Hans-Ulrich Rudel

German World War II Stuka pilot and neo-Nazi activist (1916-1982)

Oberst (Colonel) Hans-Ulrich Rudel (2 July 1916 in Konradswaldau – 18 December 1982 in Rosenheim) was a Stuka dive bomber pilot on the eastern front during World War II. He was the most highly decorated German serviceman of the war.[1]

Hans-Ulrich Rudel after his capture in 1945

Rudel was one of only 27 military men to be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. He was the only person to be awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. It was Germany's highest military decoration at the time.

After the war he went to South America and helped organize Nazi refugees.

References change

  1. Just, Günther 1986. Stuka Pilot Hans Ulrich Rudel. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Military History. ISBN 0-88740-252-6