Adolf Galland

In war there are heroes on both sides of the conflict, and Adolf Galland was a hero during the Second World War for the Germans. Galland was a highly decorated pilot whose dedication and incredible talent for leadership and aviation proved to be a valuable asset for the Germans during WWII.

Galland was born in Westerholt, Wetphalia into a family of boys who all enjoyed aviation as well. He was the second of four sons. Galland suffered the loss of two of his brothers when they were shot down during WWII by Allied fire. His brother Paul had already scored 17 victories by the time he was shot down by the RAF in 1942, however. His other brother Wilhelm-Ferdinand was a 54 victory ace when he was shot down a year later.

Galland showed his talent and love for aviation early on as a child when he flew home-built gliders in fields near his hometown. He was one of only 20 students who were accepted to the prestigious aviation school hosted by Germany’s internationally famous airline, Lufthansa.

Despite several injuries from crashes, Galland persevered in his aviation career and fought in the Spanish Civil War. He came to be known for flying in nothing but swimming trunks and a cigar in his mouth. During World War II, Galland was already nationally recognized as one of Germany’s best pilots. Galland, however, butted heads with many of the Nazi leaders, disagreeing with how to run the war, especially as Germany began to lose.

After the war, Galland actually became friends with many of his former enemies he’d fought against and managed an aviation firm and consultancy.