Werner Molders

From The Air Combat Wiki

Jagdgeschwader 51 "Molders"

At the time of his death on 22 November 1941, not only had Werner Molders been credited with 115 kills, but he was Germany's most decorated pilot and the first recipient of the Brillanten, the Knight's Cross with Swords, Oak Leaves and Diamonds.

Although he only held the rank of Oberst he had been appointed Inspector General of Fighters. Molders was credited with developing some of the air combat tactics that are still in use today.

Ironically, Molder's death came while a passenger in an He-111 that crashed while landing en route to the funeral of Molder's fellow pilot and friend, Ernest Udet.