WALTER SCHUCK - KNIGHTS CROSS WITH OAK LEAVES - Signed Photo
Walter Schuck joined the Luftwaffe in 1937 and hoped to be a reconnaissance pilot. However, after an incident where Schuck performed unauthorised aerobatics in a Fw56 'Stosser' which led to an argument with a senior officer, he was transfered to Fighter Pilot's school where, fearing that he would be thrown out of the Luftwaffe if there were any further infractions, he studiously followed every instruction to the letter.
Schuck's 'training Group' 3 were ordered to become 7th Staffel of JG5 'Eismeer' on the Artic Front flying from Norway. On 15th May 1942 Schuck claimed his first combat victory - a soviet Mig3 - and then proceeded to regularly score. By April 1943 Schuck had 34 victories and, with Soviet aerial activity increasing, Schuck's score continued to rise phenominally. By 15th June 1944 he scored his 100th Victory and his talent for scoring 'multiple' victories kept his score rising. By the time he was posted away from JG5 his tally was 198!
Schuck joined the premier Unit flying the new Me262 jet fighter - JG7 - in March 1945. Schuck's first combat was on 24th March 1945 when he and his wingman intercepted a F-5 recce aircraft being escorted by two P-51 Mustangs - both of these were shot down by Schuck. On 10th April 1945 over 1200 US Heavy bombers with 900 ecsort fighters attacked targets across Germany and Schuck's 7 Me262's were ordered to intercept the bombers. Schuck claimed four B-17's taking his total to 206 victories. However, his Me262 was attacked by a P-51D flown by Joe Peterburs of the 55th Fighter Group and Schuck was forced to bail out with injuries.
Schuck's final tally of 206 kills include 8 with the Me262. He died in 2015 aged 94.
This is a very nice post war signed photo measuring 6 x 4 Inches.
