Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Unteroffizier

Unit:

Bordfunker, Sturzkampfgeschwader

Awarded on:

September 15th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Sergeant)

Unit:

8. Staffel, III. Gruppe, Sturzkampfgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Sergeant)

Unit:

Bordfunker, III. Gruppe, Sturzkampfgeschwader 1, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

November 12th, 1943

Rothe’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Feldwebel Rothe is a radio operator in the III./St.G. 1, belonging to this unit from the beginning of the French campaign and taking part in, up to now, 557 missions. These missions were flown by him as my radio operator, originally as the Staffelkapitän's and later Gruppenkommandeur's radio operator in the French campaign, against Southern Britain and Channel shipping, against Malta, in Africa, and in Russia.
On all these missions Feldwebel Rothe distinguished himself by his outstanding abilities, valour, exemplary courage and fighting spirit. He is the ideal radio operator, on whom a pilot can rely on in all situations. In many dogfights with enemy fighters he succeeded in spoiling the enemy attacks by his superior, cold-blooded and courageous behavior. He is one of the best shots in the Gruppe and is exemplary in his concentration, his ability to observe and the accomplishing of his tasks as radio operator. During the heavy attacks against Southern Britain, Malta and Tobruk, as the unit leader's radio operator, he achieved complete radio control of the Gruppe and by his personal example in the leading aircraft succeeded in close cooperation with all rear gunners in the defense against enemy fighter attacks.
He was awarded the German Cross in Gold on 25 May 1942 for his outstanding performance as a radio operator on 280 missions.
On the basis of his vast experience in close-support operations, he has been unsurpassed — particularly in the recent past in spotting and recognizing well-camouflaged targets, thereby giving valuable assistance to his pilot in the attacks. He always gave fire support during low-level operations, effectively strafing enemy columns, infantry, artillery and Flak positions.
In spite of having been seriously wounded during an attack, he reported back at the Gruppe immediately following his recovery, and he has always been exemplary with his readiness, fighting spirit and performance despite remaining damage to his injured arm.
His accomplishments as a navigator and radio operator have been outstanding.
Feldwebel Rothe, who has achieved the highest number of missions flown by all radio operators (as far as it is known in this Geschwader), deserves this highest award on the basis of his proven and outstanding valour, his exemplary fighting spirit, and his military attitude and performance.
He is thereby nominated for the award of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.”