Erich Hartmann, one of the greatest fighter pilots of the twentieth century, passed away on September 20, 1993 at the age of 71. Hartmann was born in Weissach, Germany in 1922. He joined the Luftwaffe in 1940, and soon achieved the rank of Captain and became the highest scoring pilot in World War II. During the war, Hartmann flew 1,404 missions and ha a confirmed kill count of 352 enemy planes, making him the most successful fighter pilot of the war. Upon returning from the war, Hartmann was held prisoner in a Soviet military camp for 10 years where he underwent interrogations and labor. In 1955, he was released and joined the newly formed West German Air Force, which later became part of the Bundeswehr. He retired from active service in 1970, and later became a popular public speaker, and a consultant on fighter tactics. He was passionate about aviation, and is remembered for his leadership, skill, and composure in the face of danger. He had a wife and two children. Hartmann will be remembered as a true aircraft legend.