Born in Abbesbüttel, Lütje grew up in the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. Following graduation from school, he joined the military service in 1937 and was trained as a pilot. In 1939 and 1940 he served with the night-fighter squadron of "Lehrgeschwader" 2 (LG 2—2nd Demonstration Wing) and "Jagdgeschwader" 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing) during the Norwegian campaign and Battle of France. Following the units reorganization, he served with III. "Gruppe" (3rd group) of "Nachtjagdgeschwader" 1 (NJG 1—1st Night Fighter Wing). Lütje claimed his first aerial victory on the night of 6/7 September 1942 and was appointed squadron leader of 8. "Staffel" (8th squadron) of NJG 1 in May 1943. Following his 28th aerial victory, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 1 June 1943, shortly after he was given command IV. "Gruppe" of "Nachtjagdgeschwader" 6 (NJG 6—6th Night Fighter Wing). He was appointed "Geschwaderkommodore" (wing commander) of NJG 6 in October 1944. On 17 April 1945, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.