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With a heavy heart I've just learned that Mike Mangold was killed flying his L39 today at Apple Valley CA. I had an up and down relationship with him but he was a friend and mentor. Blue Skies Mike! Say hello to Bob and Doug for me! :cry:

I've seen lots of explanations of the 'Grunherz' emblem of JG 54, including the reference to Trautloft's origins in Thuringia. Whilst reading excerpts from Hannes Trautloft's diary, the man who would later command the unit, I found an interesting entry from his time in Spain, which confirms...