Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

August 4th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

January 8th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

April 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1942

According to the Vorschlag of the Ritterkreuz awarded on 19-10-1942.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Feldwebel (Sergeant)

Unit:

1. Staffel, I. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

December 3rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Oberfeldwebel (Flight Sergeant)

Unit:

Flugzeugführer, 4. Staffel, II. Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 3 "Udet", Luftwaffe

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1942

Rüffler’s Knight’s Cross recommendation reads as follows…

“Feldwebel Rüffler has been involved in frontline duty since the 01.05.1941, and over the course of 247 sorties he has achieved 50 aerial victories. He has also achieved success whilst attacking ground targets at the Stryj airfield, against transport columns near Tarnopol and Boguslaw and against trains travelling along the railway line Staraja Russa—Krestzy. His sum of successes against such ground targets amounts to 7 aircraft, 5 trucks and 2 locomotives.

Rüffler has proven himself as a Schwarmführer, and quite a few of his aerial victories were achieved in very difficult missions conducted far behind Russian lines. In aerial combat he shows ruthlessness and resilience, and is aggressive without being reckless. His devotion to duty has inspired his comrades to give their utmost, and his subordinates have total confidence in him.

Feldwebel Rüffler is thus considered to be worthy of being awarded the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross on account of his achievements.”

The Geschwader commander added the following note of endorsement to this recommendation…

“I agree with the assessment of the Gruppe commander. Feldwebel Rüffler has performed admirably over the course of one-and-a-half years of service. He has shot down 50 aircraft over the course of 247 sorties, and has also destroyed 7 aircraft, 5 trucks and 2 locomotives on the ground. According to his kill list, 9 of these victories were achieved in 1941 and a further 41 in 1942. Of these, 8 were achieved during operations near Lake Ilmen in the period February-April. The gradual increase in victories demonstrates that Rüffler has tirelessly sought to improve his own abilities, and his will to fight, bravery and aggressiveness have all increased at the same time. His offensive sprit and wealth of experience has also enabled him to achieve outstanding successes as a Schwarmführer. He has also been a superb model of conduct for the younger pilots, instilling in them the necessary confidence needed for battle whilst also leading them to their own first aerial victories without friendly losses. Feldwebel Rüffler is worthy of being decorated with the Knight’s Cross to the Iron Cross due to his extraordinary achievements, unwavering bravery and admirable character.”

In the appendices to his recommendation, Rüffler is recorded as having shot down 21 bombers (10 twin-engined and 11 single-engined), 25 single-engined fighters and 4 single-engined reconnaissance aircraft. 21 of these aerial victories were achieved whilst conducting escort sorties.

Of his ground victories, the 7 aircraft were destroyed at the Stryj airfield on the 22.06.1941. 3 trucks were destroyed near Tarnopol on the 01.07.1941, and 2 more were destroyed near Boguslaw on the 08.08.1941. The 2 trains were destroyed along the line Staraja Russa—Krestzy on the 04.03.1942.