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This is an example of a standard issue Luftwaffe Type FW5 m/33 lined leather flying glove.

This glove was used by Günther Rall. He was the Luftwaffe’s third highest scoring ace and the third highest scoring ace in aviation history with 275 confirmed aerial victories. He served with the Luftwaffe throughout the entire Second World War and flew combat in the Battle of France, Battle of Britain, the Balkans Campaign, the Eastern Front Campaign, and the air defense over Germany against the American and British strategic bombardment campaign.

One of the most notable aerial battles that he flew in was against the American 56th Fighter Group, then commanded by Col. Hubert Zemke. During this incident, Rall’s thumb was shot off by a round from a .50 caliber machine gun of the P-47 Thunderbolt flown by Zemke. This is the very glove worn by Rall during that engagement and clearly shows the damage from the round. Rall managed to save the glove and it was donated to the Museum by his daughter.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin Germany Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear Pilot Gunther Rall
 Physical Description Luftwaffe Type FW5 m/33 lined winter flying glove; dark brown exterior leather with fleece lining; adjustment strap with steel strapsl located at wrist; thumb torn open with exposed lining; dried blood stains on index and middle fingers of glove. Dimensions 3-D (Overall): 25.4 × 14 × 3.8cm (10 in. × 5 1/2 in. × 1 1/2 in.)
 Materials Leather
Organic Fibers
Steel
Organic Materials
 Inventory Number A20160104000 Credit Line Gift of the Family of Gunther Rall Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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