German Forces

General der Infanterie RUDOLF VON BÜNAU

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General der Infanterie RUDOLF VON BÜNAU (*August 19, 1890 in Stuttgart; +January 14, 1962 in Kirchheim/Teck), "Kampfkommandant" (local battle commander) of the Austrian capitol Vienna in March/April 1945. It's not a common sight to see a General with a stick grenade attached to his belt. Von Bünau was awarded the Oakleaves of the Knight's Cross on March 5, 1945 as commanding General of the German 11th Army Korps. He was also awarded both the Kuban and the Crimea shield (see left upper sleeve). His son, who was bearing the same name, was also awarded the Knight's Cross. Major Rudolf von Bünau (junior) was KIA on August 15, 1943 (one week after winning the Knight's Cross) near Roslavl/Russia while serving as commander of Panzer-Aufklärungsabteilung 9 (armoured recce battalion). General von Bünau was captured by US Forces on May 8, 1945 and was released on April 9, 1947. In January 1962 the former General died of his wounds he suffered during a car crash.