He reached the zenith of his career on 1 September 1942, when during the course of three combat sorties he claimed 17 fighters shot down, for which he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds.
He reached the zenith of his career on 1 September 1942. He claimed 17 fighters. This was during the course of three combat sorties. These 17 fighters were shot down. He received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds for 17 fighters. These 17 fighters were shot down.