Fighter Pilot Hans-Ulrich Rudel Documents

Hans-Ulrich Rudel Documents: Original Letters and Autographs

Historical convolute with original documents by and about the German dive bomber pilot and officer of the Wehrmacht in World War Two, Hans-Ulrich Rudel. The documents stem from Rudel's personal correspondence in the late 1960s and early 1980s. Hans-Ulrich Rudel, born in 1916 and deceased in 1982, is considered the most successful dive bomber pilot of the German Wehrmacht in World War Two. He completed over 2500 combat missions, almost exclusively on the Eastern Front, mainly with the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive bomber. Rudel was the only soldier who was honored with the highest award level, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. This was the highest German order after the Grand Cross during the Second World War. His factually documented successes include the sinking of the Soviet battleship "Marat" and a cruiser, as well as the destruction of over 500 tanks.

The convolute contains nine historical pieces. A fan letter (Din A4) from December 8, 1968, handwritten by Frau Mag. Meißner from Vienna, is addressed to Hans-Ulrich Rudel. She praises his published book "Trotzdem" (In Spite of Everything), speaks about the difficulty of acquiring it, and mentions earlier written war memoirs as well as film plans for the German Luftwaffe.

Two reply letters (Din A4) from Hans-Ulrich Rudel are also included. The first letter is handwritten from January 9, 1969 and personally signed by Hans-Ulrich Rudel. Rudel describes himself that his book is so hard to acquire because it is on the list for literature dangerous to youth. The second letter from February 8, 1969 is typewritten and personally signed. This also concerns the problems with his book and the fact that it is not even allowed to be presented in display windows. Both letters have their original envelopes with postmarks.

Also included is an autograph card with a photo of Rudel in uniform and a handwritten dedication and signature. Another document is the obituary notice with a handwritten letter of thanks on the reverse side from his first wife Ursula Rudel, née Bassfeld. In this letter, it is mentioned that Rudel peacefully fell asleep and then passed away (Kufstein, January 14, 1983). In addition, four newspaper clippings about Hans-Ulrich Rudel from the 1960s are in the convolute, as well as a brown envelope in which the papers were stored. Signs of wear appropriate for the age!