 In May 1944, he briefly became "Geschwaderkommodore" of "Jagdgeschwader" 11 (JG 11—11th Fighter Wing), before taking command of "Jagdgeschwader" 1 "Oesau" (JG 1—1st Fighter Wing) on 20 May 1944.Ihlefeld replaced Bär as "Geschwaderkommodore" who had led the "Geschwader" since the death in combat of "Oberst" Walter Oesau on 11 May 1944.On 14 July 1944, Ihlefeld claimed a North American P-51 Mustang and a Spitfire shot down.