Stuka Pilot

Archival Summary & Scope

This autobiography recounts the extraordinary career of Hans Ulrich Rudel, the most decorated German serviceman of World War II. Rudel, the sole recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds, flew over 2,500 combat missions—a record unmatched by any pilot since. Shot down more than 24 times, he is credited with destroying over 500 tanks, 2,000 ground targets, the Russian battleship *Marat*, two cruisers, and a destroyer, prompting Joseph Stalin to offer a 100,000-rouble bounty for his capture. The book also addresses Rudel's unwavering support for Adolf Hitler and National Socialism until his death in 1982. This new edition of his classic war epic includes new maps, photographs, and footnotes, with an introduction by British air ace Group Captain Douglas Bader.