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Hans-Ulrich Rudel Biography

(Pilot)

Birthday: July 2, 1916 (Cancer)

Born In: Kondratów, Poland

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Hans-Ulrich Rudel was Nazi Germany’s most decorated ground-attack pilot, who was the sole recipient of Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds from Hitler. He was born to a clergy man during the First World War, joined Hitler’s youth wing at the age of 17, became a Stuka pilot at 25 and rose to the rank of colonel by 28. He fought mostly on the eastern front, helping Germany to fight Soviet Union. He was credited with flying 2,530 ground-attack missions, destroying more than 800 vehicles, including one Soviet battleship, 519 tanks, 70 landing crafts and 150 artillery emplacements. Ruden was so dedicated to Hitler’s cause that even an amputated leg could not come in the way. He returned to duty around 45 days after it was smashed by an enemy shell. He spent the last years of his life in South America, writing books, helping those who had been accused of war crime and intermittingly returning to Germany to keep his German citizenship alive. Until his death at the age of 66, he remained a staunch supporter of the Nazi philosophy.

Birthday: July 2, 1916 (Cancer)

Born In: Kondratów, Poland

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Quick Facts

German Celebrities Born In July

Died At Age: 66

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Ursula née Bassfeld, Ursula (m. 1942 - div. 1950), Ursula née Daemisch (m. 1965 - div. 1977)

father: Johannes Rudel

mother: Martha Rudel

children: Christoph, Hans-Ulrich, Siegfried

Born Country: Poland

Soldiers German Men

Died on: December 18, 1982

place of death: Rosenheim, Germany

Cause of Death: Stroke

More Facts

awards: Knight's Cross with Golden Oak Leaves
Swords and Diamonds
German Cross in Gold

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You wanted to know

  • 1

    What was Hans-Ulrich Rudel known for in World War II?

    Hans-Ulrich Rudel was known for being a highly decorated Stuka dive bomber pilot in the German Luftwaffe during World War II.

  • 2

    How many enemy tanks did Hans-Ulrich Rudel claim to have destroyed during his military career?

    Hans-Ulrich Rudel claimed to have destroyed over 500 Soviet tanks during his military career, making him one of the most successful tank busters of the war.

  • 3

    What was the nickname given to Hans-Ulrich Rudel by the Soviet forces?

    Hans-Ulrich Rudel was nicknamed the "Eagle of the Eastern Front" by the Soviet forces due to his skill and success as a Stuka pilot.

  • 4

    What innovative tactics did Hans-Ulrich Rudel develop during his time as a Stuka pilot?

    Hans-Ulrich Rudel developed the tactic of using the Stuka dive bomber as a tank buster, flying at low altitudes to accurately target and destroy enemy tanks.

  • 5

    What was the outcome of Hans-Ulrich Rudel's military career after World War II?

    After World War II, Hans-Ulrich Rudel became involved in far-right political activities in West Germany, leading to controversy and criticism of his wartime actions and beliefs.

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Childhood & Early Life
Hans-Ulrich Rudel was born on July 2, 1916, in Konradswaldau village, now located in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in south-western Poland. His father’s name was Johannes Rudel, who was a Lutheran minister, and his mother was called Martha nee Mueckner. He had two older sisters; Ingeborg and Johanna.
Educated at a Gymnasium in the nearby town of Lauban, he was never good in studies, but excelled in sports. Some sources claim that he was quite timid as a child and overcame his nervousness only after his sisters began to tease him.
In 1933, while studying at the Gymnasium, 17 years old Rudel joined Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth), which was not only the youth organization of the Nazi Party, but also considered a paramilitary organization. It is possible that the Nazi philosophy was ingrained in him during this period.
In August 1936, after graduating from the Gymnasium, Rudel undertook six months’ compulsory training at Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service) before joining Luftwaffe as a cadet. It was here that he received his basic training in aerial warfare.
In June 1938, he joined Sturzkampfgeschwader 168, which was Luftwaffe’s dive-bombing squadron. For some reason, he was transferred to the Reconnaissance Flying School at Hildesheim on 1 January 1939. He received training in operational reconnaissance there.
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During Second World War
In September 1939, as Germany invaded Poland, Hans-Ulrich Rudel flew on long-range reconnaissance missions over that country. In the following year, he served as a regimental adjutant for the 43rd Aviators Training Regiment.
In 1941, after completion of his training as a Stuka pilot, he was posted to 1 staffel Sturzkampfgeschwader 2. Later in the same year, he moved with his unit to German-occupied Poland in preparation for the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.
From May 1941 to January 1942, he flew 500 missions, including a successful attack on the Soviet battleship Marat in September 1941. He was credited for sinking the ship. Later in 1942, he took part in the Battle of Stalingrad, known as the largest confrontation in the World War Two.
In February 1943, Rudel flew his 1000th combat mission, becoming a national hero for achieving this feat. In July-August, he took part in the Battle of Kursk, claiming 12 Soviet tanks on July 12. In October, he destroyed his 100th tank and by November, he was part of the Kerch–Eltigen Operation.
On 22 February 1944, while serving as an Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel), he was appointed Gruppenkommandeur, a position equivalent to a wing commander. Concurrently, he continued to fly over the enemy territories.
On 20 March 1944, he was forced to land behind the Soviet lines. However, he was able to escape, eventually reaching the German line after successfully swimming across the Dniester River. On December 29, he was promoted to Oberst.
On 8 February 1945, while on a sojourn, he was badly wounded in his right leg, which had to be amputated below the knee. Undeterred, he returned to the duty on March 25, destroying 26 more tanks by the end of the war in May.
On 8 May 1945, after the defeat of the Axis forces in Europe, Rudel fled from an airfield near Prague and landed in the US-controlled territory. There, he surrendered to the US forces and for the next one year, he lived in different camps in England and France as a prisoner-of-war.
In Argentina
In April 1946, Hans-Ulrich Rudel was released from the US custody. Thereafter, he became a businessman. But in 1948, he decided to go to Argentina, reaching Buenos Aires on June 8. He traveled via Austria and Italy, buying himself a fake Red Cross passport bearing the name, Emilio Meier.
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In Argentina, he lived in a rented house in Villa Carlos Paz, where he operated brickwork. He also set up a relief organization called ‘Kameradenwerk’ in order to help those who had been identified as war criminal.
Rudel became a close confidant of Juan Perón, the President of Argentina, and with his help, he secured profitable contracts with the Brazilian military. Eventually, he also developed friendship with Alfredo Stroessner, the Dictator of Paraguay, becoming his active military advisor.
In 1953, he returned to West Germany to become a leading member of the Deutsche Reichsparte (DRP), a Neo-Nazi nationalist political party, contesting under its banner. However, he lost the election and returned to South America.
After Perón stepped down from his position as the President of Argentina in 1955, Rudel moved to Paraguay. Around this time, he became a military adviser and arms dealer, supplying weapons to Bolivia and Chile. He also acted as the foreign representative for several German companies.
Major Works
While living in Argentina, Hans-Ulrich Rudel wrote three books. However, he is most remembered for his wartime memoir ‘Trotzdem’ (Nevertheless), in which he supported the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Originally published in November 1949, it was later re-edited and published as ‘Stuka Pilot’ in the United States, possibly in 1965.
Awards & Achievements
On 20 October 1941, Hans-Ulrich Rudel received Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe as Oberleutnant in a Sturzkampfgeschwader.
In April 1943, he was awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross by Hitler himself. Later on November 25, he was given the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.
On 29 March 1944, Rudel received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, once again personally from Hitler.
On 1 January 1945, he was once again decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. Incidentally, he was the only person to receive such an honor.
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Family & Personal Life
Hans-Ulrich Rudel married thrice and interestingly, all his wives were named Ursula. In 1942, he married the first Ursula, who was nicknamed "Hanne". The union produced two sons, Hans-Ulrich and Siegfried. The couple divorced in 1950.
In 1965, he married his second wife, Ursula née Daemisch. They had a son named Christoph, born in 1969. Rudel divorced her in 1977.
His third wife was Ursula née Bassfeld. However, little is known about her.
On 18 December 1982, Rudel died in Rosenheim, Germany, after suffering a stroke. He was buried in Dornhausen on 22 December 1982. He was 66 years old at the time of his death.
Facts About Hans-Ulrich Rudel

Hans-Ulrich Rudel was known for his exceptional piloting skills, earning him the nickname "Eagle of the Eastern Front" for his precision and accuracy during combat missions.

Despite losing a leg in combat, Rudel continued to fly and remain an active pilot, showcasing his determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Rudel was a skilled marksman, often hitting his targets with remarkable accuracy even under intense enemy fire, demonstrating his calmness and focus under pressure.

Rudel was a prolific writer and author, sharing his experiences and insights from his time in combat through several books, contributing to the historical record of World War II from a firsthand perspective.

Rudel was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, making him one of the most highly decorated soldiers in German military history, highlighting his bravery and dedication to his country.

See the events in life of Hans-Ulrich Rudel in Chronological Order

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20th Century | 20th Century Soldiers