 On 16 February 1941, Balthasar was appointed "Geschwaderkommodore" (wing commander) of "Jagdgeschwader" 2 "Richthofen" (JG 2–2nd Fighter Wing), named after the after World War I fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen.Balthasar thus succeeded "Hauptmann" Karl-Heinz Greisert who had assumed temporary command of JG 2 following the death of Helmut Wick on 28 November 1940.Between 22 and 27 June 1941, he claimed another nine Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, including two Bristol Blenheim bombers on 22 and 23 June each, which brought his victory total to 40.