Johann 'Hans' von Bargen

Units: I/StG-3, Kdr I/SG-3

Awards: RK(9/19/42), DK-G(3/19/42), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87

Remarks: KIA 6 July, 1944 during his second attack on Soviet troops in Aeyraepaeae Finland, receiving a direct flak hit during the dive, crashing and burning. Also killed , was his faithful R/O Ofw Wilhelm Becker. 400+ missions.

Theo Baurle - Teo Baurle

Units: Stab III./SG3

Awards: Dive Bomber Operational Clasp

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D5

Remarks: Source: Wings Palette-Pilots.

Helmut 'Mukki' Benkendorff - Helmut Benkendorff

Units: Flight Instr., 1./JG-3 (9/42), 3./JG-3 (10/42), II/StG-1, II/SG-1

Awards: RK(3/26/44), DK-G(11/23/42), EK 1 & 2, Fighter & Assault Operational Clasps w/'300' hangers

Known Aircraft: Bf 109F & G, Ju 87, Bf 109F

Remarks: Helmut Benkendorff was born on 12.08.1910 in Berlin-Pankow and received a master sergeant and pilot in the Second group of Stuka Squadron 1 on 3/26/1944, the Knight's Cross. In August 1943, Benkendorff as a pilot of the 5th His 500th Season Link is behind him. Helmut Benkendorff died on 03.11.1971 in Berlin. 666 missions, mostly in the East. His first known victory, an Il-2 on 26 September, 1942. A 2nd, a Soviet I-16 Rata on 2 October, 1942. A 3rd, a MiG-1 on 17 October, 1942. A 4th, a LaGG-3 on 29 October, 1942. An La-5 on 13 November, 1942. Two Il-2's on 28 November, 1942. An Il-2 on 30 November, 1942. A MiG-1 on 2 December, 1942. An La-5 on 8 December, 1942. An Il-2 on 10 December, 1942. An Il-2 on 31 December, 1942.

Josef Blümel

Units: 5/SG-151, 10(Pz.)/SG-3

Awards:

• Flugzeugführerabzeichen
• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe
• Iron Cross (1939)
• 2nd Class
• 1st Class
• German Cross in Gold (29 September 1944)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
• Knight's Cross on 28 January 1945 as Feldwebel and Flugzeugführer in the 10.(Panzer)/Schlachtgeschwader 3 [1]

Known Aircraft: Ju 87G-2 (anti-tank equipped) WNr 494231 'S7+EN (lost 9/44)

Remarks: Josef Blümel (15 August 1920 - 19 September 1944) was a highly decorated Hauptmann in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Josef Blümel was killed on 19 September 1944 near Riga, Latvia. Josef Blümel was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 28 January 1945.
KIA 19 September, 1944 on his second mission of the day, after destroying his 60th tank. After his G-2 was hit by machine gun fire, he crashed behind enemy lines near Kekava, 18 km south of Riga, S.U.. He and R/O Ogefr. Hermann Schwärzel were killed by Soviets, shot through the neck. Their bodies were found 3 days later by a search party by Stfkpt. Kuffner. Approximately 150 missions.

Citations:

• [1] *Fellgiebel 2000, p. 115
• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Helmuth Bode (1907-1985)

Additional Information

Helmuth Bode (1907-1985) was a German World War II bomber pilot. He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on October 10, 1941.

Biography

Helmuth Bode was born on 15 October 1907, in Metz, Alsace-Lorraine. Helmuth Bode did not join the German Army straight from school. Bode's flying career began when he joined the German Air Transport School, a covert military-training organization, operating as a flying school in Germany. Bode rapidly became a flight instructor in the Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule.

Helmuth Bode joined the Luftwaffe in 1936, as reservist, and became First Lieutenant (Oberleutnant) on June 1938. He showed a strong natural ability as a pilot. Bode completed his fighter pilot training on 1939. Helmuth Bode was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of III./StG 77 on May 1940. After various assignments in France, Britain, Balkans and on the Eastern front (Sebastopol), Bode became a very experienced pilot. He was eventually awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on October 10, 1941. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross principally was the highest award of Germany to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership during World War II. As with many top aces, it took him some time to establish himself as a consistently scoring fighter pilot.

On September 1942, Bode was assigned to take the command of a special unit working on the project "Flugzeugträger Graf Zeppelin", in Travemünde. After this mission, Bode was again selected to be a flight instructor on Junkers Ju 87. From August 1944 to January 1945, Bode was appointed liaison officer in Bulgarian army. Bode was eventually assigned to the Army Group E, before being sent to a PoW camp by the Allies[3]

Helmuth Bode enlisted again in the Bundeswehr in 1955. He became colonel (Oberst) in the new West German Air Force, the Bundesluftwaffe. After his military retirement, Helmuth Bode died on 13 April 1985

Awards and decorations

• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on October 10, 1941.
• Eisernes Kreuz IIe et Ire classe
• Flugzeugführer-Abzeichen
• Frontflugspange für Schlachtflieger[4]

Book References:

1. [3]de Zeng, H.L; Stanket, D.G; Creek, E.J. Bomber Units of the Luftwaffe 1933-1945; A Reference Source, Volume 1. Ian Allan Publishing, 2007. ISBN 978-1-85780-279-5
2. [4]de Zeng, H.L; Stanket, D.G; Creek, E.J. Bomber Units of the Luftwaffe 1933-1945; A Reference Source, Volume 2. Ian Allan Publishing, 2007. ISBN 978-1-903223-87-1

Gruppenkommandeur Hauptmann Helmuth Bruck

Additional Information

Helmut Bruck (16 February 1913 - 25 August 2001) was a highly decorated Oberst in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. During his career he flew 973 missions.

Awards and decorations

• Flugzeugführerabzeichen
• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "900"
• Iron Cross (1939)
• 2nd Class (13 September 1939)
• 1st Class (21 May 1940)
• German Cross in Gold (20 October 1942)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross on 4 September 1941 as Hauptmann and Staffelkapitän 1. / Sturzkampfgeschwader 77[1]
• 193rd Oak Leaves on 19 February 1943 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77[2]
• Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (3 May 1944)

Bibliography

1. Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
2. Obermaier, Ernst (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe 1939-1945 Band II Stuka- und Schlachtflieger (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 3-87341-021-4.
3. Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Book References:

1. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 124
2. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 58

Bruno Dilley

Units: Stfkpt in I/StG-163, Stfkpt 3/StG-1(9/39), Kdr I/StG-2(1/42), Kdr StG-101(10/43), Kdr SG-103(10/43)

Awards: RK(6/4/42)-EL(1/8/43), DK-G(12/19/41), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B-1(9/39), Ju 87R in 12/41, Ju 87D in StG-101, Ar 96, Fw 190F & Ju 87 in SG-103

Remarks: Flew the first Stuka attack of WWII on 1 September, 1939. Shot down twice in Russia and managed to get back to German lines, along with his R/O Ofw Ernst Kather. Deceased 31 August, 1968 following a long and serious illness. 650 missions. Shot down four times, twice behind enemy lines.

Further Remarks: Bruno Dilley (29 August 1913 - 31 August 1968) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.

Career

The first bombing raid of the Second World War was conducted by Junkers Ju 87s of 3/StG 1 led by Leut. Bruno Dilley, together with Leutnant Horst Schiller and Uffz Gerhard Grenzel, on 1 September 1939 at 04:45am. Their target was Polish defence positions near the Dirschau Bridge near the Danzig corridor.

After the Polish campaign Dilley served in Norway, and after the Battle of France he flew operations during the Battle of Britain, before a transfer to the Mediterranean theatre. After operations against Malta, Dilley served in the offensives in Yugoslavia, Greece and the Invasion of Crete. During the assault on Greece in 1941 One of the dive bomber force's first casualties was Oberleutnant Dilley, then with I. /StG 1 , who was shot down over Macedonia on 7 April 1941.

Dilley then served in North Africa, supporting the Afrikakorps. Hptm. Dilley was acting C.O. of I gruppe, StG. 1 during December 1941. He then deployed with his unit to the Eastern Front, where after some 325 combat operations, Dilley received the Knight's Cross and promoted to command of I. / StG 2 'Immelmann'. He then received the Oakleaves on 1 August 1943 . Dilley was taken off operations in October 1943 to command the ground-attack training unit Schlachtgeschwader 103 in Metz, until May 1944.

In 1956 he joined the post-war Luftwaffe, rising to the rank of Oberstleutnant, commanding a flight school in Landsberg. Before retirement he was the Chief of the Military District of Reutlingen.

Awards

• Flugzeugführerabzeichen (9 December 1936)
• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold (16 June 1941)
• Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (13 June 1941)
• Iron Cross (1939)
• 2nd Class (20 September 1939)
• 1st Class (5 May 1940)
• Narvik Shield (30 January 1941)
• Silver Medal of Military Valor
• German Cross in Gold (15 December 1941)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross on 4 June 1942 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of I./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 'Immelmann' [1]
• 174th Oak Leaves on 8 January 1943 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of I./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 'Immelmann' [2]

Citations

1. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 136.
2. Fellgiebel 2000, p. 57.

Bibliography

• Brütting, Georg (1995). Das waren die deutschen Stuka-Asse 1939 - 1945 (in German). Motorbuch, Stuttgart. ISBN 3-87943-433-6.
• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Heinrick Eppen or Heinrich 'Hein' Eppen

Units: Adj. I/StG-76, I/StG-3, Stfkpt 1/StG-3, Kdr I/StG-3 (6/42 after Sigel)

Awards: RK(7/5/41), EK 1 & 2, Black Wound Badge, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp

Known Aircraft: Ju 87R-2 WNr 6146 'S7+AB' (lost 6/42)

Remarks: KIA 4 June, 1942 when he was shot down by South African fighters of Nos. 4 and 5 Squadron over Bir Hacheim North Africa. 200+ missions. His R/O, Ofw Adalbert Betzler.

Paul-Werner Hozzel joined the Artillerie-Regiment 2 in 1931 and transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1935. He took command of the 2nd Staffel of Jagdgeschwader 20 on 1 September 1938 and shortly afterwards was promoted to Hauptmann.

At the outbreak of World War II he participated in the Invasion of Poland in 1939. Hozzel was then put in command of I.Gruppe Stuka-Geschwaders 1. This Gruppe also participated in the Battle of France and in the invasion of Norway. Hozzel, as the first Stuka pilot, was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 8 May 1940 in representation of his Gruppe's success. This includes the sinking of military vessels, 60,000 tons of merchant shipping and the attacks against the fortresses Akershus and Oscarsborg Fortress.

Further success followed with the destruction of the French destroyer Bison (2,435 tons) und the British destroyer Afridi (1,850 tons). The British battleship Warspite and the aircraft carrier Illustrious were attacked on 10 January 1941. Illustrious was hit 8 times putting her out of service for several weeks.

Hozzel was promoted to Oberstleutnant and made Geschwaderkommodore of Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann" on 16 October 1941. With SG 2, he fought in the Battle of Stalingrad, the Geschwader flew 12,000 combat missions in this engagement.

In was then tasked to form 'Gefechtsverband Hozzel' from parts of the Stuka-Geschwaders 1, 2 and 77 participating in the battles around Dnipropetrovsk. Hozzel was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves on 14 April 1943.

He finished the war in a staff position of Luftflotte 1 and went into Soviet captivity as a prisoner of war. He returned from captivity on 16 January 1956.

Still in 1956 he joined the Bundeswehr and retired as Brigadegeneral on 30 September 1969.

Awards

• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
• Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class
• Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross on 8 May 1940 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the I./StG 1
• 230th Oak Leaves on 14 April 1943 Oberstleutnant and Geschwaderkommodore of StG 2 'Immelmann'

Book References:

• Brütting, Georg. Das waren die deutschen Stuka-Asse 1939 - 1945. Motorbuch, Stuttgart, 1995. ISBN 3-87943-433-6.
• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer. Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Podzun-Pallas, 2000. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Obermaier, Ernst (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe 1939-1945 Band II Stuka- und Schlachtflieger (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 3-87341-021-4.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Erhard Jähnert

Units: I./StG76, I./StG3, Stfkpt in III./StG3 (Kurland), Stfkpt 2./SG3

Awards: RK(11/16/42), DK-G(12/2/41), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge(5/40), Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87, Fw 190

Remarks: 700 missions including 25+ tanks and assisting in the sinking of 3 Soviet destroyers. His career began in the NSFK. At wars end, he was interned by the British, 30 April, 1945.

Karl Janke

Units: 8/StG-2, 9/StG-2, Stfkpt 5/StG-2, 7/StG-2, LKS-9

Awards: RK(11/16/42), DK-G(12/2/41), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge(5/40), Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87R T6+PR

Remarks: Approximately 500 missions destroying 5000 BRT, 32 tanks, 3 armored trains and 3 important bridges. Staffelkapitän of the 7./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 'Immelmann'

Anton Keil

Units: Stfkpt in III/StG 162 and III/StG 51(7/40), Kdr II/StG-1 (8/40 Pas de Calais)

Awards: RK(8/19/40), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp in Gold

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B & R

Remarks: Channel pilot. Barbarossa pilot. KIA 29^th August 1941 after ground looping during an emergency landing east of Skalova RR Station. The AC overturned. Both he and R/O Fw Wilhelm Knof were killed. The AC was set afire by Soviet troops. 132 missions.

Helmut Mahlke

Units: 1/Bo.Fl.Gr.-196, 2(Stuka)/TrGr-186T, Kdr III/StG-1 (8/40 Angers, 6/41 Russia), Staff Luftflotte 3

Awards: RK(7/16/41), DK-G(3/31/44), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge(7/8/41), Dive Bomber Operational Clasp

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B-2, Ju 87R in '41

Remarks: Channel pilot. France. Operation Barbarossa pilot. In 159 missions, he succeeded in destroying two destroyers, one submarine and 29 supply ships, while damaging a cruiser and other shipping. Shot down three times in Russia in two and a half weeks. The third time he bailed out, he received serious injuries, and held various staff positions. Retireed Bundeswehr General living in Heikendorf in 1998.

Wilhelm Majewski

Units: 3/StG-77

Awards: DK-G(1/9/43), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D-1 & D-3

Remarks: DK-G Awards List

Alfons 'Ali' Orthofer

Units: Bav Inf R. 20, I & II/StG-165, I/StG-162, RLM, Kdr II/StG-77 (6/42), Kdr StG-77

Awards: RK(11/23/41), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D in StG-77

Remarks: Died 12 October, 1942 from wounds received in a Soviet bombing attack on Belorechenskaya airfield (Caucasus). 437 missions, all in the Ju 87. Destroyed 10 warships, 27 support ships (50000 BRT), 140 tanks, 45 flak guns and 43 field gun positions.

Artur 'Spitz' Pipan

Units: 5./StG1, Stafkpt 5/StG1, Adj/SG1, Acting Kdr I/SG1 (3/45 to end)

Awards: RK(4/6/44), DK-G(10/5/43), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Dive Bomber w/Pend & Sil Assault Oper.Clasps

Known Aircraft: Ju 87 in StG'2, Fw 190F-8 (most likely) in SG-1

Remarks: Flew five years in nearly every Theater. 758 missions, including 85 in the Fw 190, destroying 10 railroad engines, nine important bridges and one gun boat. He retreated with the remnants of SG-1 on 26 April, 1945, via Mecklenburg and Lübeck to Schleswig, where he was deactivated on 8 May, 1945.

Hubert Polz

Luftwaffe career

Hubert Pölz joined the Luftwaffe in 1938. He served on most of the German theatres of operations, taking part in the Polish Campaign, French Campaign, Battle of Britain, Siege of Malta and North African Campaign. On 24 June 1941 he sank HMS Auckland off Tobruk. In May 1942 he took command of 6 Staffel. During the later stage of the campaign in Tunisia in 1943 he was shot down and spent four months in hospital. Returning to combat operations he took part in the fighting on the Eastern Front. He later flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 as the Geschwader converted to the type. By the end of the war he was commanding I./Schlachtgeschwader 151.He surrendered with his unit to British forces, in Denmark, on 8 May 1945. Hubert Pölz went missing while swimming in Spain on 7 January 1994, he was never found. He was declared dead in 2002.

Awards

• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross on 5 February 1944 as Leutnant of the reserve and Staffelführer of the 7./StG 3
• 661st Oak Leaves on 25 November 1944 as Hauptmann and acting Gruppenkommandeur of the I./SG 151 [1]

Citation

1. [1]*Fellgiebel 2000, p. 92.

Gustav Preßler - Gustav Pressler

Units: Stfkpt 4/StG-77, Kdr III/StG-2 (1/42), Kdr SG-1 (10/43-4/44), Kdr SG-104 (4/45)

Awards: RK(2/4/42)-EL(1/26/43), DK-G(2/4/42), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Dive Bomber Oper. Clasp w/Pend.

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D-3, Bf 110, Ju 87 & Fw 190A in SG-1; Fw 190F-8 & Ju 87G in SG-104

Remarks: Total of 530 close support missions. Shot down in July 1941 near Kishinev, S.U., bailed safely and reached German lines five days later.

Bibliography

• Brütting, Georg (1995). Das waren die deutschen Stuka-Asse 1939 - 1945. Motorbuch, Stuttgart. ISBN 3-87943-433-6.
• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945 (in German). Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Hans-Ulrich Rudel

A brief summary of Colonel Rudel's exploits...

His story is remarkable to me in this regard: it shows that a man, even when controlled by the most evil political masters, can attain the peak of military success while exemplifying absolute adherence to personal standards of honor, integrity, and faith to his comrades in arms.

His story is especially inspiring when one considers that the man who began the war as a near-washout in pilot training, who was barred from combat flying by his first squadron commander, ended the war as history's most highly decorated aviator.

History has not chosen to make his story widely known because he fought for the losing side, and history is, as we all know, written by the winners

A note for my Israeli friends: Rudel's story is presented here because of his military exploits, and for no other reason. I do not seek to glorify or apologize for the atrocious crimes committed by the German political leadership against Europe's Jews and other religious and ethnic minorities from 1933-45. Hans Ulrich Rudel was not a member of the Nazi party, participated in no war crimes, did not go into hiding after the war, and was never even accused of any such activities by any organization or Nazi-hunter, including the Shin Bet.

Rudel logged 2,530 combat missions, and was granted almost no leave throughout his four years of active duty. Unlike his Allied counterparts, there was no magical number of missions which would mean a furlough home, once attained. For Rudel, as well as for all German pilots, it was a matter of "fly and fight until the war ends, or you are killed": consequently, almost all eventually fell, and today only a tiny handful survive.

Rudel's personal victories as a ground-attack pilot were achieved exclusively against the Soviets, and despite the most primitive conditions imaginable, including operations solely from dirt, mud, and snow covered airfields, his confirmed victories (those witnessed by two or more fellow pilots) include:
+ 518+ Tanks
+ 700 Trucks
+ 150+ Flak and Artillery positions
+ 9 Fighter/Ground Attack Aircraft
+ Hundreds of bridges, railway lines, bunkers, etc.
+ Battleship October Revolution, Cruiser Marat, and 70 landing craft Sep 23 1941.

Battleship Marat which was renamed Petropavlovsk (Петропавловск) was the third of the four Gangut-class dreadnoughts. She was sunk at her moorings on 23 September 1941 by two near-simultaneous hits by 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lb) bombs near the forward superstructure. They caused the explosion of the forward magazine which heaved the turret up, blew the superstructure and forward funnel over to starboard and demolished the forward part of the hull from frames 20 to 57. 326 men were killed and the ship gradually settled to the bottom in 11 meters (36 ft) of water. Her sinking is commonly credited to the Stuka Ace pilot Leutnant Hans-Ulrich Rudel of III./StG 2, but Rudel only dropped one of the two bombs. The rear part of the ship was later refloated and she was used as a floating battery although all of her 120 mm guns were removed. Initially only the two rearmost turrets were operable, but the second turret was repaired by the autumn of 1942. She fired a total of 1971 12-inch shells during the Siege of Leningrad. In December 1941 granite slabs 40-60 millimeters (1.6-2.4 in) thick from the nearby harbor walls were laid on her decks to reinforce her deck protection. Another transverse bulkhead was built behind frame 57 and the space between them was filled with concrete to prevent her sinking if the original bulkhead was ruptured.

Through direct action, he saved tens of thousands of German infantrymen from certain encirclement and annihilation during the long retreat which began in July 1943 and lasted until the war's end, almost two years later.

+ Shot down 32 times.
+ Innumerable aircraft brought back to base that were later written off, due to heavy combat damage.
+ Wounded on many occasions, including the partial amputation of his right leg in the Spring of 1945, after which he continued to fly with a prosthetic limb.

March 44: Disaster struck when Rudel landed behind Soviet lines to retrieve a downed German aircrew. Snow and mud bogged down the airplane, making it impossible to take off. Approaching Soviet troops forced everyone to flee on foot, but barring their escape was the 900 foot wide river Dnjestr. The Germans stripped to their longjohns, and swam across the ice-clogged river. Rudel's close friend and crewman, Erwin Henstchel, drowned a few feet from the far shore. They had flown 1490 missions together at the time of Hentschel's death. His body was never recovered.

Rudel was pursued by hundreds of Soviet troops who were intent on collecting the 100,000 ruble bounty which Stalin had placed on his head, and he was shot in the shoulder while they chased him with dogs and on horseback. Through incredible ingenuity, audacity, and raw determination, Rudel escaped and made his way, alone and unarmed, back home, despite being more than 30 miles behind Soviet lines when he began his 24 hour trek. He was barefoot and almost naked in the sub-freezing winter weather, without food, compass, or medical attention. His escape stands as the single most legendary example of personal bravery and luck during the Second World War, but he never fully recovered emotionally from Hentschel's death, for which he blamed himself throughout the remainder of his life.

Unlike the situation with the Soviets, German decorations were awarded without regard to rank. And in contrast to the Western Allies, they were never awarded for single acts of conspicuous bravery, but rather for a consistent record of personal gallantry and success in combat.

+ 15 Jan 42: Knight's Cross
Equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor or Britain's Victoria Cross.

+ 14 Apr 43: Knight's Cross with Oakleaves
Higher level of above, awarded rarely.

+ 25 Nov 44: Knight's Cross with Oakleaves and Swords

Won by those who had performed the most extreme acts of personal gallantry on a daily basis. Awarded very rarely: most often posthumously.

+ 29 Mar 44: Knight's Cross with Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds
Extraordinarily prestigious award... like winning four Congressional Medals of Honor or Victoria Crosses. Back-dated to the time of his escape across the Dnjester when conferred on 25 Nov.

+ 1 Jan 45: Knight's Cross with Golden Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds
Note that the Golden Oakleaves were awarded once during the entire war, the decoration being instituted in answer to Rudel's continuing feats of unprecedented heroism.

Post-War

Rudel was extremely fortunate to avoid capture by the Soviets, who had put a 100,000 ruble bounty on his head, payable dead or alive. Many other pilots who had the misfortune of being captured by the Soviets, or who were handed over to them by the Americans later, during the Summer of 45, suffered up to 11 years of forced labor in the Siberian gulags after the war. Hundreds of thousands of German soldiers, from generals to privates, died in post-war captivity behind the Iron Curtain. There has never been a complete accounting, and many are still listed by the modern German government as MIAs.

Joined former members of Focke-Wulf aircraft corporation in Argentina; close personal friend of Juan Peron.

Despite being disabled, Rudel made a name for himself as a mountaineer in the Andes, even climbing the highest peak in the Americas, Aconcagua (7,020 meters), as well as three times up the highest volcano on Earth, Llullay-Yacu in the Argentine Andes (6,920 meters), the final time to bury a climbing companion who didn't survive the second climb. Discrimination against former war heroes forced Rudel to become a ski instructor after returning to Kufstein, Tirol, Austria in the early 1960s.

Hans Ulrich Rudel finally followed Hentschel across the river in the early 1980s.

Hans-Ulrich Rudel (July, 1916 - 1982)

Hans Rudel is not the kind of "Panzer Ace" such as Wittmann or Barkmann, simply because he was "Stuka Ace" and destroyed enemy armored fighting vehicles from the air. During his career, as Stuka pilot he managed to destroy enormous number of enemy equipment, including 519 Soviet tanks. Hans-Ulrich Rudel was born in 1916 in Silesia.He was the son of a clergyman - minister. He was never good at school and received limited education. Rudel was a teenager when the NSDAP took charge and became indoctrinated at very early age.Since young age, Rudel showed interest in sports and did not do well in school. In 1936, he joined the Luftwaffe as an cadet officer as a way to continue and develop his sporting activities. After passing his flying training course and becoming a pilot, Hans Rudel applied for further training in the technique of the dive-bombing but was turned down. Instead, he received reconnaissance observer's training and flew long range reconnaissance missions during Polish Campaign in September of 1939 as a Lieutenant. On October 11th of 1939, Rudel was awarded Iron Cross 2nd Class.At the same, Rudel continued applying for Ju-87 Stuka (Sturzkampfflugzeug - dive bomber)training course and was finally admitted in May of 1940. After the completion of the course, Oberleutnant Rudel was posted to Stuka Training Wing near Stuttgart, where he spent the French Campaign. Afterwards, Rudel was transferred to 1st Staffel (1st Squadron) of Stukageschwader 2 (Dive-Bomber Group 2) and took part in the airborne invasion of Crete in May of 1941, although not in the battle zone. In preparations for the Operation Barbarossa, Rudel's Group was transferred to the Eastern Front and on June 23rd of 1941 at 3:00am flew his first combat dive-bombing mission. During next 18 hours, he flew total four combat missions. On July 18th of 1941, Rudel was awarded Iron Cross 1st Class.

On September 23rd of 1941, Rudel's Group (1st and 2nd Wing) attacked elements of the Soviet Baltic Fleet in Kronstadt harbor (Leningrad area). During the attack, Rudel sunk Soviet Battleship "Marat" with 1000kg bomb hitting its ammunition store and breaking the ship in half - "We've got her ... you must have hit her ammunition store...She is blowing up !" (Rudel's rear gunner Scharnovski over the intercom). On Christmas Day, December 24th of 1941, Rudel flew his 500th mission and on December 30th, was decorated with Deutsches Kreuz (German Cross) in Gold by General Freiherr Wolfram von Richthofen himself (who was Manfred von Richthofen's cousin). After that, Hans Rudel was sent to Graz to lecture and train new Stuka crews. On January 15th of 1942, he was awarded with Knights Cross and eventually returned to the Eastern Front on his own demand in June of 1942.In September of 1942, Rudel received the command of the 1st Staffel of the 1st Wing of Stukageschwader 2 (1StG2), while operating in the Stalingrad area. At that time, his squadron was often sent to attack Soviet tank units, when inadequacy of bombs against tanks was realized.

On February 10th of 1943, Hans Rudel flew his 1000th mission and became a national hero to the German public.Rudel was then posted to the new special "Panzerjagdkommando Weiss" unit formed at Briansk to test newly developed tank-busting version of Ju-87 D-3.Modified Stuka armed with two Rheinmetall-Borsig 37mm (BK) Flak 18 guns (each mounted in special canopy under each wing with 6 rounds of ammunition) was developed at the Luftwaffe's experimental station at Rechlin (near Neustrelitz, Germany). Prototypes were used at first against Soviet landing crafts in the Black Sea and in the space of three weeks, Rudel destroyed 70 such boats.In March of 1943, during a tank battle around Belgorod, Rudel knocked out his first tank with his new tank-busting Stuka - "... my rear gunner who said that the tank exploded like a bomb and he had seen bits of it crashing down behind us." (Hans-Ulrich Rudel).Later on, more Ju-87 D-3s were converted to tank-busters and were designated as Ju-87 G-1 (often nicknamed Panzerknacker - Tank Buster or Kanonenvogel - Cannon Bird) and started arriving on the Eastern Front in October of 1943.

On April 14th of 1943, Hans Rudel was awarded Oakleaves to his Knights Cross.Captain Hans Rudel's squadron of nine tank-busting Ju-87 G-1 was assigned to support of the 3rd SS Panzer Division "Totenkopf". On the first day of the Operation Citadel, during his first mission,Rudel knocked out four Soviet tanks and by the evening, his score grew to twelve. "We are all seized with a kind of passion for the chase from the glorious feeling of having saved much German bloodshed with every tank destroyed." - Hans Rudel.At the same time, because of Rudel's squadron'ssuccess, Panzerstaffels (Tank Destroyer Squadrons) were formed. Based on his experiences, Rudel developed new tactics for Panzerstaffels. He found that the best way to knock out tanks was to hit them in the back (T-34's rear mounted engine and its cooling system did not permit the installation of heavier armor plating) or the side. Interesting fact is that attacking the back of the tank meant that the plane had to come from the rear flying towards friendly territory - great advantage if the plane got damaged during the attack.

On October 25th of 1943, Hans Rudel was awarded Swords to his Knights Cross with Oakleaves. In early March of 1944, he flew his 1500th mission and was promoted to the rank of Major.In late March, during a mission, Rudel's squadron was attacked by a squadron of Soviet Lavochkin La-5 fighters. One Stuka was shot down and crash landed with its crew unharmed,Hans Rudel decided to land and rescue his comrades stuck in the enemy territory.He landed and rescued his friends but could not take off because of the soft ground.They were forced to escape on foot towards German lines being chased by the Russians.Rudel and his comrades reached the river Dniestr and swam 600m in the ice cold water and just before reaching the other side, Rudel's rear gunner drowned. Eventually, wounded Rudel was the only one who managed to escape and reached German lines. He then returned to his unit, where he was cheerfully welcomed by his comrades. On March 29th of 1944, for his bravery, Major Hans-Ulrich Rudel was awarded Diamonds to his Knights Cross with Oakleaves and Swords, the highest German military award.In November of 1944, while flying near Budapest, he was shot in the thigh but returned to service few days later with his leg in a plaster cast. On January 1st of 1945, Rudel was awarded the Knights Cross with Golden Oakleaves, Swords and Diamonds, being the only recipient of this award specially created for him. In February of 1945, Rudel was seriously wounded and his right thigh was shattered by anti-aircraft fire near Lebus (near Frankfurt am der Oder). He managed to land in German held territory and was quickly taken to the field hospital, where his leg was amputated. Rudel was then taken to the hospital in Berlin, where he had an artificial limb fitted and then returned to his squadron. In the last days of the war, Colonel Rudel commanded the oldest and the best known close assault / support Stuka group - Schlachtgeschwader 2 Immelmann. He was still operating with his unit in last days of war on the Eastern Front. At the end of the war, Rudel wanted to fly a suicide attack with his squadron but hissuperior ordered him not to take off because "he might be needed later", which might have been the only reason why he didn't do so. He also volunteered to fly his Stuka into Berlin in May of 1945 to rescue Hitler from the Red Army. On May 8th of 1945, when Germany surrendered, Colonel Hans Rudel who was in Bohemia, flew his last mission in Ju-87 Stuka. He managed to contact American forces and arranged for himself and other planes to fly over to Kitzingen airfield (near Wurzburg) in the American zone, escaping the capture by the Soviets.Afterwards, Hans Rudel was interrogated first in England and then in France and eventually returned to hospital in Bavaria for convalesce. In 1946, Rudel left the Bavarian hospital and started working as a haulage contractor and in 1948, left for Argentina, where he worked for the State Airplane Worksand organized with other escaped Nazis a NSDAP party-like structure.

In 1951, Rudel published two booklets in Buenos Aires, "Wir Frontsoldaten zur Wiederaufrüstung" (We Frontline Soldiers and Our Opinion to Rearmament of Germany) and "Dolchstoss oder Legende" (Daggerthrust or Legend). In the first book, Rudel claims to speak for all frontline soldiers stating that they would fight again against the Bolsheviks and that Germany's "Lebensraum" (Living Space) is in the East.In his second book, Rudel condemns notonly all the soldiers who tried to kill Hitler as traitors, but also the staff officers of the Wehrmacht stating that both groups were directly responsible for the defeat. Rudel condemns soldiers because the turmoil caused by the assassination allowed the Allied forces to succeed with the Invasion of Europe, while he condemns the staff officers of the Wehrmacht because they could not see Hitler's genius in warfare and worked silently against him. Those two booklets were followed by some more of similar nature.Hans-Ulrich Rudel eventually returned to Germany in early 1950s and in 1953, published his war diary entitled "Trotzdem" (Nevertheless). There was a discussion in Germany if it should be allowed that his diary was published, because he was known as a Nazi, but in 1953, it was no longer that bad to be a Nazi. Most people wanted to forget, mostly their own part of the story, while some Nazis became politicians and businessmen and the Witschaftswunder (The rise of the industry and economy) made the Germans interested in other things. Rudel continued his sporting activities and became a candidate for the Deutsche Reichspartei (DRP) an ultraconservative party but was unsuccessful. The "Stuka Ace" died in Germany in 1982. In 1984, his diary was published again and two of the greatest Allied fighter pilots, Douglas Bader and Pierre Clostermann wrote a warm and praising foreword to this edition, surely being unaware of Rudel's political activities.

During his career, Rudel flew over 2530 (around 400 of his sorties were flown in a Focke-Wulf 190 fighter plane during whichhe was credit with 11 air victories) missions and destroyed around 150 various artillery pieces, 519 tanks, around 1000 various vehicles, 70 landing crafts, 2 Lavochkin La-3 fighters, Il-2 Stormovik and sunk Battleship "Marat", 2 Cruisers and a Destroyer. Rudel was responsible for such huge damages to the Red Army that Joseph Stalin himself put a price of 100.000 rubles on his head.He flew more than 600.000km and used more than 5.000.000 liters of fuel. Hans Rudel dropped over 1.000.000kg of bombs, fired over 1.000.000 of machine gun rounds, over 150.000 20mm rounds and over 5000 37mm rounds. Rudel thought that the Lend-Lease American tanks were easier to kill than the Soviet T-34s, but he hated their machine guns, because once he was shotdown by one. Rudel was an outstanding pilot with experience,who loved to fly and destroy.He hated to take homeleave or sickleave and even when he got his leg amputatedhe was not depressed since he couldstill do what he loved - fly and destroy.During his career, Hans Rudel showed remarkable power, toughness, fearlessness, unparalleled determination and arrogance but none of his photos show any impact of the hardship of war on his face. His personal bravery was beyond belief and his place in the annals of military history thoroughly deserved, although it is important to remember the words of an American Protocol-Officer, who absolutely correctly named Rudel "the typical Nazi Officer". Rudel's famous quotation was "Verloren ist nur, wer sich selbst aufgibt" ("Lost are only those, who abandon themselves").

Rudolf Heinz Ruffer

Units: 1/ERG Jagdgruppe Ost, 8(Pz)/Sch.G.-1, Stfkpt 10(Pz)/SG-9 (Anti-Tank)

Awards: RK(6/9/44), DK-G(3/20/44), EK 1 & 2, Assault Operational Clasp w/'300' hanger

Known Aircraft: Bf 109, Hs 129B-2/R-2 WNr 0364

Remarks: KIA 16 July 1944 at 1930 hours on a low-level mission against a Soviet tank breakthrough between Kovel and Lemberg (Lvov) Russia, when his AC took a direct flak hit over the Radtsiekhov-Stayanov railroad, crashing in flames. Shot down behind Russian Lines in the winter of 1942-1943 by Russian AA fire, however rescued by German Infantry. At the time, he was serving in 'Special Detachment Stepp'. 300 missions, 80 tanks destroyed.

Günther Schmid

Units: II/StG-2 (6/41 S.U.), Stfkpt 5/StG-2 (12/42)

Awards: RK(12/23/42), DK-G(12/8/41), EP(10/20/41), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D-3 WNr 345 'T6+EN' (lost 7/14/43)

Remarks: KIA 14 July, 1943 together with his R/O Uffz Walter Dicker in an attack on a forest 2 km east of Winovgradovka Russia, about 30 km northeast of Byelgorod, when his AC exploded in about 600 meters of altitude and crashed in flames. 700 missions in only two years. Alternate spelling: Schmidt.

Ernst-Siegfried Steen

Units: 1/StG-2, Stfkpt 1/StG-2 (9/41), Kdr III/StG-2 (9/41)

Awards: RK(10/17/41 Post.), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/'300' hanger

Known Aircraft: Ju 87R T6+PR

Remarks: KIA 23 September, 1941 on his 301st mission, together with Rudel's R/O, Uzzf Alfred Scharnovski, who had flown with him. During a diving attack on the cruiser Kirov, his AC received a direct flak hit, damaging the elevator. Steen tried to dive into the cruiser, but barely missed it, damaging the ship by the 1000 kg bomb released just before impacting. Led 'Marat' attack on 16 September, 1941. Channel pilot.

Further Remarks: Ernst-Siegfried Steen (25 September 1912 - 23 September 1941) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Ernst-Siegfried Steen was killed on 23 September 1941 after being hit by anti-aircraft fire from the cruiser Kirov in Kronstadt harbour. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 17 October 1941.

Awards

• Flugzeugführerabzeichen
• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold
• Sudetenland Medal with Prague Castle Bar (1 October 1939)
• Iron Cross (1939)
• 2nd Class (15 September 1939)
• 1st Class (28 May 1940)
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
• Knight's Cross on 17 October 1941 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of the III./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 "Immelmann" [1]

Citations

1. [1]Fellgiebel 2000, p. 331

Bibliography

• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.

Walter Sigel

Units: Kdr I/StG-76 (9/39 Nieder-Ellguth, 8/40 Caen), I/StG-3 (3/42), Kdr StG-3 (5/42 N.Africa)

Awards: RK(7/21/40)-EL(9/2/42), DK-G(4/24/42), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Dive Bomber Oper.Clasp w/'300' hanger

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B in StG-76, Ju 87R in I Grp, Ju 87D-1/Trop 'S7+KS'

Remarks: Wounded in French Campaign on 10 May, 1940, while his RO/Gunner, Ofw Herzog, was killed. Derna, Libya 5/42. KIFA 8 May, 1944 in a Fi 156 (Storch) on an inspection tour near Trondheim Fjord. 300+ missions. Alternate spelling: Siegel.

Hans 'Hannes' Töpfer

Units: I/StG-3, Stfkpt 1/SG-3, Kdr I/SG-3 (2/45)

Awards: RK(7/20/44), DK-G(8/19/42), EP(5/11/42), EK 1 & 2, Wound Badge, Assault Operational Clasp w/Pend

Known Aircraft: Ju 87D, Fw 190F-8 WNr 932518 (lost 2/19/45)

Remarks: POW 19 February, 1945 when his Fw 190 was shot down near Rauschen, he parachuted safely, but received severe burns and was taken prisoner. Returned home in ill health 28 October, 1948. 600+ missions, mostly with the Ju 87. Channel pilot. Shot down twice; wounded twice. Deceased 8 December, 1955 in Frankfurt/Main.

Trogemann

Units: 1/StG-77 (8/40 Caen Fr.)

Awards: Dive Bomber Operational Clasp

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B-1 'S2+AH'

Remarks: Source: Weal-Osprey

Johann Zemsky

Units: Stfkpt 6/StG-1, Kdr II/StG-1(1/42)

Awards: RK(2/4/42)-EL(9/3/42 Post.), EK 1 & 2, Dive Bomber Operational Clasp w/Pendant

Known Aircraft: Ju 87B & R

Remarks: KIA 28 August, 1942 (on his 600th mission) after being hit by flak. He managed to bail out, but his chute did not open. His R/O also jumped and was rescued by German infantry, but was seriously injured. Zemsky's body was recovered and he was buried near the Obliskaya Orthodox Church.

Further Remarks: Johann Zemsky (11 April 1909 - 28 August 1942) was a highly decorated Major in the Luftwaffe during World War II, and one of only 882 recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Johann Zemsky was killed on 28 August 1942 after being shot down during the Battle of Stalingrad. He was posthumously awarded the Oak Leaves to his Knight's Cross on 3 September 1942.

Awards and decorations

• Flugzeugführerabzeichen
• Front Flying Clasp of the Luftwaffe in Gold with Pennant "600"
• Iron Cross (1939)
• 2nd Class
• 1st Class
• Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves
• Knight's Cross on 4 February 1942 as Hauptmann and Gruppenkommandeur of II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1[1]
• 117th Oak Leaves on 3 September 1942 as Major and Gruppenkommandeur of II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 1[2]

Citations

1. [1]Fellgiebel 2000, p. 369.
2. [2]Fellgiebel 2000, p. 54.

Bibliography

• Fellgiebel, Walther-Peer (2000). Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939-1945. Friedburg, Germany: Podzun-Pallas. ISBN 3-7909-0284-5.
• Obermaier, Ernst (1976). Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe 1939-1945 Band II Stuka- und Schlachtflieger (in German). Mainz, Germany: Verlag Dieter Hoffmann. ISBN 3-87341-021-4.
• Scherzer, Veit (2007). Ritterkreuzträger 1939-1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives (in German). Jena, Germany: Scherzers Miltaer-Verlag. ISBN 978-3-938845-17-2.