Col. Hajo Herrmann (Autographed by Col. Hajo Herrmann)

Hajo Hermamm was the originator of the "Wild Boar", single engine night-fighter tactics. Born in Kiel on August 1, 1913, he began his combat career as a bomber pilot with KG4.1st Lt. Herrmann met with exceptional success in sinking British shipping and received the Knights Cross on October 13, 1940 for his work. Early in 1941, he was posted to KG30 as Staffelkapitan, and by the following year his administrative ability brought him membership in the Luftwaffe Operation Staff. It was here building on his bombing experience, that he developed the Wild Boar idea. Major Herrmann organized JG300 in mid 1943 to combat the U.S. day-light raids. He then led the 30th and 1st Jagd Division. On August 8, he received the Oakleaves for his activity in the defense of the Reich. In December, 1943, Herrmann was promoted to Inspector of Areial Defense, and was awarded the Swords on January 23, 1944. Colonel Herrmann was leading 9th Flieger Division by the end of 1944, and created the Rammkommando Elbe in his attempt to halt the massive U.S. bomber offensive. Despite the fact that his wartime activities were directed against the Western Allies, Colonel Herrmann became a POW of the Russians and spent a decade in Soviet captivity after the war.