Hans-Ulrich Rudel Edited Photo

This picture was published on 2 January 1945, shortly after Stuka ace Oberst Hans-Ulrich Rudel (Geschwaderkommodore Schlachtgeschwader 2 "Immelmann") received the Goldenem Eichenlaub for his Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, while it is actually an older photo by Kriegsberichter Fiedler that was taken while he was still as a Major and Gruppenkommandeur (note the edited kragenspiegel and schulterklappen!). Original caption: "Goldenes Eichenlaub mit Schwertern und Brillanten für Oberst Rudel. Der Führer hat durch Verordnung vom 29.12.44 das Goldene Eichenlaub mit Schwertern und Brillanten zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes als höchste deutsche Tapferkeitsauszeichnung gestiftet. Sie wird im ganzen höchstens 12 Mal verliehen. - Als erster Soldat der deutschen Wehrmacht erhielt am 1.1.45 Oberstleutnant Hans-Ulrich Rudel, Kommodore des Schlachtgeschwaders "Immelmann", diese höchste deutsche Auszeichnung aus der Hand des Führers. Gleichzeitig beförderte der Führer Oberstleutnant Rudel in Würdigung seines unablässig bewiesenen höchsten Heldentums, seiner einmaligen fliegerischen und kämpferischen Erfolge zum Oberst." (Golden oak leaves with swords and diamonds for Colonel Rudel. By decree of December 29, 1944, the Führer donated the Golden Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross as the highest German award for bravery. It will be awarded a maximum of 12 times in total. - On January 1, 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel, commodore of the battle squadron "Immelmann", was the first soldier in the German Wehrmacht to receive this highest German award from the Führer. At the same time, the Führer promoted Lieutenant Colonel Rudel to colonel in recognition of his consistently demonstrated supreme heroism and his unique flying and fighting successes.)

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