Ltn. Jacobs, or "Kurbis"(pumpkin), as his squadron’s mates called him, was the sixth highest scoring Ace for Germany of the war, with a score of 48 official victories. At 19, he was one of the youngest to be made a squadron commander when he assumed command of Jasta 7 (Fighter Squadron #7). His favorite mount was an all black triplane with the God of the North Wind painted on the side of the fuselage.
He was a very skillful pilot and twice scored a triplet (3 victories) in one day. He was also a victim, but cheated death by leaping to safety from his burning aircraft and utilizing his Haenke parachute.
The allies were not allowed to use parachutes because the command believed pilots would unnecessarily abandon their aircraft if shot down. Many German pilots survived being shot down by jumping from their doomed planes, to fight again.
Jacobs was awarded the Pour le’ Merite on July 18th, 1918. The telegram announcement read:
"In recognition of your extraordinary and exemplary service as a fighter pilot, His Majesty has awarded you the Pour-le’-Merite. It pleases me to be able to advise you of this award and you have the hearty best wishes of all of the officers at headquarters."
The Commanding General,
Von Hoeppner
In 1978, 50 years after wining the Pour-le-Merite’, he was awarded a 50 year crown to be worn with his medal. He is seen in the color picture displayed with his awarded document toasting his friend, Jim Parks, on the night of the occasion. Jacobs was a personal friend of Jim Parks.
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