Jagdeschwader 53 Vol. IJagdegeschwader 53or as it was better known, the "Pik As" (Ace of Spades) Geschwaderwas one of the oldest German fighter units of World War II with its origins going back to the year 1937. This first volume, of a planned three volume set, covers the early years of the Geschwader from its founding in the spring of 1937 up to May of 1942. This book appears here for the first time in English, and contains over 200 additional photos not published in the