Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Rudel)

Rudel, Hans-Ulrich (Rudel), colonel of the Luftwaffe, the only holder of the Knight's Cross with golden oak leaves, swords and diamonds. Born in 1916, graduated from military school in Vildparke. From 1938 he served in the regiment dive bombers "Piece" officer-technician, then flew. During the 2-nd World War, was promoted from lieutenant (1939) to Colonel (1945). In September 1941, sank a Soviet cruiser "Marat". In March 1944 he was shot down, got in a Soviet prisoner, but managed to escape. In January 1945, Rudel received from the hands of the Fuhrer Knight's Cross with golden oak leaves, swords and diamonds. A month later he was again shot down, losing a leg. By the end of the war on account of his battle was 2,530 combat sorties and destroyed 532 enemy tanks. After the war, fled to Argentina, he returned to Germany in 1953 and participated in the neo-Nazi movement.