded the Swords. On August 29, Gollob was awarded the Diamonds for being the first fighter pilot to destroy 150 enemy aircraft. At the same time, he had never lost a wingman in combat, and had never been shot down. After this achievement, fearing that their hero might eventually be shot down, his superiors transferred Gollob to various desk jobs, which marked the end of his fighter pilot career.