Born on November 26, 1922, Alfred Budde began his service with Jagdgeschwader 54 (JG 54) on the Soviet-German front in January 1944. He achieved his first aerial victory shortly after, on January 24, when he shot down an Il-2 ground-attack aircraft. By late July of the same year, he was transferred to the 11th Staffel of JG 54.
Early Career and Eastern Front Victories
Budde quickly accumulated victories on the Eastern Front. By August 25, 1944, his combat record boasted 16 confirmed aerial victories against Soviet aircraft. His time in this theater established him as a proficient fighter pilot.
Transfer to the Western Front
Soon after, Alfred Budde was transferred to the Western Front, where he continued to add to his tally. He achieved his sole victory in the West on December 18, shooting down a USAAF P-47 Thunderbolt. This marked a significant shift in his operational theater.
Final Engagement and Demise
On December 27, 1944, during an engagement with an RAF Spitfire, Budde’s Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8 (W.Nr. 171 002) “Black 10” was damaged. The highly decorated pilot, credited with 21 victories, tragically perished during the subsequent emergency landing. His death marked the end of a brief but impactful career.