Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

July 24th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 2nd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

October 23rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (Pilot Officer)

Unit:

4. Staffel, II. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1942

Award 4/144.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leutnant (Pilot Officer)

Unit:

Staffelführer, 4. Staffel, II. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

June 1st, 1943

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

“Leutnant Ettel, who is presently serving as an acting Staffelführer, began his aviation career with frontline units in the Mediterranean theatre. Here he flew his first sorties as an escort for bomber formations that were launching their own missions against Malta as well as enemy shipping.

After the Gruppe was redeployed to the Eastern front, he was finally able to demonstrate his significant skill as a pilot (coupled with outstanding decisiveness and courage) and achieve his first aerial victories. Within the first 4 weeks of service in this new area of operations he was able to shoot down 8 enemy aircraft (including 1 Hurricane). During fighter-bomber operations against the Lipezk airfield he destroyed 1 DB-3 and heavily damaged 2 more. He also scored hits against important railway facilities during similar such attacks in the Voronezh area.

Over the course of 32 fighter-bomber attacks (including some against airfields) he destroyed several one-engined aircraft on the ground, and also shot up 1 armoured car plus several AA trucks and other vehicles during attacks against enemy vehicle assemblies. Among other things, he scattered an enemy cavalry assembly following repeated attacks. He also prevented the arrival of reinforcements for an enemy bridgehead.

During a fierce aerial battle with a formation of 10 Douglas bombers, Leutnant Ettel was shot down by Russian fighters and forced to parachute over Russian territory. However in this situation his personal courage and determination did not waver, and after about 8 days in enemy territory he managed to return to friendly territory. He then resumed his series of aerial victories just a few days later.

Over the course of the aerial combat in the most recent weeks (which took place during the hard defensive battles between Izyum and the Mius position) he succeeded in destroying another 20 aircraft. With this he raised his total of enemy aircraft destroyed to 52, all of which were achieved in over 190 sorties.

Leutnant Ettel has shown very good leadership qualities whilst serving as a Schwarm leader. In this capacity he has proven that he is able to remain calm even in the midst of swiftly-changing combat situations. His superb flying abilities and exemplary devotion to duty make him an excellent leader and trainer for the young pilots of his Staffel.

On the grounds of his personal bravery and its associated results, Leutnant Ettel is being submitted for the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross.”

By the time this document was written (the 24.03.1943) Ettel had achieved 52 aerial victories in 191 sorties. However in the subsequent 2 months he achieved a remarkable string of successes, which are summarized in an endorsement written by the commanding general of the VIII. Fliegerkorps. This document (dated 19.05.1943) reads as follows…

“Whilst flying in operations against both Malta and the Soviet Union, Leutnant Ettel has succeeded in achieving 117 aerial victories in just 238 sorties as of the 18.05.1943.

He has achieved proud successes in numerous bold fighter-bomber attacks, and above all has demonstrated exceedingly admirable competence in the bomber-escort role.

His swift ascension to the ranks of the Geschwader’s most successful fighter pilots is a testament to his attacking spirit, swift thinking and bitter determination to conclude combat with the enemy in his favour.

I approve the award of the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross for Leutnant Ettel.”

841st Award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Flugzeugführer

Awarded on:

June 25th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberleutnant (Flying Officer)

Unit:

Staffelkapitän, 8. Staffel, III. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 27, Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1943

Awarded in recognition of his 124 aerial victories, which were achieved over the course of 250 sorties.

289th Award. Awarded posthumously.