Erich “Bubi” Hartmann – Jagdgeschwader 52 (Brillianten) (352 Aerial Victories!)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Erich “Bubi” Hartmann. Major Erich Alfred “Bubi” Hartmann (19 April 1922, Weissach, Württemberg – 20 September 1993, Weil im Schönbuch, Germany) was the most successful fighter ace in aviation history, credited with an unparalleled 352 confirmed aerial victories on the Eastern Front. Known as “The Blond Knight of Germany”, Hartmann flew with Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) and became one of the most decorated Luftwaffe fighter pilots of the Second World War. His skill, discipline, and survival across more than 1,400 combat missions earned him legendary status among pilots of all nations.

Awards and Decorations

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 17 October 1943

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 29 October 1943, as Leutnant and Flugzeugführer, 9./JG 52 (148 victories)

• Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 2 March 1944, as Leutnant and Staffelkapitän, 9./JG 52 (200 victories)

• Swords (Schwerter) – 2 July 1944, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän, 9./JG 52 (239 victories)

• Diamonds (Brillanten) – 25 August 1944, as Oberleutnant and Staffelkapitän, 9./JG 52 (301 victories)

• Pilot-Observer Badge in Gold with Diamonds (Gemeinsames Flugzeugführer- und Beobachterabzeichen mit Brillanten) – special presentation award

• Numerous additional decorations including the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class

Career Highlights

• Eastern Front Ace: Flew over 1,400 combat missions, engaging in aerial combat in nearly 825 of them.

• Unmatched Record: Credited with 352 confirmed kills, all against Soviet aircraft.

• Survival Tactics: Known for his strict discipline and patience in combat, avoiding unnecessary risks and striking with precision.

• Last Victory: Achieved his 352nd and final victory on 8 May 1945, just hours before Germany’s surrender.

• Postwar Captivity: Spent 10 years in Soviet captivity (1945–1955) before returning to West Germany.

• Postwar Career: Joined the newly formed Bundesluftwaffe (West German Air Force), where he commanded a fighter wing but later resigned due to political disputes over NATO standardization.

• Legacy: His name remains synonymous with aerial mastery, and he is celebrated as the most successful fighter ace in recorded history.

Item Details

• Authentic postwar signature of Major Erich “Bubi” Hartmann.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph.

Collector’s Note

Hartmann’s autograph is among the most coveted in WWII aviation collecting. His record of 352 aerial victories is unmatched and will never likely be equaled. Decorated with the Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub, Schwertern und Brillanten and the rare Pilot-Observer Badge with Diamonds, his signature represents the pinnacle of Luftwaffe fighter history. An essential piece for any serious collection of WWII aviation memorabilia.