Adolf Galland Quotes, Adolf “Dolfo” Joseph Ferdinand Galland, born March 19, 1912, in Westerholt, Germany, was a Luftwaffe general and flying ace who flew 705 combat missions during World War II. Credited with 104 aerial victories against Western Allies, he survived being shot down four times and became a key figure in the Battle of Britain and Defence of the Reich. As a pioneer of jet aircraft, he flew the Me 262 and later advised the Argentine Air Force. Known for his clashes with Hermann Göring, Galland died on February 9, 1996. These 15 quotes—sourced from his book The First and the Last (1954), interviews, and public statements—reflect his insights on air combat, leadership, and technology, capturing his daring and strategic mind.
15 Adolf Galland Quotes
- “Their element is to attack, to track, to hunt, and to destroy the enemy. Only in this way can the eager and skillful fighter pilot display his ability.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “For the first time I was flying by jet propulsion. No engine vibrations. No torque and no lashing sound of the propeller. Accompanied by a whistling sound, my jet shot through the air.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “The first rule of all air combat is to see the opponent first. Like the hunter who stalks his prey and maneuvers himself unnoticed into the most favourable position for the kill.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “Only in the spirit of attack, born in a brave heart, will bring success to any fighter aircraft, no matter how highly developed it may be.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “Superior technical achievements—used correctly both strategically and tactically—can beat any quantity numerically many times stronger yet technically inferior.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “Never abandon the possibility of attack. Attack even from a position of inferiority, to disrupt the enemy’s plans. This often results in improving one’s own position.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “‘He who wants to protect everything, protects nothing,’ is one of the fundamental rules of defense.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “During the Battle of Britain the question ‘fighter or fighter-bomber?’ had been decided once and for all: The fighter can only be used as a bomb carrier with lasting effect when sufficient air superiority has been won.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “As a fighter pilot I know from my own experiences how decisive surprise and luck can be for success, which in the long run comes only to the one who combines daring with cool thinking.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
- “We had at our disposal the first operational jet, which superseded by at least 150 knots the fastest American and English fighters. This was a unique situation.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “It’s unbelievable what one squadron of twelve aircraft did to tip the balance.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Of course, the outcome of the war would not have been changed. The war was lost perhaps, when it was started. At least it was lost in the winter of ’42, in Russia.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Flying is more than a sport and more than a job; flying is pure passion and desire, which fill a lifetime.” (Quoted on X, @ron_eisele, 2023-03-18)
- “An excellent weapon and luck had been on my side. To be successful, the best fighter pilot needs both.” (Interview, InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
- “The German Luftwaffe always fought without any reserves. This is also the reason why we have pilots with extremely high numbers of victories.” (The First and the Last, 1954)
Adolf Galland’s quotes are a dynamic blend of tactical wisdom, passion for aviation, and reflections on war’s realities, urging you to seize initiative and master your craft with courage. Which quote resonates with your drive? Share it below and keep Galland’s legendary legacy alive!
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