Gertrud Barkhorn is a veteran combat witch of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, hailing from Karlsland (representing WWII Germany) and holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant. She serves as the unit's third-in-command. With over 200 confirmed aerial victories, she stands as the Karlsland Air Force's second-highest ace, surpassed only by her close comrade Erica Hartmann. Her formal military affiliation is with the Luftwaffe JG 52. She possesses reddish-brown hair typically styled in two small braids, brown eyes, and stands 1.62 meters tall. Her operational attire consists of a dark green Karlsland Air Force uniform jacket over a white shirt, paired with black boots. Consistent with other Strike Witches, she does not wear pants. Barkhorn maintains a calm, collected, and rational demeanor, placing strong emphasis on military discipline and punctuality, often voicing complaints about tardiness and rule-breaking. Beneath this composed exterior lies a passionate and occasionally hot-blooded nature, particularly evident in intense situations. She exhibits particular strictness towards Erica Hartmann due to her lax attitude, contrasting with her more tolerant interactions with longtime friends Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke and Hartmann. A defining trait is her "siscon" tendency – intense affection for individuals resembling her younger sister, Chris, or those exhibiting "little sister-like" qualities, extending to figures like Yoshika Miyafuji and Sanya V. Litvyak. Her inherent magical ability, classified as telekinesis-lineage "Superhuman Strength," significantly exceeds standard witch body enhancement. This magic circulates internally with minimal external diffusion, enabling sustained deployment for prolonged combat. It grants her the capacity to wield heavy armaments inaccessible to others, carry excessive ammunition loads, briefly lift multi-ton steel structures, and tear apart iron chains. Activating her magic manifests the ears and tail of her familiar animal, a German Shorthair Pointer. In combat, she pilots a Striker Unit modeled after the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-6 prototype, featuring a liquid-cooled engine and distinctive lower radiator. She typically employs twin heavy machine guns simultaneously, utilizing models like the MG42, MG131, or MG151. Her tactical role combines frontline combat leadership with strategic support through operational planning, resource management, and archival duties. She once tested the experimental Me 262 V1 Jet Striker but crashed due to mechanical defects causing excessive magic power drain. Beyond combat, she exhibits proficiency in cooking traditional Karlsland dishes like Eisbein, generally prioritizing nutrition over taste except when preparing meals for her sister. Conversely, she displays significant difficulty with mechanical devices, particularly vehicles, often delegating driving responsibilities to Erica Hartmann due to safety concerns. Her background reveals a close bond with her younger sister, Chris, frequently drawing comparisons between Chris and Yoshika Miyafuji. She is currently in a romantic relationship with Andres "Singko" Alvarez. Her relationships within the 501st are defined by deep loyalty, particularly toward Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke and Erica Hartmann, who affectionately call her "Trudy." She frequently assumes a protective role toward those she views as little sister figures, notably Yoshika Miyafuji and Sanya V. Litvyak, extending guidance and support consistent with her responsibilities as a senior officer and mentor.