This exceptionally rare 5x7 print, signed by five of Germany’s most distinguished WWII fighter aces; Adolf Galland, Walter Schuck, Walter Krupinski, Wolfgang Späte, and Günther Rall, represents a historically significant tribute to the Luftwaffe’s elite aviators. Each signer was a highly decorated pilot who played a key role in shaping Germany’s air combat strategies during the war. This incredible piece comes professionally matted and framed to an overall size of 8x10 and is authenticated by JSA authentication services, accompanied by a JSA Certificate of Authenticity to ensure its provenance and legitimacy.
Five Legendary WWII Fighter Aces
Adolf Galland (1912–1996) – 104 Aerial Victories
One of the most famous Luftwaffe aces, Adolf Galland was a highly decorated fighter pilot and General der Jagdflieger (General of Fighters). Flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109, he achieved 104 aerial victories, primarily on the Western Front. Galland commanded JG 26 "Schlageter" and later led Germany’s elite jet fighter unit, Jagdverband 44, operating the Messerschmitt Me 262. He frequently clashed with Hermann Göring over Germany’s failing air strategy, leading to his removal from command. Post-war, he became an aviation consultant and military historian.
Walter Schuck (1920–2015) – 206 Aerial Victories
Walter Schuck was a highly skilled Luftwaffe ace, credited with 206 aerial victories, mostly on the Eastern Front. A specialist in high-altitude intercepts, he was one of the Luftwaffe’s most effective Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and Messerschmitt Bf 109 pilots. In the final months of the war, Schuck transitioned to the Messerschmitt Me 262, scoring victories in jet combat. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves for his exceptional service.
Walter Krupinski (1920–2000) – 197 Aerial Victories
Walter Krupinski, known as "Graf Punski," was an ace fighter pilot with 197 aerial victories, serving with JG 52 and JG 11. He flew alongside legendary pilots like Erich Hartmann and Gerhard Barkhorn, two of the war’s highest-scoring aces. Later in the war, he was assigned to JG 26 in defense of the Reich, where he became one of the Luftwaffe’s most experienced combat leaders. After the war, Krupinski served in the post-war West German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and became a NATO advisor.
Wolfgang Späte (1911–1997) – 99 Aerial Victories
Wolfgang Späte was a pioneering test pilot and combat ace, credited with 99 aerial victories. He was one of the first Luftwaffe pilots to fly the revolutionary Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the world’s first rocket-powered fighter. As commander of Erprobungskommando 16, he played a crucial role in testing and operational deployment of this high-speed interceptor. Späte was also an early advocate of jet aircraft, contributing to Germany’s late-war technological advancements.
Günther Rall (1918–2009) – 275 Aerial Victories
Günther Rall was the third-highest scoring fighter ace in history, with 275 confirmed aerial victories, all on the Eastern Front. Flying with JG 52, Rall developed advanced aerial tactics that made him one of the war’s deadliest pilots. He survived being shot down multiple times, recovering from severe injuries to return to combat. After the war, he played a key role in rebuilding West Germany’s Luftwaffe and later became NATO’s Chief of Air Staff.
Piece Overview
This hand-signed 5x7 print, featuring five of Germany’s most elite WWII aces, is an extraordinary and historically significant collectible. Matted and framed to an overall size of 8x10, this piece is professionally preserved for display. Authenticated by JSA authentication services. This signed print comes with a JSA Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its authenticity and historical importance. For military history collectors, WWII aviation enthusiasts, and historians, this piece represents a unique opportunity to own signatures from five of the Luftwaffe’s most accomplished fighter aces, offering a direct connection to the era of aerial combat legends.