 On 1 July 1942, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross following his 54th aerial victory.He then served as a fighter pilot instructor and was posted to "Jagdgeschwader" 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing) in March 1943.Back on the Easter Front in 1944, he claimed his 100th aerial victory in March/April 1944.