On 8 June 1942 he was promoted to Major and Geschwaderkommodore of JG 27, which he successfully led until 22 April 1943 when he joined the Staff of General der Jagdflieger.
In June 1942, he was promoted to Major and took command of JG 27, a position he successfully held until April 1943, at which point he joined the staff of General der Jagdflieger.