RIP Gunther Rall

PantherAttack2 · #1 10-07-2009, 11:42 PM

Lt.General Günther Rall passed away on October 4th after suffering a heart attack on October 2th.He was 91 years old.

Rest in peace.

House MD 221B · #2 10-07-2009, 11:48 PM

For those who don't know:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_Rall

Lincoln's Revenge · #3 10-08-2009, 12:59 AM

Saw some great interviews with him on "Wings" type programs over the years. So reading his wikipedia page it seems like he got a good amount of his kills in late 42 and 43 by which time the Russians had decent aircraft, pilots and tactics.

Was knocked out of the war before D-Day, not long after moving to the western front. That was a lucky break for a lot of allied bomber crews and fighter pilots he probably would have taken out of the war.

Lincoln's Revenge · #4 10-08-2009, 01:12 AM

Seems his autobiography, popular in Germany got an official english language translation that he signed off on. Unfortunately it's $55.00. Shame.

http://www.296cart.com/cgi-bin/index...tch=yes&pid=28

http://www.historicaviation.com/prod...fo.po?ID=15171

Back when I played the PC version of IL-2 I bought the Black Cross Red Star books on the war on the Eastern front for $40, now they sell for more. But I can't justify $55.00 for any book I'd read for pleasure.

mattmanB182 · #5 10-08-2009, 01:12 AM

RIP, Your accomplishments will not be forgotten!

Soviet Ace · #6 10-08-2009, 01:22 AM

Man, can't believe I spaced this. I totally forgot to post about this. There was actually a little blurb in the LA Times about his death. Wow, did I space big time!?

FOZ_1983 · #7 10-08-2009, 01:28 AM

a true fighter ace and from what i gather a true leader and gentleman.

REST IN PEACE.

DoraNine · #8 10-08-2009, 01:56 AM

This guy has some great interviews on You Tube, and gives some REAL insight into the comparisons between the 109 and the 190. I've also seen him on the Military Channel a few times recently also. A real warrior this guy was.

mattmanB182 · #9 10-08-2009, 05:21 AM

My favorite pilot will always be Erich, but me, as well as anyone should have a great respect for this guy.

Maybe him being injured is actually a blessing, his name would not be added to the long list of great German pilots who were KIA.

He is a truely magnificant story and a class act.

InfiniteStates · #10 10-08-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by House MD 221B

For those who don't know:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_Rall

"He flew the P-51 and was amazed at the luxury and quality of the American planes."

Must have been set to arcade then...

R.I.P you have to respect anyone who did this, or ground or sea fighting, for real.