Emil Lang (Jagdflieger)
Vorlage:Infobox Military Person
Emil "Bully" Lang (January 14, 1909 - September 3, 1944) was one of the most respected Luftwaffe Experten during World War II. He was credited with 173 aerial victories (144 on the Eastern Front, 29 on the Western Front) in over 400 sorties, before his death in combat over Belgium.
In December 1943, Lang recorded 18 kills in a single day against Soviet aircraft (an all-time record).
Emil Lang flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
Early life
Emil “Bully” Lang was born on 14 January 1909 at Talheim in the Neckar region of Württemberg. He led an eventful life prior to his Luftwaffe career. Lang was reportedly a track-and-field athlete as well as a qualified civilian pilot, flying with Lufthansa during the 1920's and early 1930's. He earned the nickname “Bully” from his 'bulldog-like' looks.
Career in the Luftwaffe
A professional pilot in civilian life, Emil Lang joined the Luftwaffe as a cargo pilot. He wasn't admitted to fighter school until 1943, overcoming considerable skepticism on account of his advanced age (34 years old, probably the oldest fighter pilot in the Luftwaffe). He was assigned to 1./JG54 and immediately involved in heavy fighting on the Eastern Front.
In spite of a late start, he proved to be quite talented and a fast learner. Before the year's end his kill tally stood at over 100 victories, with a remarkable 73 victories in just 3 weeks (October 1943).
Death
Lang was killed on 3 September 1944 when his Fw 190 A-8 (W.Nr. 171 240) "Green 1" hit the ground and exploded near St Trond. Lang experienced mechanical trouble with his aircraft and had difficulties raising his landing gear when ten minutes into the flight RAF Spitfires XIV of the 41 Squadron intercepted them. He was shot down by Flight Lieutenant Terry Spencer.
Achievements
- 4 USAAF P-51 fighters shot down in a day (20 June 1944)
- 3 RAF Spitfire fighters shot down in five minutes (9 July 1944)
- 3 USAAF P-38 fighters shot down in five minutes (26 August, 1944)
- 2 USAAF P-47 fighters shot down in one minute (15 August, 1944)
Awards
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (27 October 1943)
- Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
- German Cross in Gold (25 November 1943)
- Iron Cross 2. and 1. class
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
- Knight's Cross (22 November 1943)
- Oak Leaves (11 April 1944)
References
- Aces of the Luftwaffe. In: Emil Lang. Abgerufen 7. Mai.
- The Jagdgeschwader 54 HomePage. In: Emil Lang. Abgerufen 7. Mai.
- Fritjof Schaulen (2005), Eichenlaubträger 1940-1940 Band II Ihlefel-Primozic. Pour le Mérite. ISBN 3-932381-21-1