COLONEL ERICH "BUBI" HARTMANN - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: MAJOR GENERAL DIETRICH "DIETER" PELTZ, MAJOR GENERAL THEODOR "THEO" OSTERKAMP, COLONEL JOHANNES "HANS" GEISMANN - HFSID 74832

GERMAN FIGHTER ACES
The four members of the Luftwaffe: Hartmann, Peltz, Osterkamp, and Geismann, pen their names on this commemorative envelope honoring the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the British Coastal Command Air Sea Rescue Service, 1941-1971
Commemorative Envelope signed: "Hans Geismann V [difficult to decipher]", "Happy landings!/ [difficult to decipher] Osterkamp,/ Gen. htnt. a. D.", "Erich Hartmann", and "Dieter Peltz",  all in blue ink, 6½x4¾. Envelope commemorating the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the British Coastal Command Air Sea Rescue Service, 1941-1971. Postmarked British Forces Postal Service. One British stamp affixed. Color illustration of a Supermarine Walrus printed on left side with "Royal Air Force/ Pitreavie Castle" printed underneath. The identities of signers and their accomplishments are neatly printed in German on verso. Verso postmarked R. A. F. Post Room, Pitreavie, Dunfermilne, Fife, June 2, 1971. ERICH "BUBI" HARTMANN (1922-1993) was a highly-skilled pilot in the Messerschmitt 109 who is considered to be the most accomplished fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare. Referred to as the "Black Devil of the Ukraine" by his enemies, Hartmann had a 10,000 ruble bounty placed on his head by the Soviet Union. A member of the most successful fighter wing, Jagdgeschwader 52, Hartmann was one of only 27 people to earn the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. After Hartmann surrendered to the Americans, he was delivered to the Russians and spent over 10 years in a prison camp. DIETRICH "DIETER" PELTZ (1914-2001) He became the youngest ever Luftwaffe General. A bomber pilot, Peltz flew solo missions over England, oftentimes during inclement weather. For his service he was awarded the Knights Cross with Swords and Oak Leaves. THEODOR "THEO" OSTERKAMP (1892-1975) was a Luftwaffe fighter ace who was one of the few men to tally victories in both World Wars. In World War I, he racked up 32 victories, and in World War II he accumulated an additional 6 victories. The leader of Jagdgeschwader 51 (one of the most efficient Luftwaffe fighter wings during the Second World War) during the Battle of Britain, Osterkamp was appointed honorary chairman of the Gemeinschaft der Jagdflieger, the Association of Fighter Pilots in 1960. JOHANNES "HANS" GEISMANN (1920-1994) was a Hauptmann (captain) who flew for the Luftwaffe during the World War II. In recognition of his service, Geismann received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.