Günther Glasner – Kampfgeschwader 6

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Günther Glasner

Leutnant Günther Glasner (26 August 1917, Drehnow/Brandenburg – 22 June 2012, Berlin/Brandenburg) was a highly decorated Luftwaffe airman who served as a Bordschütze (air gunner) during the Second World War. Over the course of the war, he flew an impressive 513 combat sorties, primarily with Lehrgeschwader 1 and later Kampfgeschwader 6.

Awards and Decorations

• Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe – 5 July 1941, as member of 9./Lehrgeschwader 1

• German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 13 August 1942, as Feldwebel, Stab III./Lehrgeschwader 1

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 31 December 1943, as Oberfeldwebel and Bordschütze, Stab/Kampfgeschwader 6

Knight’s Cross Citation

Glasner was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding performance during 410 combat sorties up to late 1943, many of them flown under the command of Hermann Hogeback, himself a Schwerterträger. Glasner’s accurate defensive gunnery and combat skill played a decisive role in the survival and success of Hogeback’s crews on numerous long-range bombing missions.

Career Highlights

• 513 combat sorties flown, a testament to his endurance and front-line service.

• Flew with Lehrgeschwader 1 (LG 1) during the critical early air campaigns.

• Later transferred to Kampfgeschwader 6 (KG 6), where he achieved his most notable distinction.

• Reached the rank of Leutnant by the end of his career.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, bold signature

Collector’s Note

Günther Glasner belongs to the select group of Luftwaffe Knight’s Cross holders who served as Bordschützen rather than pilots. His career — flying over 500 sorties — underlines the often-overlooked but crucial role of bomber crews in the Luftwaffe’s campaigns. His association with Hermann Hogeback further elevates the historical value of his autograph, making it a significant acquisition for collectors of Luftwaffe memorabilia.