The following is an excerpt from Eric Mombeek's book "Defending the Reich: The History of Jagdgeschwader 1 - Oesau"

http://www.jg54greenhearts.com/Philip.htm

Reichmarshall Goring issued the following edict after an 8th AF raid on October 4, 1943:

1.There are no meterological conditions which would prevent fighters from taking off and engaging in combat.

2.Every fighter pilot taking off in a machine not showing any sign of combat, or without having recorded a victory will be prosecured by a court-martial.

3.In the case of where a pilot uses up his ammunition, or if his weapons are unusable, he should ram the enemy bomber.

Kommodore Philipp's response: "As far as I'm concerned, I categorically refuse to allow myself to be held to such advice; I know what I have to do!"

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