Erich Rudorffer
Erich Rudorffer | |
|---|---|
Erich Rudorffer in 1944 | |
| Nickname(s) | Fighter of Libau |
| Born | 1 November 1917 Zwochau, Saxony, German Empire |
| Died | 8 April 2016 (aged 98) Bad Schwartau, Germany |
| Allegiance | Nazi Germany |
| Branch | Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | 1936–1945 |
| Rank | Major (major) |
| Unit | JG 2, JG 7 and JG 54 |
| Commands | 6./JG 2, II./JG 2, I./JG 7 and II./JG 54 |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords |
| Other work | airline pilot |
Erich Rudorffer (1 November 1917 – 8 April 2016) was a German Luftwaffe fighter ace who was one of a handful who served with the Luftwaffe through the whole of World War II. He was one of the most successful fighter pilots in the history of air warfare, with 222 victories claimed. Rudorffer fought in all the major German theaters of war, including the European and Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the Eastern Front. During the war he flew more than 1000 combat missions, engaging in aerial combat over 300 times. Rudorffer was shot down by flak and enemy fighters 16 times and had to take to his parachute nine times.