When we think of the skies over Europe during World War II, we often remember the brave Brazilian pilots who fought alongside the Allies in Italy. But history often holds unexpected layers. What if I told you that Brazilians also wore the uniform of the Luftwaffe, Nazi Germany’s air force? This is an almost forgotten chapter of history: the story of two Brazilians who fought… on the other side of the war. This is the story of Egon Albrecht-Lemke and Wolfgang Ortmann — two names that challenge us to look at the past with more depth, less moral dualism, and a more critical sense of what it means to “belong.”
Egon Albrecht-Lemke, born in Curitiba and of German descent, was an example of the mobilization Germany carried out worldwide, calling on citizens of the Reich to answer Hitler’s call. Many German men and women, or their descendants, went to Germany and joined the efforts to serve the “motherland.” Since the Nazi Party in Brazil was the largest outside of Germany, it was not surprising that Albrecht traveled there in the 1930s to join the Hitler Youth. Later, he became a fighter pilot and took part in Luftwaffe operations in Europe in the early 1940s, when he was just in his twenties.
Albrecht took part in major Nazi invasions of the Netherlands, France, and the Battle of Britain. He was later transferred to the Russian front, where he shot down 15 planes. He received several decorations and was promoted to captain and squadron leader. He returned to France at the end of 1943 and was then sent to defend Austria in early 1944, which had become a target of Allied bombing squadrons departing from Italy.
Due to his skill, Albrecht-Lemke was awarded the prestigious Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. With the high number of combat casualties and the increasing difficulty in replacing Luftwaffe pilots, many were forced to fly numerous missions, during which they shot down many Allied planes, earning them multiple medals. Albrecht-Lemke joined the elite group of aviators who received this high German decoration after downing 25 enemy aircraft.
Used as a symbol in Nazi propaganda, Albrecht-Lemke appeared in photographs alongside top German aces like Adolf Galland and Walter Krupinski. Following the high fatality rate that plagued German pilots, he too died in action on August 25, 1944 — the very day Paris was liberated. On his final mission, east of Paris, his plane suffered a malfunction. As he tried to return to base, he was attacked by Allied aircraft. He parachuted out but did not survive. Further details of his life remain obscure. Perhaps the brave aviator was not even considered Brazilian by his comrades, as he had chosen to leave Brazil and fight for the Third Reich — or perhaps he no longer considered himself Brazilian at all.
Wolfgang Ortmann, born in São Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina, was another Brazilian who ended up flying for the Luftwaffe. He piloted the same aircraft — the twin-engine Messerschmitt BF 110 — in the same unit and at the same time as Egon Albrecht-Lemke on the Russian front. There is no evidence they ever knew each other. Wartime records describe him as a skilled pilot, but in February 1942, Wolfgang perished in a mid-air collision with another BF 110 from his squadron, according to squadron reports. However, there are also records of a Russian pilot who claimed to have shot down both German planes on that same date.
The stories of Egon Albrecht-Lemke and Wolfgang Ortmann confront us with the contradictions of the time they lived in. Sons of Brazil, shaped by German roots, they chose — or were compelled — to serve one of the darkest regimes in modern history. Their aerial feats were remarkable, but the cause they fought for forces a sobering reflection. This is not about glorification, but about historical understanding. To remember their paths is also to remember that, even in humanity’s darkest moments, national, cultural, and ideological identities intertwine — and what seems simple… often isn’t.
Reference: BARONE, João. 1942: O Brasil e sua guerra quase desconhecida. Brazil: HarperCollins, 2018.
Matheus Araújo
Matheus Araújo is the founder and editor of Brazilian History. Born in Rio de Janeiro and holding a degree in Advertising and Marketing, his passion for history led him to enroll at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he is currently pursuing a degree in History Education.
