[Reinout]

Dear all,

The most detailed entries were about the alleged shootout. If thirteen eye-witnesses claim to have seen Luke trying to defend himself, than I believe he did attempt to shoot at German soldiers. However, the eye-witnesses make no claims as to the number of German soldiers killed in this shootout, and as one of you pointed out, the German rifles outranged the American handgun. Are there any German records on this? One would think that an action involving the death of six soldiers and perhaps more, as well as several wounded, would result in a lengthy report. It is of course highly probable that in the closing weeks of the war, the report never materialised. Even if it did, there's no certainty that it escaped destruction in WWII. I wonder if there has been an historian/amateur who has tried to find official German sources on this action.

I have never come across anything remotely official on the shootout. This Luke movie -which I am looking forward too- is ready to depict a shootout where three German soldiers are killed by Luke. If eye-witnesses do not say anything about German casualties during this fight, than why will the movie portray the deaths of three Germans? I have a strong feeling that Luke's heroism will be upgraded at the cost of history. If a movie claims to be historically accurate than shouldn't they go with the evidence? As long as no evidence comes up I for one refuse to believe that Luke gunned anyone down (though I'd sway when confronted by evidence naturally).

There's also the first victory. If no official evidence could be found that Luke downed a DVII -let alone actually engaging one- from Allied and German sources, than why will the movie show a dogfight? Wouldn't it be better if the movie portrayed the mission (without the dogfight) and Luke claiming a kill, but also stating that no official confirmation could be granted? I am convinced the fight didn't occur. One of my questions wasn't answered yet: was pressure applied to the officials to have the claim certified when Luke started to gain a reputation? If so than shouldn't that be included in the movie as well?

I have to ask these questions even though I know some of you don't like it. It makes me look like I am trying to do the one thing that I hate the most: detract from an ace's reputation in favour of others (German pilots and soldiers in this case). Well I am not. I admire Luke's courage, determination and rashness, though I do not always agree with some of his actions. As a historian in training I am taught to ask critical questions and frankly, that's exactly what I am doing here. It is just that I have seen too many movies claiming to be historical which in fact they are not, and only serve to enhance a persons/nations fame, reputation or status.

Stephen: do keep writing your long replies (I shall do so too), it's good reading.

Kind regards,

Reinout