# Talk:Josef Wurmheller

His military files (German Federal Archives: BArch PERS 6/177136 and MSG 150/250) state, he joined the Wehrmacht 1935 and then transferred to the Luftwaffe, an active soldier since 1 April 1936. --2003:DC:8F08:AF00:F574:B74D:E75E:5029 (talk) 18:17, 9 July 2025 (UTC)

Source "Crusader" (Metapedia): Josef was born the son of Joseph Wurmheller and his wife Katharina Magdalena, née Schlecht. He spent most of his youth on his uncle's farm at Lake Schliersee. After completing his mandatory eight years of Volksschule and an apprenticeship, he worked as a miner, like his father. He discovered his love of aviation at an early age. Gliding in particular fascinated him so much that, as a teenager, he became the best glider pilot in his club. Most sources state, he joined the Luftwaffe in 1937, his military files, on the other hand, state, he joined the Wehrmacht in Autumn 1935, presumably to complete his compulsory military service, then decided to become a professional soldier and committed himself for 12 years. Since 1 April 1936, he was listed as an "active soldier." His dream was to become a fighter pilot, and his application was approved. He transferred to the Luftwaffe, was trained at pilot school and passed his exam early because, unlike many other students, he already had gliding experience; at least one source states that he had also flown motorized light aircraft before joining the military. He received his military pilot's badge on 9 September 1937. --2003:DC:8F46:6300:494:D66B:9AE9:571A (talk) 00:10, 10 July 2025 (UTC)

Glider pilot license (ELF-Schein)
German Reich Sport Badge (Deutsches Reichssportabzeichen) in Bronze
Pilot's Badge (Flugzeugführerabzeichen) on 9 September 1937 as Gefreiter
Wehrmacht Long Service Award (Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung), 4th Class in 1939  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2003:DC:8F46:6300:494:D66B:9AE9:571A (talk) 23:54, 9 July 2025 (UTC)
Jagdgeschwader 53 Wing Badge in Silver on 15 December 1939 as Unteroffizier
Sudetenland Medal on 6 February 1940 as Unteroffizier
Iron Cross (1939), 2nd and 1st Class
2nd Class on 19 October 1939
1st Class on 16 October 1940
Honorary Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg) on 30 August 1941
Wound Badge (1939) in Black and Silver
Frontflugspange for fighters in Bronze, Silver and Gold
Gold on 27 January 1941
Pennant to the Golden Front Flying Clasp with Mission Number "200" on 11 June 1944
German Cross in Gold on 19 August 1942 as Oberfeldwebel and Pilot in the 9th Squadron/III. Group/Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords
Knight's Cross on 3 September 1941 (312th Award) as Oberfeldwebel and Pilot in the I. Group/Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"
Oak Leaves on 15 November 1942 (146th Award) as Leutnant (Kr.O.) and Pilot in the 7th Squadron/III. Group/Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen"
Swords on 24 October 1944 (108th Award; posthumously) as Hauptmann (Kr.O.) and Leader of the III. Group/Jagdgeschwader 2 "Richthofen" --2003:DC:8F08:AF00:F574:B74D:E75E:5029 (talk) 18:20, 9 July 2025 (UTC)