Picture of Oberst Werner Mölders shows a hunting scene with Hermann Göring.

Mölders became a role model for young German fighter pilot's, hence the nickname "Vati".

He was the highest scoring pilot of of "Legion Condor". 

 

While leading a patrol of 15 Messerschmitts on June 5th in 1940. He was shot down in combat by French ace Sous Lieutenant René Pommier Layragues. Being captured by Frensch troops he was treated very harsh and they even stole his Knight's Cross. A French officer intervened and made sure that Mölder was treated fairly throughout the rest of his captivity and even returned his Knight's Cross back.

When a French soldier was later sentenced to death by the Germans for beating Mölders, he approached Hermann Göring and requested clemency, which was granted. Few weeks later France surrendered and his inprisonment ended.

 

Although he was very patriotic he made no secret about the fact that his Roman Catholic faith was not conform with many facts National Socialism. Nevertheless even Hitler acknowledged his qualities and described him as "a decent man".

 

Knight's Cross: 29th of May, 1940 (Hauptmann)

Kommandeur III. / Jagdgeschwader 53

 

Oak Leaves: 25th of September, 1940 (Major)

Kommodore Jagdgeschwader 51 (Bevelhebber Jagdgeschwader 51)

 

Swords to Oak Leaves: 22nd of June, 1941 (Oberstleutnant)

Kommodore Jagdgeschwader 51 (Bevelhebber Jagdgeschwader 51)

 

Swords with Diamonds to Oak Leaves: 15th of July, 1941 (Oberstleutnant)

Kommodore Jagdgeschwader 51 (Bevelhebber Jagdgeschwader 51)