Crinius claimed 114 aerial victories in approximately 400 combat missions. He recorded 100 victories over the Eastern Front, and of his 14 victories claimed over the Western Front, one was a four-engined bomber. On 23 September 1942, Crinius became the only German fighter pilot to be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves simultaneously.
On 13 January 1943, Off the coast of La Calle, Crinius' 109 was hit and he was wounded in the thigh after a clash with Spitfires. Breaking off, he headed back to base but his engine caught fire and he had to abandon his G2 in the sea. After 24 hours, he was rescued by French sailors, and for him, the war was over. This art shows the eye-catching style & colors of Crinius' desert mount, and appears exactly as depicted in wartime photos, although the original was lost during the ditching at sea. As a display item, it magnificently exhibits the score and artwork of one of the great Luftwaffe fighter Aces. |
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Crinius original rudder artwork
Image from Kenzo/War Thunder
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Luftwaffe Ace Crinius recreated rudder with desert colors and kill markings.
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