Wolfgang Schellmann  Wolfgang Schellmann (2 March 1911 – 22 June 1941) was a German pilot during World War II. He commanded JG 2 and JG 27. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Schellmann was credited with 25 victories in over 150 combat missions. He recorded 12 victories during the Spanish Civil War. Of his 13 victories recorded during World War II, 12 were claimed over the Western Front and one over the Eastern Front. Wolfgang Schellmann started his combat training as one of the select few German pilots at the Lipetsk fighter-pilot school in the Soviet Union. After his return and upon the official announcement of the new Luftwaffe, he was given command of the new 2./JG 135 squadron, in March 1935. Two years later, on 19 December 1937, "Oberleutnant" Schellmann took over command of the 1st "Staffel" of "Jagdgruppe" 88, in the "Condor Legion", fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Over the next year he became one of the leading aces in the theatre with 12 victories, second only to Werner Mölders. Upon his return to Germany he was awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with Swords and Diamonds and promoted to "Hauptmann" (Captain). He then served on the Stab (Headquarters) flight of the newly formed IV. "Gruppe" of the Jagdgeschwader 132, gaining command experience. Over the next year, it was renamed I./JG 331, then finally I./JG 77. At the outbreak of war in September 1939, he led this unit in the invasion of Poland, then afterward took up an administrative post for a short term, in the headquarters of Luftflotte 2. On 15 December 1939, Schellmann was appointed commander the newly formed II./Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing). During the Battle of Britain, on 3 September he was promoted to commander of JG 2. On 18 September, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his 23 victories (including the 12 in Spain). The presentation was made by Göring at the headquarters of the Netherlands, "General der Flieger" (General of the Flyers) Friedrich Christiansen, at Wassenaar near The Hague on 19 September. A month later he made way for Helmut Wick (at the time in a 3-way battle with Galland and Mölders, as top-scoring pilot) and moved to take command of JG 27.