Another Flight 102 precious mome

As you know, flight “standards” are common in military flying. There’s also a “standard” that describes our Flight meetings – “Outstanding”.

Yet, another “standard” in our Flight is our record meeting attendance. We did it again this meeting – nearly 80 members and guests gathered at The Commons on Ft. McPherson to enjoy retired Atlanta physician, Dr. Karl Ullmann, who at only 90 years young, had his listeners on the edge of their seats as he portrayed a most fascinating story. A story that also mentioned Dr. Ullmann’s acquaintances – German aces Eric Hartmann and Adolf Galland, and German pioneer aviatrix Hanna Reitsch.

Dr. Ullmann's story for us began when he was leaving high school headed to college to study medicine. His goal to become a doctor was put on hold when he was drafted to pilot training with the Luftwaffe. After pilot training, he became a Messerschmitt pilot based on the Eastern Front.

Most in attendance were certainly anxious to hear what it was like flying the ME-109 and to learn what it was like flying German combat missions. By the time Dr. Ullmann finished his story of being in the Russian prisoner camp and how he escaped, none in the room was even thinking about his time in the ME-109. It just didn’t seem important after hearing his story. He did get one aviation related question: “How many missions did you fly?”, Dr. Ullmann was asked. “Missions? We did not fly missions. We flew every day until we were dead or the war was over.”

We were all glad to hear Dr. Ullmann inform us his story was in two parts and that we had just heard “Part I”. Then he told us he would like to come back and tell us “Part II”. [I hope we have enough chairs for the next meeting!]

We also had another special treat when Flight member and WWII P-47/P-51 pilot Bob “Punchy” Powell and special guest, WWII RAF Beaufighter pilot Denis Payne joined Dr. Ullmann at the front of the room. What a touching and extraordinary event it was to see these 3 men standing together and knowing that roughly 67 years ago, each were World War II fighter pilots fighting for their country in the European theater.

We were especially proud to see our new Flight Captain Brad Wright induct newcomer Fred Huppertz (UPT - Reese AFB; MAR ’54). Brad also recognized 11 guests/potential new members to this wonderful organization.

Flight members are now forever indebted to fellow Daedalian Wayne Waddell for bringing us Dr. Ullmann. Thank you Wayne!