[1] He served in the post World War II German Air Force of the Federal Republic of Germany, retiring with the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).

Seiler had just replaced Hauptmann Gerhard Koall who temporarily led the Gruppe after Major Hans Philipp was transferred to take command of Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1—1st Fighter Wing) fighting in Defence of the Reich.

[6] World War II in Europe had begun on Friday, 1 September 1939 when German forces invaded Poland.

In April 1943, I. Gruppe of JG 54 was based at Krasnogvardeysk, present-day Gatchina, located approximately 45 kilometers (28 mi) south-south-west of Leningrad on the northern sector of the Eastern Front.

[8] On combat missions, he frequently flew as wingman to Otto Kittel, Hermann Schleinhege and Günther Scheel.

[10] Following World War II, Wernitz served in the German Air Force of the Federal Republic of Germany, retiring with the rank of Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel).