M Kenny, I am not too sure on that.......also the Kameradschaft of the 102/502 was or is preparing a book on the same subject matter. As Willi is no longer with us it may prove enlightening as to what was the real figure(s). yes Allied Air came into play if anything to hamper the heavy German armor not so much as to destroy it. Normandy was a killing ground no doubt and I still have some questions to pose as I do about Ost front ops. Too many doubts still about both. Propaganda was a big issue for both German/Soviet forces and what better way to inflate a little so the public could be proud of their hero's while working hard at home and to build moral.

~E