Description
GERMANY – GUSTAV LIERSCH CARD – VIZEFELDWEBEL RUDOLF WINDISCH – NR 7784
Rudolf Windisch (1897-1918) had one of the more interesting stories of aviators of WW I. After pilot training he was assigned to an observation squadron. In a daring move he and his observer Maximilian von Cossel blew up a bridge when von Cossel was dropped off to pull of this daring act. Both were personally decorated by Kaiser Wilhelm II with Windisch receiving the Prussian Crown Order 4th Class with Swords.
Windisch would then transition to fighter aircraft and was promoted to Leutnant and would serve in both Jasta 32 and Jasta 50. He was later promoted to command Jasta 66. He would achieve twenty-two confirmed victories. He was then shot down in 1918 and word was sent that he had been captured his name was put forward for the award of the Orden Pour le Mérite. It was later found that he wan not in captivity and was dead. He was the only pilot to be awarded the Pour le Mérite who was not living.
This Gustav Liersch card Nr 7784 shows him with the Prussian pilot badge and Iron Cross 1st Class on his left breast pocket. The ribbon for the 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class is in the second buttonhole of his tunic. He is also wearing a visor cap. The postcard is in excellent condition and has never been mailed. We also have postcard with his observer Maximilian von Cossel if you are interested
