Orion (Chpt 1. Pt.1) "Jacob enters the conflict"

[Willi Von Klugerman]

Minutes into the patrol,I couldn't believe how cold it was.As we got higher,it got colder.I never felt so frozen in my life,and it was cold enough in the ground.I didn't understand how these guys go through this everyday,its insane to put these men in this condition.Then Frank pointed upwards to signal us to go up.We nosed up into the overcast clouds.It was a bit scary going into the clouds,yet,I was curious to know what a cloud felt.Soon,we were within it and all I saw was white,it didn't feel like anything,it was like going through a dense fog.

But then I saw the most beautiful thing that I have seen and will always remember.As I notice,the inside of the clouds were getting brighter.And then it happened,I emerged out of the clouds and saw a clear blue sky with the bright sun that was hidden by the clouds below.I looked down and saw the long blanket of overcast below that seemed to stretch all across Earth.I was so amazed in the beauty of the sky that I forgot all about the exteme cold,the nervousness,everything,it looked like I was in heaven.My pleasent thoughts were soon interupted,as Frank jerked his arm and pointed towards five specks in the distance.

We flew towards it and had the sun behind us.Soon,the specks became aparent.I saw a two wings,then a rudder,the fuselage,and bull eye symbols.My mind then ran with the words,"British fighters!!".They were S.E.5 scouts.I cocked my Spandau's,we dove towards them,and Frank fired on at them,and we fired at them as well.My mind was so excited that I didn't get a single bullet in them.Soon,both formations became disorganized and individual dogfights occured.I was confused,it was like when I played a new sport game as a child and was afraid of screwing up because of my inexpirience.Then,I heard loud,pounding sounds in my fuselage,and looked back to see an S.E.5a on my tail.I quickly evaded and he still was on my tail.

I tried to fly past my comrads,hoping they will notice my situation.It didn't work,as they were too buisy trying to shoot their S.E.5 down.Then he stitched some rounds on my lower left wing,nearly hitting my strut.I then looped back so I could get to his tail but to no results as he did the same thing that I did.I was nervous and annoyed.Why wasn't anyone helping me?How am I supposed to get this Tommie off of me?Then,all of a sudden,I saw the S.E.5's engine pounded with machine gun rounds.Shortly after that,I saw Frank's Kyoko fly past him,and the S.E.5's engine started to let out black smoke.It went out of control and I saw it as it vanished into the blanket of overcast clouds below.Frank waved to me and I waved back,I felt a huge weight off of my back then.

There was still four more S.E.5's and looked to see if anyone needed help.But then I saw Ulrich Scneider's Albatros burst into flames and he spiraled down into the clouds.I felt extremly shocked,even though I didn't get to know him well.But it was heart wrenching to see your comrad go down.Then,three Fokker DR1's from another squadron,appeared into the fight and joined in.The Fokker with a blue top wing and tail,and a factory finished olive middle,lower wing and fuselage,knock out an S.E.5.The overwelming numbers caused the last three S.E.5's to quickly disengage the fight a dove to the clouds below,the Fokkers,following them down.

Our flight returned to its formation with one less pilot.I felt drained of energy,and was exsausted.Everyone had bullets shot into their aircraft.There was no point in continuing the patrol as we were low on ammunition.We dove back into the clouds,and took one last look at the clear blue sky with the sun before I entered the clouds.Shortly,I was in the clouds and then we were out and looked back to see the grey and gloomy cloudy sky.We somehow ended up above the trenches.It was a messy,muddy,and cratered land,with destroyed tanks bombed out trees,and I barely saw bodies of troops laying in No-Man's-Land.I couldn't imagine the conditions that the guys down there have to go through.It makes flying in the intense cold worth it.

We returned to our Aerodrome and landed.The ground crewmen were waiting to assist our crafts and grabbed my lower wings and tail and positioned my Albatros with the other Albatros' that were lined up.I unbuckled myself but still sat in my cockpit,I felt too exsausted to get out.When I felt better,I got out and whipped my eyes.Then I heard Frank complained,"That bugger,he shot the "K" in Kyoko!",he then took the photo of his girlfriend,Kyoko,out and looked at it with a sigh,relieved that he made it out.I looked at the fuselage of my Albatros,only to see how VERY close the S.E.5 was to getting a round in my back.Without Frank's assistance,the Tommy would certainly have gotten me.

I had just went through my first taste of combat,but it was just first of the many to come in my career.But on a lighter note,I notice that I didn't personalize my Albatros.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

I after taking my flight gear off and washing the black stuff from my face,I entered the mess.I then saw Ulrich Schneider's name erased from the black board.I then sat down with the guys,who congradulated me on surviving my first sortie.We had a few conversations and thats when I mentioned,"How do you guys do this everyday,going up in the intense cold and getting shot at,and come back and do it all over again?".Frank then answered,"It's problably because we have a job to do,and we feel that we are helping the effort for our father land".I then nodded and dranked the last of my glass of wine.

After a couple of glasses,I then went outside to look at my Albatros,thinking what colors I should choose.I had many ideas,but the one that strucked me was painting it completly black with a cresent moon as my insignia with stars painted randomly all over.After drawing it out,I gave it to the artist Marciel,who is French.He agreed and had a couple of other artists to quicken the painting.He then put my aircraft in a hut(so it was a surprise).But I had to wait a while till he was done,but promised me it would be done by the time of my next sortie.I couldn't wait for the results of their painting.I would occasionaly see one of the artist come out with their hands and clothes in black paint.

Thats when all the pilots were called in the breifing room.The Hauptmann ncalling out,"Every flier is to report to the breifing room now!".I ran to the breifing room,and sat in between Julius and Kurt.Julius then said,"Hey do you want to see something nice?".And he pulled out one of his postcards of a naked woman on it,Mata Hari actually.Then Frank said,"Put that bloody thing back into your jacket,nows not the time for your little fetishses!".Julius is obviously a teenager with too much hormones in him.And thats when Hauptmann Vanderhoff announced,"Men,tomorrow at 0900 hours,our men in the sector will launch an attack on the British fortifications.Everyone here will attack enemy troops,machine gun nests,and artillery while protecting our troops the same time.If we spot enemy aircraft,we will not attack them unless they attack our men,understood!".After we agreed,he dismissed us and walked out of the room.

We then were in the mess and then Julius bought up an interesting topic.He said,"Why do they send men up like that,do the generals have any idea what the guys have to get through with when they go over?".For a man of perversion,he does have a very interesting point.Franz then said,"Im not sure why the big brass is so ignorant about this".Frank then added,"Well,maby it is because they are stuck in the Napolionic war,where troops are literaly walking torwards the enemy in a straight line,ripe for the picking!".Franz then said,"I one time flew over the trenches during an offensive,and flew low enough to see our men getting shot up and seen waves of men falling dead to the ground.It was disturbing to watch,and made me infuriated on what our generals is making them do,and not noticing,let alone,care about it!".Kurt then added,"It is practicaly murder what they make them do,one second they run through No-Man's-Land,and another second he shot up!".We then nodded and continued with our drinks.

It was 10:00 P.M.,and then Marciel came up to me and said,"Jacob,were done painting your crate,but it will have to dry till morning,just in time for the big mission tomorrow!".I then thanked him and the other artists and told them that I could not wait to fly it tomorrow.I them headed to my room,I must rest as I have to get up at seven for the missions.I then put on my pajamas and wen't straight to bed.I turned off the lights and that was when I heard the sounds of distant artillery,and could see the glow of the guns in the horizon.The offensive has just begun.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

It was 8:25 A.M.,we've just woken up and dressed in our gear.It is quiet and another typical cloudy winter day.After the usual cups of warm tea we were set.And as I walked up,I noticed a freshly painted black Albatros,my Albatros.They painted it exactly the way I wanted,the cresent moon on the sides and the stars painted on random spots.I felt happy,it was now officialy "my" aircraft.All the pilots in the squadron had to be in this important mission.Since there will be at least twenty of us in this mission,there would be two flights,ten for hauptmann Hans Vanderhoff and ten for Oblnt Frank Blume.I was in Franks flight,he wouldn't be too hard to miss in his blue Kyoko.I got in my cockpit,and turned the switch,followed by several other pilots.

After everyones engines was on,the others took off one-by-one,all twenty of us.After we took off,we all got ourselves in two organized formations.I then felt the intense cold again,but manage to keep myself calm from it.My black Albatros with stars looked like a flying constellation,and I noticed the others looking at my aircraft in flight in facination,it is quite an eye catcher.About twenty-five minutes into the flight,we were at the front,a few more minutes before the guys on the make their (suicidal) charge into No-Man's-Land.We cocked our guns and thats when we saw a mass of grey coming out of the trenches.We flew about two-stories high and focused on the enemy tenches ahead of us.Then when I saw our men caught into an enemy bombardment,sending men into the air.Then the machine gun fire cut them down wave by wave,and could see about four to five dozens of men lying dead and wounded crawling on their knees.

Then it was time to attack the trenches,we set our sights on the troops and gun nests.After our leaders opened fire,we then fired on as well.I then fired and could see the Brits ducking for cover.I saw Kurt whipped out a machine gun nest by flying low and fired into the opening.Some pilots flew above along the trench alongside,killing those that stood in the middle of their trench,forcing other to get as much cover as possible on the walls of the trench.The flight then continued on to attack the artillery.We could see the barrels of the big guns belching out smoke.Then artillery gun crew saw us coming torwards them and scattered.There were plenty of guns for everyone to take out,so there was no need for competition.I saw a few pilots hitting the ammuntion instead of the gun itself,which caused a large explosion.I coppied their method and spotted some shells in a group and fired my Spandaus at it.One shell exploded causing the others to quickly explode with it.I felt quite happy,knowing that I destroyed enemy equipment and took out one less problem for our guys.

Thats when we spotted a group of Sopwith Camels and S.E.5's.We waited till they came down to pounce.Us continuing to wreak havoc on their ground forifications irritaded them and forced them to attack us.We waited till they fired and when they did,we quickly turned around and attacked them.Kurt shot at a Sopwiths wing causing pieces of fabric to fly off.I looked around to see if no ones shooting at me.Thats when I saw my lower left wing getting shot.At first I thought it was troops from below till I saw an S.E.5 coming from below,flying up past me.I quickly reacted but carefully,as I feared that the damaged wing would stress and break off.I found my cheaky Tommy and tried to get my sights on him.But the large amount of air activity kept on making me dodge so I wouldn't collide with them.

I soon lost sight of my S.E.5 as a Sopwith was attacking me from behind and forced to abandon him and forced myself to evade the attacking Sopwith Camel.After trying to do as much to get him off of my tail,he eventually lost track of me due because he had to turn away to prevent colliding with Julius.I then used the opertunity and chassed the Sopwith,now it was my turn.I then saw Julius brought down a S.E.5,sending him down about 200 ft.I didn't let his victory distract me too much,as I was trying to get my victory.Thats when I had him in my sights and quickly opened fire,and shot his tail,my first time actually hitting a round on an enemy aircraft.Thats when something infuriated me,out of nowhere,a yellow and white Albatros came and shot the engine of my enemy.causing him to go down and crash landed.

I felt the cold turn hot as my face was red,as I was extremly angry and annoyed.I saw him do a victory loop,which somehow annoyed me even more,he stole my victory and I saw that there were few enemy aircraft left.I then saw Kurt brought down the Sopwith he was attacking earlier,his 7th kill.Then the the three Sopwiths and two S.E.5's left remaining,retreated,knowing that they were outnumbered.As we regrouped I noticed that no one was brought down and we bagged five enemy aircraft.We noticed that our men actually reached the trenches and forced the Brits to fall back,and could see them cheering.We returned home knowing we did our bit to help those below.Without us,they would have suffered terrible casualties and the offensive would have been a failure.

We landed,and we rested after a very draining battle.Then Frank came to me and said,"I saw that one guy stole you Sopwith from you,very rude,thats happened to me a few times.But don't worry,you'll get a victory soon!".I smiled and nodded.But tomorrows another day,maby I will get a kill on my next sortie.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

I was still mad at the pilot who stoled my Sopwith Camel,I waited for the moment to get a victory,it was not fair to me.I had to do something to make up for the lost opertunity.I then had an idea,I went to the hauptmann and told him of my plan.My plan was to fly and search for an enemy aircraft,and bring him down,with Frank flying with me just to be safe.He accepted and Frank and me got our gear ready.Frank saw the pilot that stole my victory,and was also angered by it,he wanted me to get that Tommy.

Franks blue Kyoko and my black Albatros were ready,we both in our cockpits and set our engines,our Mercedes engines roaring.The ground crewmen released the wheel blocks and we were soon aloft.We were going to patrol over the frontlines,seeing if we could find observation planes.We then found three R.E.8's in the distance.We advanced torwards them and flew slightly lower than them to avoid the gunners fire.R.E.8's as I was told,are fairly easy to down,and prone to engine fires and other malfunctions.We cocked our guns,ready to fire at them.Frank gave me the honor of getting the leader of the R.E.8 formation.

I noticed the R.E.8's began to bank,now noticing our presence.I took a deep breath,aimed at their flight leader,and opened fire.I only got the tail of him,and nosed up.Nosing up was a mistake for it gave the gunner the opertunity he wanted.The gunner fired at me and my bottom left wing took a few rounds.I then turned back,flew slightly lower than him,and shot at the tail,trying to disable his rudder and elevator flaps.I noticed the pilot turning right,atempting to give his gunner a good shot at me.I turned left and quickly turned to the R.E.8's direction.I had a good shot at his engine,flew past him,and noticed his engine started to smoke,and nosed down.I then felt a sense of joy,as it appears that he is going to be my first victory.I then saw it crash near a communication trench on our side.

I then threw my fist up in joy,the R.E.8 was now my first victory,and did a victory roll.As me and Frank promised,after I got a kill,we were to fly home and leave the others.Thats what we did and left the other two alone,heavily damaged by Frank.I was surprised on how easy it was to get that R.E.8 down,they were easy kill,just as the pilots said they were.We returned home,landed,and noticed a large group of men waiting for the results.They cheered when I said I got my first victory,and led me to the mess for a drink.I was officialy a hunter.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

We went into the mess to celebrate my first kill.They poured me a glass of vintage 1903 wine,a very nice tang to it.I then told them that they were right about R.E.8 being easy prey.Frank than added,"Yes,they are easy,for I brought down eight of them.I twice shot down two of them in one sortie".Then there was a knock on the door,the orderly then opened it.It turned out to be two British fliers,the ones that I brought down.I was a bit stunned,seeing the men that you were trying to kill.

This was the first time that I saw the enemy up close.They were friendly to me despite the fact that I shot them down.I shook the pilots hand,and he introduced himself as 1stLt.Cedric Harrison.I then shook the observers hand and he introduced himself as Lt.Jack Roberts.Cedric then said,"So,your the chap that brought us down earlier!".I then smilled and said,"Well your observer got a piece of my Albatros".Then Jack exclaimed,"I couldn't get a decent shot at you,I had to constently shout to Cedric to bank left or right!".I then asked them how they survived,for their engine was spewing black smoke.Then Cedric replied,"Well,I knew that my engine was about to set fire,as our R.E.8's always do,and turned the engine off.We then glided our way down near your trenches.But the land was so muddy,that our crate slid as soon as our wheels touched the ground and we slid into a shell hole.Thats when a group of German soldiers came up and took us prisoners,but we were then sent here".

Then Julius came into the mess,holding a muddy rudder to the R.E.8.Julius then said cheerfully,"Heres a gift from our troops,they took it apart from the R.E.8,it makes a good wall-hanger Jacob".Then Cedric said,"Well that will be a little keepsake for you!".After about a half-an-hour latter,the driver knocked on the mess hall door,waiting to pick up the prisoners.After shaking hands and wishing them both good luck,it was time to say good by.I told them,"Well looks like you'll be safe in POW,guess you don't have to fear of our bullets anymore!".They nodded and laughed,and went inside the lorry.I then saluted to them as they departed,and they returned the gesture.

I then felt a strange feeling,a feeling that the enemy wasn't an "enemy" and more like us,just human beings fighting for a cause they believed in.I didn't like the enemy propaganda calling us Germans grossly false things such as "Nun killers" or "Baby eaters" and all other idiotic names.But meeting two enemy pilots was an expirience,they were not the men that our countries propaganda claimed them to be.We both were fighting a war that should have never happened.Just then,Hauptmann Vanderhoff gave us the report for tomorrow's morning sortie."Frank Blume,Julius Fraizer,Eberhard Klein,Franz Wolf,and Jacob Schloss,you are to attack an enemy observation balloon tomorrow at 0700 hours!".

[Willi Von Klugerman]

At 0700 hours,we were to attack a British observation balloon.I was curious about these "gas bags",I've seen our balloons when we fly near the front and look at them in curiosity.Julius seemed a bit excited over this mission,and asked him why he is so excited over this mission.He replied,"Balloon busting missions are my favorite".Julius is never this excited when he gets his nudy postcards from the mail,almost as though he liked balloons more than those cards of his.He had nine victories,five of which,are balloons,and no doubt,our Jasta's top balloon ace.

He then said,"Jacob,your new to the world of balloons so listen up if you want to live!".I didn't think observation balloons were dangerous,they look so vulnerable.He continued on saying,"Those balloons are dangerous to attack because you got plenty of guys on the ground,and they can throw alot of archie at you!".I didn't encounter any archie yet,but the way he makes it sound,I would be seeing plenty of it.He then told me to just make one pass at them and fire at them as much as possible.But he said that he is quick when it comes to killing balloons and we would be out of there in no time.
According to Julius,Oblt Frank Blume isn't good at downing balloons and usually leaves it to Julius to do the "flaming".

Hours latter,we were at the breifing room with Hptm Vanderhoff giving us the details.He exclaimed,"Men,there is an observation balloon that is creating misery for our men in the trenches.The balloon observer reports the positions of our trenches and calling out accurate artillery fire on our men.If you men down this infernal gasbag,then you will save hundreds of our troops lives and the offensive itself".It was hard to believe such a harmless looking bag of gas could bring such terror umong each others forces.We the breifing was over,Eberhard Klein,a cocky man,said,"Im not afraid of archie,to me they are nothing.I like to see them hit me with their best shot!".Julius then exclaimed,"That over-confidence isn't gonna get you anywhere.Archie isn't just something to ignor you know!".Eberhard scoffed and said,"Im not taking any "wisdome" from a teen that looks at naked girls on postcards like you.You do your thing and let me do my own!".He then shrugged and walked away.

Julius and I were somewhat alike,we both came from a 3rd class family,we didn't perform well at school,and we both were not too successful with the ladies.Sure he kept alot of dirty postcards,but him being skilled at the art of balloon busting cleared the shady parts of his lifestyle.From what I heard from the others,he was so skilled at it,that he could just make one pass and light those balloons like a cigar.I asked him an ignorant question on what balloons look like when they are flamed.He said,"Aw,its candy for my eyes when I see a balloon that I shot up burn,deflate,and roast as it slowly plumets to the ground!".I then humorously said,"I thought those cards of yours were candy for your eyes!".We laughed and walked to the mess to get a few drinks.Then after that,it was time for me to go to bed and rest for the mornings sortie.

Julius,who was in his tunic already,woked me up,and said,"Get up my friend,it is time for the mission!",he then left the room.I looked at my clock,6:35 A.M.,my eyes were all squinted and rubbed them with my palms.I hated waking up early in the morning.It reminded me too much of getting up early to get ready for school.I groaned a bit and got out of bed and put on my tunic,trousers,and my boots.Then grabbed my heavy flying gear and went out of my room,down the stairs,and went to the mess for some tea.

We then geared up,walked out of the mess with the tea still warm in our stomachs.It was a cold winter morning as usual,another thing that I was not too keen on,especialy in flight.I sat in my cockpit,with my fingers twitching of uneasyness as I was nervous about the archie that I would eventually encounter.We were all set,and Franks blue Albatros,Kyoko,was the first to start as usual,then Julius,then Franz,then Eberhard,and then me.The ground crewmen released the wheel blocks from Franks Albatros and then he his craft moved forward.Then the ground crewmen removed our wheel blocks
one-by-one.We were eventualy all aloft and I was prepared for the dangers of balloon busting that was ahead of me.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

We were in formation,heading for the British balloon that caused heavy casualties to our men for calling in artillery.It was bitting cold,the parts on my face that were not covered felt a bit num.Soon,we were at the front,the battered,cratered,and muddy landscape with long trenches was below us.Frank signaled us to fly higher,as we were close to enemy lines.We planned to dive on the balloon and fire at it and eliminate it before the AA does any damage to us.

Then,a plump object appeared in the distance,it was the observation balloon.We then cocked our Spandau's and ready to destroy the menacing thing so it is no longer a threat to our men.The tommies on the ground spotted us,and manned their AA artillery and heavy machine guns.They soon opened fire at us and we began to see puffs of black smoke appearing in the sky near us,making a large "Boom".We quickly dove towards the balloon,and the observers leaped from the basket and parachuted before they became roast.

Julius aimed and fired his guns at the balloon,hitting it with about a hundred rounds.Then I saw a blue flame coming out of it,then the flame turned to a firery color.As the fire spreaded,the balloon exploded and quickly engulfed in flames.It then started to plumet and watched it as it burned all the way down.I saw Julius throw his fist up in joy,it was his 6th balloon kill.We then made a run for it and regrouped.The enemy continued to fire at us,and thats when it happened.AA archie got too close to Eberhards right wing,and took heavy damage.As he turned in fright,the damaged strut gave way from the stress and his bottom right wing broke off.I watched in shock as his Albatros spun out of control and plumeted to the ground and exploded,throwing pieces of metal,fabric,and wooden frames into the air.

It was a shock to see him get killed,despite how he was a moron to me and Julius yesterday.He kept on flying in a straight path instead of swerving,giving the enemy AA a good shot at him.His over confidence got himself killed,just as Julius told him.I looked back and saw the plume of black smoke coming from the flaming balloon on the ground and Eberhard's crashed Albatros.We soon landed,and I got out of the cockpit and sat down on the ground in exaustion.The C/O came out and said to Frank,"How did it go?".Frank then replied,"Julius downed the balloon but Eberhard got hit by archie,lost a wing,and crashed".I heard Julius exclaimed under his breath,"I told him so!".

I looked at my Albatros to see fragment holes from archie,some just inches from my back and neck.Then a ground crewmen said to me,"That was a close one there,you got lucky pal,very lucky!".I nodded and walked to the mess,I needed a drink to regain my energy.Julius was right,balloons are dangerous to attack,it takes nerves of steel to take on one of these when you got AA around.I knew that I would be in the hands of danger,it is with every mission.I was just lucky today for not ending up like Eberhard,but soon,I'll be faced with danger soon.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

It was 5:50 P.M.,after going through an exhausting balloon mission,I had to participate in an patrol over enemy lines in 15 minutes.Frank,Kurt,Oswald,and I would be in the patrol.According to Hauptmann Vanderhoff,we are checking an area of the enemy lines to see if we could find the rumored troop convoy.Oswald Beckmann just came back from the hospital after a nervous breakdown,and is still a bit of the jitters.We put on our flight gear and set ourselves in our cockpits,started our engines,and the four of us were aloft.

After about 20 minutes,we reached the front,and flew high to avoid enemy AA fire.We flew high enough to avoid archie fire and high enough to have a good vast view of the land to spot the convoy.We searched the area for about 10 minutes till we spotted something suspicious on a road about 2 miles ahead.It was what we were looking for,the British convoy of trucks,ammunition,artillery,and hundreds of troops.We knew what would happen if they reach the front.All those supplies would cost our armies offensive and lives,so it is neccessary to decimate the convoy before it is too late.We would have to do as much damage as possible in 1 or 2 passes,and then leave the scene before enemy aircraft arrives.

We dived into a cloud so the convoy wouldn't spot us as we dive towards them.As we emerged out of the cloud,and as we were about 100ft,we pulled back,leveled to the road,and fired at the convoy.Drivers jumped out of their lorries as they saw us.British troops ran from the road and scrambled for cover,while some fired rifles and light machine guns at us.I fired on a lorry,hitting the supplies of ammunition in the back,which made a large explosion.The others destroyed several trucks as well.I spotted a group of Tommies carrying about 3 vickers machine guns,and fired at them.I could hear the enemies rifle bullets as they zip past me.One round had hit my right Spandau,fortunetly,no serious damage to it.

After destroying about 20 trucks and artillery and inflicting about 100 casualties to the enemy,we regrouped and got out of there.Hopefully,our actions caused enough confusion and delay to the convoy that another flight would finish the job.But as we began heading for our lines,we were jumped by 3 Nieuport 17's and a Spad VII.I was hit first,getting hit on the top wing.We then did an evasive loop towards them and fired at them.I choosed a Nieuport that had a light blue top wing.I let him pass me so I could get a chance to get on his tail.It worked and I had his tail directly at my sights and fired,hitting his tail.He soon realized that I was on his six and evaded.My aircraft is better by performance and firepower.His Nieuport 17's Le Rhone rotery couldn't fly straight up too long like my Mercedes 9 inline engine,for it would stall,as I learned first hand from training in a Fokker DVII.Plus,my Albatros has two powerful Spandau machine gun,while the Nieuport only has one Vickers machine gun.

I fired at his bottom left wing,trying to damage his struts,but I couldn't get a good shot,for he was a nimble little French flier.I then shifted from aiming at his struts to aiming at his rudder and elevator.And if I disable either one,his aircraft is useless and can't do much.I did just that,and fired at his tail,and saw pieces of fabric flying off of it.He turned away and I quickly followed his move and fired at him some more.I had to keep looking back to see if nobody was on my tail.I then quickly focused on him again and opened fire on his tail,this time,a 3 second burst,shreading his tail fabric.Then all of a sudden,his elevator flaps drooped down,without motion.It turned out that the three second burst had cut his control wires to the elevators and rudder.He nosed down and crashed.And once again,the pilot survived,but appeared to be wounded.I saluted to him and went on to see if I could find any available enemy aircraft.

I was excited over my 2nd victory,but it wouldn't last long for a Spad VII had brought down Frank and his Albatros Kyoko.I held my breath,hoping he wont crash fataly.But he skillfully brought his Albatros out of the spin and made an attempt to land.His wheels touched the ground,but he ran onto something,and his aircraft fliped over.I watched in shock,but saw him getting out of his cockpit.I didn't want him to be a POW,for his girlfriend back home,Kyoko,would worry.I searched for a good field to land on,and when I found a spot,I lowered the throttle and landed safely.

I quickly ran to his upturned Albatros and came to Frank and said to him if he was okay.He nodded and told me to step back,which I did.He stepped back,pulled out his flare pistol.I said,"What are you doing?!".He replied,"Well Jacob,I hate to do this to my Kyoko,but Im not letting the enemy getting their hands on her!".He aimed,pulled the trigger,and shot a flare into Kyoko's engine.The blue Albatros exploded into fragments of flaming wood,fabric,and metal parts.Frank sadly looked at the flaming pile of his once beloved Albatros.He saw a piece of the wooden fuselage,landed next to him,and picked it up.It was a part of the name Kyoko,only it has the K,Y,and the O.He tucked it in his jacket and grabed a few pieces of blue and white fabric.We quickly ran towards my Albatros and I got into my cockpit,while Frank gripped the small struts that were next to my right Spandau.

I started my engine and I carefully took off,Frank holding for dear life.It appeared that the French airmen retreated as they were not around.The others caught up with us and regrouped.Frank looked at me with a smile and nodded,I saluted to him and he nodded again,because he can't salute at this moment.We returned to our lines,with me carefully flying my Albatros on the way home.

To be continued

[Willi Von Klugerman]

We returned after the mission and I gently landed,Frank still holding the struts tight.When we made a complete stop,Frank plopped his back on the ground in exhaustion.I imagine riding the wing would be exhasuting,and nerve wraking.Frank got back up and said to me,"Jacob,why did you rescued me?".I answered,"Soldiers never leave a comrad behind,plus you have a girlfriend back home that would be very worried about you".He thanked me and he we all decided to have a drink for my act of heroism.

My 2nd victory was confirmed despite it being on enemy lines,but Frank said he witnessed the kill and that was proof enough.Kurt also had a victory,a Nieuport 17.The convoy was eventualy attacked by another Jasta,which eliminated most of the supplies and 50+ troops.Most of the supplies never reached the front,much releif to our men in the trenches.Me and Frank had a drink together.He said,"That was a very brave act you did,I'll have to tell Kyoko that when I write to her again!".I then said,"I am terribly sorry that you had to destroy your preety Albatros".He added,"I had to do it,every pilot has to destroy their aircraft when they crash behind enemy lines.That way,the enemy doesn't recover it and use it as parts,so they get nothing!".
We continued on drinking and conversations.

But the news of me rescuing Frank got around.And when HQ heard of it,they were amazed of it and wanted to find the pilot who did that deed.And when they found out,they sent a cab over to our aerodrome and wanted to bring me and Frank over to HQ.There was a knock on the mess door and a driver called,"Is their a Jacob Schloss and a Frank Blume here?".We both stood up and he said,"I have been sent to take you two to HQ".Me and Frank looked at each other,wondering what was the deal.We stepped outside and both got in the car.We then were off to a twenty minute drive to HQ.

When we reached our destination,we stepped out of the car and walked into the carefully guarded building.It was a buisy place,men walking through the halls with documents and officers having discussions.The guard opened the door to the officers room for us.Then the officer stood up and said,"Ah,you two must be Frank Blume and Jacob Schloss,I've been expecting you two!".We then sat down and the officer continued,"I have heard of you recuing your Oblerleutnant,a very noble act!".He then said,"Your brave action has been mentioned in dispatches,it has caused quite an excitement to our men".All this attention of my noble act started when troops on the ground looked up and watched curiously at Frank holding on to my Albatros' central struts.Then it spreaded to soldier to soldier,then it spreaded from the frontlines to the drivers,and then the aerodromes,then the pilots and then the rest is history.

The officer than said,"Acts of bravery like this gets you some nice things,you will be awarded the Iron cross 2nd class for your bravery!".I then felt excited,it was the first time I would be awarded a medal.And that didn't stop there,me and Frank would be on a trip back to Germany for a heroes welcome.The leave back to Germany gave me an oppertunity to see my family in Berlin.After that,we exited out of the HQ and back to the car to our Aerodrome.We got back and Frank then said,"Congratulations that you got your award,your first one already!".I thanked him and he said,"We both are getting back to our country,its been a while for me,the last time was awarded the Pour le' Merit".I then said,"Well,Ive been wanting to see my family".Frank then added,"I have to see Kyoko,at least when Im in the country.You must visit her and her family with me,she would love to meet the person who rescued me from enemy lines.Plus she has a sister that is about your age,maby she'll come to like you".I then said,"Of course I'll visit them with you...and her sister!".He then smilled and said,"I'll visit your family with you as well".He patted me on the back and said,"I'll tell them how you've become such a good pilot!".I laughed and we went to the mess.Tomorrow would be my award ceremony,and my trip home.

It was noon,and every personel of Jasta 38 was lined up in rows.The pilots and officers assembled in rows of three,in order of rank.The ground crewmen (in their non-greasy uniforms) stood in rows at the far right.The band stood in rows between the pilots and the ground crewmen,playing martial tunes.I,the one being awarded,was standing up in front,waiting for the high ranking officer to pin the Iron Cross 2nd class.And after the band stoped,the officer then read out the speech,telling the reason for me getting the award.Then,an officer held out the box that contained the medal,the high ranking officer then stood in front of him,opened the box,and took the shiny medal out.He faced me,and pinned the medal on my tunic.He then saluted,and I saluted back and the band resumed their playing.I looked and smilled at my shiny new medal,which gave me a sense of pride.After the ceromony,me and Frank packed for the trip to our homeland.I wanted to see my family,and Frank wanted to see his girlfriend Kyoko and her family.There was a nice blue Rolls Royce waiting for us,which Frank exclaimed,"They sure do know how to transport in style!".It was a preety car,the orderly putting our luggage in the trunk.As got inside the car,the interior was very nice,with creamy colored seats.It sure beats being in those trucks with muddy floors.

Our journey began,and as we went more farther from the war area,the more pleasant the landscape was.It was a nice drive,passing by French villages,lakes,wooded areas.And with only the occasional aircraft flying around to remind us of the war.And about 2 1/2 hours latter,we stopped at a train station,the train taking us straight to Germany.We was also told we would be meeting a "Very special person" when we are at Berlin.We were then off on a train ride to the father land.

To be continued...

[Willi Von Klugerman]

We settled our stuff in our cabin in the train,and then headed to the dining area in the train.The train was very fancy,mostly for officers and other men of high rank.We then settled to a table,the waiter asked us on what we wanted,we both wanted tea.I then asked Frank a question of curiosity.I asked him,"So,what is Kyoko's sister like?".He then replied,"Well,Kamiko is cute,preety,very kind and easy to talk with.Thinking of giving her a try?".I then replied,"Sure,I give a shot,she seems nice and not shallow like all the other girls were with me".He then added,"Well I don't think she will be the type that would play tricks or toy with your mind,she'll like you Jacob!".We planned to visit my family on the first day while at Berlin,then the next day we would go to the country outside of Halberstadt to the mansion that Kyoko and her family lives in.I asked Frank,"Who do you think will be the special person were supposed to meet in the fancy diner?".He answered,"Im not sure,it could be the Kaiser for all I know.But what I do know is that we will be spending a night at a fancy 1st class hotel!".Staying at a 1st class hotel would be an expirience for me,as only wealthy people could go.The waiter then gave us our tea and we continued our conversations.

We would be at Berlin within hours,switching a few trains on the way.And about 7:00 P.M.,we made it to Berlin.It was nice being back home,nothing seemed to have changed much,it just seemed like there were more officers around.Frank then said that we would have to get a taxi to the hotel.We found a taxi but as we were twenty feet from it,the taxi was taken by an officer and apparently his girlfriend.We groaned over our little misfortune,but luck was soon with us as a taxi stopped behind us.We quickly ran to it and "claimed" it as ours.Frank gave the address to the hotel and we were soon off to the hotel.As the taxi drove,I noticed that we were going through a street that I never been at.It was a street that mostly had wealthy people and expesive stores.A place that a person from a 3rd class family like me would never be around at.Soon after about a fifthteen minute drive through "rich streets",we made it to the hotel.It was quite an elaborate looking hotel,but it would get better.As the servant grabbed our luggage,we walked through a revolving door and thats when I was amazed at the luxorious hotel.The walls were of a nice gold color and the floors were a bright red with little yellow fleur-de-lis' on it.The scent was quite pleasent too,almost like the perfume that preety girls would spray on.

We got our room key that read "52" on it.Frank then said,"Well Jacob,lets see what it looks like!".I then exclaimed humurously,"I want to see what the food is like!".Frank then replied,"Well you'll be getting the best food right in this hotel my good man!".We used an elevator instead of the stairs,it was the first time I ever went on one.We stopped at the second floor,the door opened and we grabbed our luggage.Our room wasn't too far,just about seven rooms away.I stuck the key in the key hole and as I opened it,things seemed quite heavenly.Our room had two bedrooms,expensive antique furniture,and white walls will gold edges and lining.Frank jockingly said,"You don't want to spill wine on this carpet!".We looked at the bedrooms,which looked preety much the same.The bed was quite nice,with four pillars on each corner that supported a canopy.I tested it to see how comfortable it was,and it had to be the best bed that I have ever layed on,like laying on a big pile of feathers.Frank then said that it was about time for us to eat diner.But we wouldn't be eating in the hotels dinner room,instead,we were supposed to meet the special person at a special diner about a block away.We put on our coats and went walked to the diner.As we were walking I said,"Well Frank,today I can really tell the difference between the classes!".I then continued to on to say,"I've been in a lower class family,and as a child here in Berlin I often wondered what life of being wealthy was.Now I know,and what a major difference it is.The hotels,the food,fine watches,the lovely food,elaborate rooms and bedding,stuff that my family couldn't get or would struggle to obtain!".Frank then added,"I know how you feel,despite me being from a rich family in Halberstadt,but I wasn't the typical snob like the others,snobs that would make 3rd class people feel low and useless in a rich society,I've seen it all too often.The rich wives would sometimes flaunt their expsensive clothing in front of un-wealthy women who were in raggy clothing.Its just life I guess,it can be a harsh world!".I nodded and said,"Yes,it is."

To be continued...