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Hans Strelow was born in Berlin on the 26th of March 1922, he was 19 years old when he joined II/JG 51 Molders in early 1941. He scored his first victory just three days after Germany invaded Russia. By the end of 1941 he had shot down 28 aircraft. In March 1942, Strelow shot down 26 aircraft, and was awarded the Ritterkreuz for his outstanding dedication, just six days later he was awarded the Eichenlaub to his Ritterkreuz, he was at the time the youngest recipient of this award in the German armed forces. While on a mission over Russian held territory, Strelow encountered Russian Pe-2 twin engine fighter bombers, he shot one down but soon after developed engine problems. He was forced to crash land in Russian territory, it is said that rather be captured by the Russians, Strelow took his own life, he was just 20 years old. Hans Strelow finished the war with 67 victories. |