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Walter Sigel, Luftwaffe Pilot ?

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Ruffin1861

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Jul 15, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/15/96
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I'm trying to find some information on a German Luftwaffe Hauptmann,
Walter Sigel -- I'm not even sure if this person exists, but I've come
across a Luger with his name on it, the phrase "Fur Tapferkeit und Treue,"
the date 15 September 1939 and Hermann Goring's name.

The weapon also reads "I/St.G.76" -- which I guess means I Gruppe of
St.G. 76.

Would appreciate any information on Hauptmann Sigel, his squadron, the
meaning of the phrase, or what sort of item this Luger might be.

Thank you
Hale
Houston, Texas

Tim

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Aug 11, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/11/96
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On Jul 15, 1996 05:13:54 in article <Walter Sigel, Luftwaffe Pilot ?>,

>"fur tapferkeit und treue" translates to "for bravery and loyalty"
the date of Sept 15, suggests it was awarded for the invasion of Poland.
This is the info I found on Hauptmann (later Oberstleutnant) Walter
Sigel. He flew Stukageschwader 76 Gruppe 1 as the commander in the
invasion of Poland and was assigned to Richthofen and participated in
attacks on the defences around Wielum on Sept 1st. This after the group
had been rebuilt following a demonstation accident. On August 15th the 1st
group was displaying close tactical dive bombing for Richthofen and many of
the top Luftwaffe brass. Clouds were reported over the target area between
6,000 and 2,500 feet. The Stukas dove at the target area but in the hour
between the initial weather report and the bombing run ground fog moved in
and the planes came out of the clouds in a full dive at under 300 feet
Sigel warned the flight as he pulled out of the dive first in the dive was
Sigel's group (Sigel with his adjunct and technical officer) then 2nd
Squadron, 3ed Sqd and 1st Sqd. Sigel made it but his adjunct and tech. off.
crashed, all of 2nd Sqd went full speed into the ground and most of the
escaped 3ed as did all of 1st (lead by the later General Officer of the
Bombers Dieter Peltz). 13 planes were distroyed and their crews killed.
Sigel was also in command of StG 3 in North Africa in June of 1942
aiding Rommel's advance on Gazala. All this is from The Luftwaffe War
Diaries by Cajus Bekker which also includes a picture of Sigel. If I come
across any other info I'll send it to you.

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