By winter 1941–1942, he had 11 victories and was awarded the Iron Cross First Class ("Eisernes Kreuz erster Klasse") in October 1941. In mid-March, Kittel claimed two "Shturmoviks" for his 13–14 aerial victories but his Bf 109 suffered damage and Kittel returned to base, resisting the urge to chase more and risk his life. His motto was to get back in one piece and avoid risks: "Take the safe route and avoid ill-considered and wild offensive tactics". In the end that alone produced success, risking himself for a single victory was not Kittel's way. Within two months, his tally had risen to 17 and in May 1942, Kittel claimed two more victories: a bomber and a fighter, in one sortie. During the combat, he became involved in a dogfight with two experienced opponents; the Soviet pilots tried to force him into a trap, one chasing the other in an attempt to cut him off. Kittel's aircraft was fired on several times and hit but he managed to shoot down one of the Soviet fighters and make his escape. His tally had risen to 19 by May 1942. On 19 February 1943, Kittel achieved his 39th victory. Kittel when missing over Soviet territory for two weeks and was presumed a prisoner of war but returned to German lines.