Hans-Jürgen von Cramon-Taubadel

Hans-Jürgen Erdmann von Cramon-Taubadel (14 November 1901 – 6 November 1985) was German Luftwaffe Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) "Pik As"

Major von Cramon-Taubadel was first married to Viola von Kaufmann-Asse (17 Aug 1912 – 4 November 1997) on 16 November 1933 and secondly to Ilse Wehrs (8 November 1919 – 16 June 1988) on 5 May 1948. Viola von Kaufmann-Asse was of Jewish ancestry, a fact which came to the attention of Hermann Göring during the Battle of France. The consequence was that Göring ordered that the entire JG 53 must remove their Ace of Spades badge (Pik As) and paint a red band around the noses of their aircraft as a mark of shame.

On 30 September 1940 von Cramon-Taubadel was replaced as Kommodore and their "Pik-As" badge was reinstated. however at the same time, as a mark of protest, the pilots of JG 53 had the Swastikas painted over on their aircraft fins. He commenced a series of staff positions within the Luftwaffe.

Awards

• German Cross in Gold (14 April 1942) as Major and commander Luftwaffen-Gefechts-Abteilung Barg

References