At 37,000 feet over North Africa, RAF Spitfire pilot John Hamilton Nicholls believed his final moments had come after a devastating attack by two German Bf 109 fighters. But instead of delivering the final blow, the Luftwaffe pilots did something no one expected. Why did they escort him home? This is a story of mercy, honor, and one of the most extraordinary encounters ever between the RAF and Luftwaffe.
Led by legendary German ace Hans Joachim Marseille, the enemy fighters escorted the crippled British Spitfire across the desert and spared the wounded pilot’s life. This is the unbelievable true WWII story of honor, mercy, and one of the most extraordinary encounters ever recorded between the RAF and Luftwaffe.
"Star of Africa"
German ace Hans Joachim Marseille
- Iron Cross Second Class (EK II): Awarded on 9 September 1940 for achieving 2 aerial victories.
- Iron Cross First Class (EK I): Awarded on 17 September 1940 for his 4th aerial victory.
- Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe): Awarded on 3 November 1941.
- German Cross in Gold: Awarded on 24 November 1941 for reaching 25 aerial victories.
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross: Awarded on 22 February 1942 for 46 victories.
- Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross: Awarded on 6 June 1942 for 75 victories.
- Swords to the Knight's Cross: Awarded on 18 June 1942 for 101 victories.
- Diamonds to the Knight's Cross: Awarded on 3 September 1942 after reaching 126 victories. He was only the fourth German serviceman to receive this prestigious award.
- Gold Medal of Military Valor (Medaglia d'oro al Valor Militare): Awarded by Italy in August 1942 in Rome for his extraordinary combat success and chivalry in the North African Campaign.
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