Willi in Russia

No amusements here, but Willi manages to smile while sitting outside a hut in what looks like pretty cold weather.

After several requests for front action, Willi was finally joined to IV group of KG 53 in Ansbach in April 1942.  But a crash landing forced by a left engine failure resulted in a head injury for him and three severely injured crew members. In September he joined the 3rd Staffel I/KG53 in Korovje Selo, NNW Russia, with a new crew, and flew 93 missions, participating in several major battles, including Welije Luki in Dec-Jan '42-43 (for which he and his crew were awarded the Iron Cross 1st class); Leningrad in June; "Citadel" around Kursk/Orel in July.