A Combat Report Signed By “Star Of Africa” Ace Hans-Joachim Marseille (Kc W/Diamonds)

A combat report, measuring 210x298mm, extremely fine condition with some creasing. It is dated to May 16, 1942 and written by Oberleutnant (Senior Lieutenant) Hans-Joachim Marseille of the 3rd Squadron of Fighter Wing 27 who signed it in blue ink. He describes how he shot down a Curtiss P 40 on that day: the plane flew 500 meters below him in the direction of Tobruck. The pilot only realised he was being engaged when Marseille was only 40 meters behind him, so he pulled up, turned the plane on its back and went into a right-hand bend. Marseille followed, fired from ca. 50 meters and hit the motor and the pilot’s cabin. The Curtiss went down and crashed ca. three kilometers east of Fort Acroma.

Footnote:
Hans-Joachim Marseille (1919–1942) was the most successful fighter ace of the North African theater and a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. His success earned him the nickname “Star of Africa”. During his extraordinary career, Marseille managed to set several records: he was the first pilot to claim 100 victories against the western Allies, and he was, at the time, the youngest member of the Luftwaffe to be promoted to the rank of Captain at age 22. He achieved 158 aerial victories in 382 combat missions. Marseille died when his plane crashed due to a technical defect.