The first rule of all air combat is to see the opponent first. Like the hunter who stalks his prey and maneuvers himself unnoticed into the most favourable position for the kill, the fighter in the opening of a dogfight must detect the opponent as early as possible in order to attain a superior position for the attack.

I would like to mention that I have flown the 262 first in May ‘43. At this time, the aircraft was completely secret. I first knew of the existence of this aircraft only early in ‘42 - even in my position. This aircraft didn’t have any priority in design or production.

I had to inspect all fighter units in Russia, Africa, Sicily, France, and Norway. I had to be everywhere.

As a fighter pilot I know from my own experiences how decisive surprise and luck can be for success, which in the long run comes only to the one who combines daring with cool thinking.

"He who wants to protect everything, protects nothing," is one of the fundamental rules of defense.

It's unbelievable what one squadron of twelve aircraft did to tip the balance.

An excellent weapon and luck had been on my side. To be successful, the best fighter pilot needs both.