Erich Rudorffer

[lee-clark]

Hello to all,
I have started my collection with a kriegsverdienstkreuz 2 class with swords awarded to German Ace pilot Erich rudorffer!I bought the medal from an auction house in England and want to find out more about this man. I have looked in Google but each site gives the same info. The medal was awarded on the 26th Sept 1942, and say's he was with JG54. Could anyone tell me if this is correct. I would be very grateful for any info.
Many thanks
Lee Clark

[DavidM]

Hello

I haven't been able to confirm he was in JG54 in September 1942, but he was the Gruppenkommandeure of JG54 from 1st August 1943 until February 1945.

I don't know if this helps, but at least it confirms a connection between Rudorffer and JG54.

Regards
David

[Luftm40]

Rudorffer was one of the most celebrated Luftwaffe aces, winning the RK in 1941...so I doubt he would have been awarded a lowly KVK2 in 1942. Is this an award document SIGNED by Rudorffer perhaps? This may also be some other Rudorffer..in fighter squadrons the KVK2 was typically awarded to ground crew

[lee-clark]

Hello David,
thanks for the info. I know that he was with JG54, but all the info i can get tells me the same as you. I think that the award was given for services before his time with JG54 and was given belatedly.
I only wish i could post photo's, but as this is my first time here i dont have a clue!
Lee

[lee-clark]

Hello Andy
No 7 i seem to recal, with 222 victories!
the certificate of award is singed by an Oberstleutnant/ XI.Abt.Kdr
the cert is as follows,
In Namen des Fuhrers
und
Obersten Befehlshabers der Wehrmacht
verleihe ich
dem
Leutnant
i.d.II./ JG54

Erich Rudorffer

das Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2 Klasse
mit schwerden

Frankreich i.F. den 26.Sept. 1942

stamp best.(signature)
luftgaukommando XI Oberstleutnant/ XI.Abt.Kdr

A bit of a coincidence that 2 people with the exact same name in the same unit!
Ithink it was signed by Freiherr .v. Nordeck ,i beleive this to be Generalmajor Freiherrr Kurt von Nordeck, but the signature is a bit hard to read although it is very clear, like a Dr!
many thanks
Lee Clark

[Etienne B.]

Hi,

Why don't you write him a letter.He is still alive


Etienne

[lee-clark]

Hi,

Why don't you write him a letter.He is still alive


Etienne

Hi,
this is the kind of info i was looking for.The only info in Google was that he survived the war! The only trouble is, how do i find out the address, i would love to get in contact with him, and if this really is his medal, then i would return it! Thanks
Lee

[Napalm]

Hi,
this is the kind of info i was looking for.The only info in Google was that he survived the war! The only trouble is, how do i find out the address, i would love to get in contact with him, and if this really is his medal, then i would return it! Thanks
Lee

This is the main contact for information on Luftwaffe fighter groups and associations in Germany, as well for information on living and deceased Luftwaffe fighter pilots. This organization also publishes a newsletter called Jagerblatt which covers various topics related to the Luftwaffe and its pilots and veterans.

Address:

Gemeinshaft der Jagdflieger
Vereinigung der Flieger
Deutscher Streitkrafte e.V.
Willi Gobel
Krahwinkeler Strasse 34A
D-53797 Lohmar
Deutschland

I suspect that every town in Germany has a vets assocaition and I'm sure they will be able to assist you.

http://www.feldgrau.com/contacts.html

Good luck

[Douglas Jr.]

Lee,

I don´t want to spoil your party but according to the information I have, Rudorffer only went to the JG 54 in June 1943.

Prior to that (from January 1940 to June 1943) he served in the JG 2 "Richthofen" where he eventually act as Gruppenkommandeur of the II/JG 2.

He stayed with the JG 54 up to February 1945 when he was transferred to the JG 7 "Nowotny", where he flew the Me262 and become one of the first jet aces with 12 victories.

As a source I used the classic Ernst Obermaier's book "Die Ritterkreuztrager der Luftwaffe - Band I - 1989).

Douglas.

[lee-clark]

Hello Douglas,
It seems that your'e info is the same as i have. I know he was in the battle of France and the cert of award say's Frankreich on it, Maybe this was awarded to him when he was in JG54 but was back dated for his services in France, i don't know.
Here is my e-mail address leeclark77@hotmail.com i could e-mail you photos of items and you could give me your opinion of them, if that is o.k. with you. Iwould really like to get to the bottom of this!
Lee

[Douglas Jr.]

Lee,

It is a pleasure to help you. Please, check your e-mail!

Douglas

[lee-clark]

Thanks Douglas for the quick reply, much appreciated!
Lee