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Zwesken, Rudolf "Rudi" "Bulle"

Date of birth:
August 13th, 1919 (Marschendorf/Bohemia, Czechoslowakia)
Date of death:
February 22nd, 1946 (Bitterfeld krs. Schroda/Posen, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

Career:
?: 1. Staffel, Jagdgeschwader 52;
1944: 6. Staffel, Jagdgeschwader 300.

Rudi Zwesken comitted suicied on 22nd February 1946.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)
Unit:
1. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 52, Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
December 23rd, 1944

Award date according to the Vorschlag of the Ritterkreuz.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)
Unit:
Flugzeugführer, 6. Staffel, II. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 300, Luftwaffe
Awarded on:
March 21st, 1945
Zwesken’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“In the time period 21.06.-31.12.1944 Oberfeldwebel Zwesken achieved 15 aerial victories (including 11 four-engined bombers and 4 enemy fighters).

On the 22.08.1944 he achieved 1 probable and 3 certain kills against enemy fighters over the course of fierce aerial combat. On the 31.12.1944 his aircraft was set afire during the first run against the enemy, however he did not disengage from the enemy bombers and instead proceeded to shoot down 2 four-engined bombers in his own burning plane.

Oberfeldwebel Zwesken is an outstanding fighter pilot who has distinguished himself through his boldness and exceptional flying abilities.

Oberfeldwebel Zwesken has also proven himself as a formation leader, and in this role he has led the Gruppe to glorious victories.

Oberfeldwebel Zwesken was submitted for the German Cross in Gold on the 23.12.1944. Since this date he has gone on to destroy 1 Mustang and 2 Boeing aircraft.

I believe that this brave pilot is worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross due to his achievements and bravery on the battlefield.”

According to his kill list, Zwesken had by this time destroyed 6 B-17s, 5 B-24s, 3 P-38s and 1 P-51.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
November 18th, 1944
Luftwaffe Ehrenpokale für besondere Leistungen im Luftkrieg
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
October 22nd, 1944
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Schwarz
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
August 11th, 1944
Frontflugspange für Jäger in Bronze
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
July 22nd, 1944
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
June 21st, 1944
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

Sources

Photo