German Air Force

Hans Ulrich Rudel

Hans Ulrich Rudel 2.07.1916–18.12.1982. Stuka ace, holder of The Knight's Cross with Golden Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds. It was highest single grade of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and was awarded only once, in honor of his unrivaled heroism as a Luftwaffe Stuka pilot. Rudel was responsible for the destruction of 530 Soviet tanks, enough tanks for five complete Soviet Tank Corps! He also destroyed 150 anti-aircraft and anti-tank positions, 800 motor vehicles, the Soviet Battleship Marat, a Soviet Cruiser, a Soviet Destroyer, 70 Soviet landing craft, and numerous bridges and bunkers. He also heavily damaged another Soviet Battleship, the October Revolution. Rudel flew 2530 combat missions, claimed 11 air victories in his Stuka, and was shot down 30 times.