Description
Hans-Karl Stepp (2 September 1914 – 12 December 2006) was a German ground attack pilot and wing commander during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, a grade of the highest award in the military and paramilitary forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
He fought in the Invasion of Poland and Battle of France and was awarded the Iron Cross second and first class, the latter on 15 June 1940. Stepp was transferred to Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 (StG 2—2nd Dive Bomber Wing) in May 1941. He became the wing’s adjutant and flew with the Stabstaffel (command flight). He was awarded the Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe (Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe) on 9 September 1941 as Oberleutnant on the Eastern Front. Stepp became a Staffelkapitän and led 7. Staffel (7th squadron) of StG 2. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) on 15 October 1941 and Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) on 4 February 1942 for 418 combat missions. Stepp briefly as commander of I./StG 5 from 27 January 1942. On 23 June 1942 Stepp became permanent commanding officer. On 2 March 1943 Stepp was ordered to Rechlin and appointed head of the Versuchskommando für Panzerbekämpfung (Experimental Detachment for Anti-tank Warfare). On 18 May 1943 Stepp was sent to StG 1 and 17 June took command of II./StG 2 with the rank of Major.
He flew over 900 missions,a nd after the war he became a lawyer and sadly died in Leipzig on the 12th December 2006.
During WW1, most pilots quickly realized the need for protective headgear due to the cold weather effects while in an open cockpit. As no headgear was readily available, pilots were forced to utilize commercially produced leather motorcycle and automobile helmets. During WW2, the German military produced approx. 10 variations of flight helmets for various operational conditions, as well as with or without radio communication equipment.
Made of Grey/Brown Leather with a dark Grey Rayon Lining, this helmet is SUPERB used condition. Though one of the snaps has come away, there are no rips or tears, and the leather is still very soft and supple. It features a hand-sewn tag, indicating, “H.K STEPP“. Size is small, probably around a 58 or so. Snaps are made by WALDES. Though this is similar to the K33/K34 flight caps, this one differs, by having a flap on each side. Lining is the identical material used in other various flight caps and jackets. It is difficult to know if this was used early in his career, or later. I also obtained the goggles he wore throughout the war in another listing.
