Who Is Hans-Ulrich Rudel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Hans-Ulrich Rudel was born on July 2, 1916, and passed away on December 18, 1982. As of 2025, he would have been 109 years old. A distinguished figure in military history, Rudel is celebrated as the most highly decorated German serviceman of World War II, particularly noted for his service as a dive bomber pilot. His tactical expertise and bravery earned him the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1916 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Konradswaldau, German Empire |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Germany |
| Date of death | 18 December, 1982 |
| Died Place | Rosenheim, West Germany |
Popularity
Hans-Ulrich Rudel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details of Hans-Ulrich Rudel's physical measurements are not well documented, he was known to be of average height and build for a Luftwaffe pilot of his time. His agility, reflexes, and endurance were pivotal in his successful missions during the war.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of personal relationships, Rudel was married to his wife, who remained supportive throughout his military career. Details about his dating life before or after his marriage remain scarce, but it is clear that family played an important role in his life.
While Rudel was interned, his family fled from the advancing Red Army and found refuge with Gadermann's parents in Wuppertal. Rudel was released in April 1946 and went into private business. In 1948, he emigrated to Argentina via the ratlines, travelling via the Austrian Zillertal to Italy.
In Rome, with the help of South Tyrolean smugglers, and aided by the Austrian bishop Alois Hudal, he bought himself a fake Red Cross passport with the cover name "Emilio Meier", and took a flight from Rome to Buenos Aires, where he arrived on 8 June 1948.
Rudel authored books on the war, supporting the regime and attacking the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht for "failing Hitler".
Net Worth and Salary
Rudel's financial status is not extensively recorded; however, post-war, he experienced various ventures that contributed to his earnings. His involvement in writing memoirs and military strategy tutorials in Germany helped him maintain financial stability. Although an estimated net worth remains elusive, his contributions to military literature yielded some income.
Career, Business and Investments
Hans-Ulrich Rudel's career was primarily defined by his service in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He piloted the famous Stuka dive bomber, achieving notable successes against Soviet armored forces. After the war, he transitioned into writing and became a prominent figure in far-right political circles in Germany. His books and lectures on military history and tactics are still referenced today, showcasing his enduring legacy.
He was the third child of Lutheran minister Johannes Rudel. As a boy, Rudel was a keen sportsman and attended the humanities-oriented Gymnasium in Lauban. He joined the Hitler Youth in 1933. After graduating with Abitur in 1936, he participated in the compulsory Reich Labour Service (RAD).
Following the labour service, Rudel joined the Luftwaffe in the same year and began his military career as an air reconnaissance pilot.
Social Network
While Hans-Ulrich Rudel did not have access to social media as we know it today, his influence in military and nationalist circles has been extensive. After his passing, various forums and online platforms have discussed his military strategies, and he continues to be a complex figure in historical discussions.
Rudel was promoted to Oberstleutnant on 1 September 1944, and appointed leader of SG 2, replacing Stepp, on 1 October 1944. On 22 December 1944, Rudel completed his 2,400th combat mission, and the next day, he reported his 463rd tank destroyed.
On 29 December 1944, Rudel was promoted to Oberst (colonel), and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, the only person to receive this decoration.
This award, intended as one of 12 to be given as a post-war victory award for Nazi Germany, was presented to him by Hitler on 1 January 1945, four months before Nazi Germany was defeated.
Education
Rudel received a traditional education during his youth, which paved the way for his military career. He attended the military academy, where he developed concepts of aerial warfare that would later define his successful missions. His relentless pursuit of knowledge in military strategy and tactics made him a distinguished officer.
On 8 February 1945, Rudel was badly wounded in the right foot, and landed inside German lines as his radio operator shouted flight instructions. Rudel's leg was amputated below the knee. He returned to flying on 25 March 1945. He claimed 26 more tanks destroyed by the end of the war.
Over the course of the war he destroyed 519 Soviet tanks, flying 2,530 missions. On 19 April 1945, the day before Hitler's final birthday, Rudel met with Hitler in the Führerbunker at the Reich Chancellery in Berlin. On 8 May 1945, Rudel fled westward from an airfield near Prague, landing in US controlled territory, and turned himself in.
The Americans refused to hand him over to the Soviet Union.
