This Date in History: May 6

On May 6, 1944, the 3rd Group, 54th Fighter Wing submitted a special efficiency report on Alfred Gross that requested a promotion to Second Lieutenant as a war-time officer.  Werner Schroer, the group commander, forwarded the report – the bulk of which was written by First Lieutenant Eugen-Ludwig Zweigart, the 9th Squadron Commander.  Lieutenant Zweigart remarked:

“Gross possesses good mental capabilities.  Tall physique, enduring and tough.  Decent, upright character, but keeps rather to himself.  Leadership qualities are present.  Immaculate behavior vis-à-vis superiors, well-liked by his comrades.  Good military knowledge and accomplishments.  Lively interest in service-related matters and good comprehension of service.  Gross is an excellent fighter pilot.  In his missions, most recently as a flight leader, he demonstrated dash, courage and great risk-taking at the same time without losing prudence.  In the East, he accomplished 39 kills in 127 combat missions at the front in hard air battles.  Gross was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Operational Clasp for Fighters in Gold.  (Luftwaffe Efficiency and Promotion Reports for the Knight’s Cross Winners)

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On May 6, 1943, Adolf Hitler delayed the start of Operation Citadel, the German offensive at Kursk, until June 12, 1943, the rationale being that this would give more time for the panzer units involved to receive the new Panther and Tiger tanks.  (Waffen-SS Tiger Crews at Kursk: The Men of SS Panzer Regiments 1, 2 & 3 in Operation Citadel, July 5-15, 1943)