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Alfred DruschelLuftwaffe attack aircraft pilot
Date of Birth: 04.02.0191
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Career and Transition to Ground-Attack Aviation
- First Combat Experience and Decorations
- Initial Success and Knight's Cross
- Command and Further Decorations
- Continued Success and Recognition
- Operation Bodenplatte and Disappearance
Early Career and Transition to Ground-Attack Aviation
In 1936, Alfred Druschel joined the Luftwaffe. After two years of training, he became a lieutenant in the bomber aviation. However, Druschel aspired to fly in ground-attack aviation and repeatedly requested a transfer. In 1939, his wish was granted, and he was assigned to II.(Sch)/LG2.
First Combat Experience and Decorations
On September 27, 1939, during the invasion of Poland, Druschel received his first Iron Cross, Second Class. In May 1940, during the Battle of France, he earned the Iron Cross, First Class. He later participated in the Balkan campaign.
Initial Success and Knight's Cross
On the Eastern Front, while flying an Hs-123, Druschel shot down seven Soviet planes within two weeks. On August 21, 1941, as commander of 3.(Sch)/LG2, he was awarded the Knight's Cross.
Command and Further Decorations
On January 13, 1942, Druschel took command of I./Sch.Gl. He completed his 600th mission on February 4, 1942, and on September 3, 1942, as a Hauptmann, he received the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross. By this time, he had flown over 2,500 missions.
Continued Success and Recognition
In January 1943, Druschel completed his 800th mission, and on February 19, he received the Swords to his Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. On June 11, 1943, he was appointed commander of Sch.Gl, replacing Oberstleutnant Hubertus Hitschhold.
Operation Bodenplatte and Disappearance
On December 28, 1944, prior to Operation Bodenplatte, Oberst Druschel was appointed commander of SG4. On the day of the operation, as Druschel led his squadron across the front line near Aachen, they encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire. Druschel's plane was shot down, and no body was found when the wreckage was recovered. He was declared missing in action, along with four other pilots from SG4.
