American and German fighter pilots, 1961 May

File — Box: 8

Scope and Contents

This two-part recording contains conversations between German and American fighter pilots regarding their military service during World War II. The conversations took place during a goodwill meeting between the American Fighter Aces Association and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association that was held in Germany in May 1961. Excerpts from these recordings were later used in a highlight reel about the event.

Identified speakers in part one include Eugene A. Valencia, Vice President of the American Fighter Aces Association; Jim Brooks, President of the American Fighter Aces Association; Werner Andres, President of the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association; German fighter aces George Eder, Walter Krupinski, and Erich Hartmann; American fighter ace Hubert Zemke; and U.S. Air Force officer Raymond F. Toliver. Topics discussed include the Messerschmitt Me 262 and other military aircraft, the point system for aerial victories, and the goodwill meeting itself.

Identified speakers in part two include Werner Andres, President of the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association; Eugene A. Valencia, Vice President of the American Fighter Aces Association; German fighter aces Gerhard Barkhorn, Erich Hartmann, and Major Neumann; and U.S. Air Force officer Raymond F. Toliver. Topics discussed include the return of Werner Mölders’s award, the German decoration system, military flight training, and the future of fighter aircraft.

Dates

Creation: 1961 May

Creator

From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research. Due to preservation concerns, digital copies should be utilized instead of original materials. There is limited access to undigitized content.

Historical Note: AFAA Goodwill Meeting in West Germany

In May 1961, members of the American Fighter Aces Association visited West Germany as part of a goodwill meeting between them and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association. During their week-long visit, they toured German air bases and attended various events, including a war memorial dedication in Geisenheim, Germany. Several moments from the meeting were recorded, such as goodwill gestures and conversations between American and German fighter aces.