“We have built a total of about 1250 of this aircraft, but only fifty were allowed to be used as fighters”

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”.

If we could have had in ’44, ah, let’s say three hundred operational

And that’s when we did it. I think we did it.

I asked the colonel what type of aircraft it was, and he said, “Don’t worry about it, Bob. . . if you can see it, it’s obsolete.”

We are like an exquisite high-speed aircraft which for lack of a tiny part is left stranded beside the runway, rendered slower than a tractor or bicycle.

Changing the direction of a large company is like trying to turn an aircraft carrier.

I have a photocopy of it, and I am saying that in production this aircraft could perhaps substitute for three propeller- driven aircraft of the best existing type.

This aircraft didn’t have any priority in design or production.

It’s unbelievable what one squadron of twelve aircraft did to tip the balance.

I first knew of the existence of this aircraft only early in ‘42 – even in my position.

At this time, the aircraft was completely secret.