“Attack even from a position of inferiority, to disrupt the enemy’s plans.”

We couldn’t stand it. Not in the airplanes of World War II.

Which in the long run comes only to the one who combines daring with cool thinking.

The war was lost perhaps, when it was started. At least it was lost in the winter of ’42, in Russia.

That day we could have stopped the American daytime bombing offensive, that’s for sure.

You could smell them because of the oil they were burning.

I was to give proof that this jet was a superior fighter.

Accompanied by a whistling sound, my jet shot through the air.

I made a written report which is still today in existence.

Superior technical achievements – used correctly both strategically and tactically

Never abandon the possibility of attack.

“He who wants to protect everything, protects nothing,” is one of the fundamental rules of defense.

During the Battle of Britain the question “fighter or fighter-bomber?” had been decided once and for all

I had to inspect all fighter units in Russia, Africa, Sicily, France, and Norway. I had to be everywhere.

When I was fired from my post as General of the Fighter Arm

An excellent weapon and luck had been on my side.

Later when asked what it felt like, I said, “It felt as though angels were pushing”.

Each time I think Ive created time for myself, along comes a throwback to disrupt my private space.

So I feel like I’m really lucky to be alive in a time where there’s so much opportunity to disrupt and shake it up.