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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: “Ettel”

#Pilot/Crew
SORT (↓)		RankBornPlaceScore
SORT (↓)		PhotoUnitsAircraftAwards*************Notes*************LinksAuthorComments
1 Ettel, Wolf UdoOblt26/02/21Hamburg124


4/JG-3 (6/42 S.U.), 8/JG-27 (Med)Bf 109F-4 Werk # 8383 " (or 8363) White 1 + -" (7/10/42), Bf 109G-2 Werk # 13759 (10/15/42, force land, flak), Bf 109G-4 Werk # 19453 "White 10 + -" (5/11/43), Bf 109G-6 Wk# 18402 (lost 7/17/43)
RK (No. 841 on 01/06/43)
EL (No. 289 on 31/08/43 Post.)

Deutsches Kreuz - Gold (01/02/43)
EP (25/06/43)

EK 1 & 2

Fighter Operational Clasp in Gold with star pendant
KilledInAction (KIA) 17 July, 1943 during a low level attack south of Catania, Sicily by a direct AA hit. 250 combat missions. 2 bombers. His first known victory, two Soviet Il-2s on 24 June, 1942. An Il-2 on 28 June, 1942. A Yak-1 on 30 June, 1942. A Yak-1 and an Il-2 on 9 July, 1942. A Boston III at Voronezh on 10 July, 1942. A Hurricane and two Il-2s on 24 July, 1942. A LaGG-3 and two Il-2s on 26 July, 1942. A Pe-2 and a MiG-1 on 30 July, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 7 August, 1942. Two Il-2s on 9 August, 1942. A LaGG-3 and a Yak-1 on 13 September, 1942. Two Il-2s on 15 September, 1942. A LaGG-3 and a MiG-1 on 23 September, 1942. Two LaGG-3s on 7 October, 1942. Two Il-2s on 31 October, 1942. A LaGG-3 on 12 February, 1943. A LaGG-5 on 13 February, 1943. A LaGG-5 and a LaGG-3 on 9 March, 1943. Two Il-2s on 13 March, 1943. Two LaGG-3s an Il-2 and a LaGG-5 on 25 March, 1943. Two I-16s and a LaGG-3 on 27 March, 1943. Two I-180s and a LaGG-3 on 28 March, 1943. Three P-39s, an Il-2 and a LaGG-3 on 11 April, 1943. His 75th, a LaGG-3 on 15 April, 1943. No. 85, a LaGG-3 on 22 April, 1943. 6 victories 5/10/43. Added: Knight’s Cross recommendation explained: “Leutnant Ettel, who is presently serving as an acting Staffelführer, began his aviation career with frontline units in the Mediterranean theatre. Here he flew his first sorties as an escort for bomber formations that were launching their own missions against Malta as well as enemy shipping. After the Gruppe was redeployed to the Eastern front, he was finally able to demonstrate his significant skill as a pilot (coupled with outstanding decisiveness and courage) and achieve his first aerial victories. Within the first 4 weeks of service in this new area of operations he was able to shoot down 8 enemy aircraft (including 1 Hurricane). During fighter-bomber operations against the Lipezk airfield he destroyed 1 DB-3 and heavily damaged 2 more. He also scored hits against important railway facilities during similar such attacks in the Voronezh area. Over the course of 32 fighter-bomber attacks (including some against airfields) he destroyed several one-engined aircraft on the ground, and also shot up 1 armoured car plus several AA trucks and other vehicles during attacks against enemy vehicle assemblies. Among other things, he scattered an enemy cavalry assembly following repeated attacks. He also prevented the arrival of reinforcements for an enemy bridgehead. During a fierce aerial battle with a formation of 10 Douglas bombers, Leutnant Ettel was shot down by Russian fighters and forced to parachute over Russian territory. However in this situation his personal courage and determination did not waver, and after about 8 days in enemy territory he managed to return to friendly territory. He then resumed his series of aerial victories just a few days later. Over the course of the aerial combat in the most recent weeks (which took place during the hard defensive battles between Izyum and the Mius position) he succeeded in destroying another 20 aircraft. With this he raised his total of enemy aircraft destroyed to 52, all of which were achieved in over 190 sorties. Leutnant Ettel has shown very good leadership qualities whilst serving as a Schwarm leader. In this capacity he has proven that he is able to remain calm even in the midst of swiftly-changing combat situations. His superb flying abilities and exemplary devotion to duty make him an excellent leader and trainer for the young pilots of his Staffel. On the grounds of his personal bravery and its associated results, Leutnant Ettel is being submitted for the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”. On 18/05/43 238 combat missions. later >250 victories (CK)

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