March 2024 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 363:
Description
WWII German Ace Gunther Rall Signed Print Artist Lonnie Ortega. Numbered to 63/225. Gunther Rall is the world’s third leading aerial combat scorer, with 275 official victories to his credit. Like Barkhorn and Hartmann, he is closely associated with JG52. Born in Gaggenau, Baden on March 10, 1918, Gunther Graduated from Gymnasium in 1936. He then joined the Infantry Regiment No.13 as an officer candidate and underwent officer’s training at the Kriegsschule, or war school, in Dresden. Two years later, he transferred to the Luftwaffe and joined 8/JG52 in 1939. Oblt. Rall scored his first kill during the Battle of France and became Staffelkapitan in July 1940. After scoring his 36th victory, he was seriously wounded on November 28, 1941, which paralyzed him for six months. Rall returned to 8/JG52 in August, and was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his 65th victory in September 3. The Eichenlaub followed on October 26, for this 100th kill. In April 1943, Rall was promoted to Hauptmann and elevated to Gruppenkommandeur of III/JG52. The Schwerten was presented on September 12, 1943, for Gunther’s 200th victory (the third pilot to score that number). Scoring 40 victories during October enable Rall to become the second pilot to reach a score of 250 victories by November 28. As with many of the Experten, Rall was transferred to the Western front in the spring of 1944 to combat the U.S. bombers. He was Grupenkommandeur of II/JG11 until March, 1945, when as a Major, he became Kommodore of JG300. Rall was shot down five times in the course of his 621 missions. General Gunther Rall passed away on October 4th, 2009. Approximate size is 17.25 x 22 inches. This item is not perfect. There are a couple imperfections along the edge and corners. This item will be shipped rolled.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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