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The Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: Axis Powers Pilots and Crew




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V1.01 Data derived from many sources. Perfection is our goal: Corrections and Additions are encouraged and requested. Please Email us

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The only authorised publication of the Kracker Luftwaffe Archive: anything else has been stolen and infringes my copyright.

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In some cases you can see a pilot's extended record of victories in date order from our Luftwaffe Victories database
To see a list of German WW2 Aces consult German WW2 Aces Database
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There is a rogue group of copyright infringers who have stolen a much earlier version of my data - from at least 10 years ago - and have the affrontery to publish that, along with using my name, on their poorly researched website. They claim this is the 'original' Kracker Archive, a ridiculous claim since my Archive has been in a state of continuous development for over 30 years and nobody - NOBODY - has the original. They have no right to use my name or my data and readers who come across this nonsense should do nothing to encourage theft of this nature. I am outraged by this blatant theft and misrepresentation of my lifetime's work. The ONLY person I have ever authorized to publish my data and use my name is Kelvin Youngs, who earned my trust and respect many years ago and is authorized by me to publish my work on whichever website he organizes, currently this being its present home at the highly respected Aircrew Remembered.
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MAJOR SEARCH AND SORT ENHANCEMENTS: You can now search on Unit such as 3/SG-1, 5./JG 51. Note that some sources used to develop this Archive date back 3 decades and may not have been consistent: you should try various options. For example 5./JG 51 may have been encoded as 5/JG 51 or 5./JG-51. You can also search on aircraft types such as Me 109, P-47.

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You searched for: “ruffer

#Pilot/Crew
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PhotoUnitsAircraftAwards*************Notes*************LinksAuthorComments
1 Krause, WaltherObstStfkpt 10(Pz)/SG-9 (12/43 to 3/44 repl Oblt Dornemann)Hs 129B-2Assault Operational ClaspHe was a Lt when Stfkpt, and was replaced by Hptm Rudi Ruffer (RK). Later Obst and believed to have survived the war. Found on a SG-9 Personnel list. Source: Colin Fuller.
2 Ruffer, Rudolf HeinzHptm1920/01/07Eisenhammer, Schlesien LKS 4 (10/39, CK), 1./Erg JGr Ost, 8.(Pz)/SchG 1, 11.(Pz)/SG 9, Stfkpt 10.(Pz)/SG 9 (03/44 Vinnitsa Ukraine)Bf 109, Hs 129 B-2/R-2 "G + -" Werknr 0364, Hs 129 B-2 Werknr 141966 (lost 16/07/44)
EP (08/01/43)

RK (09/06/44)
Deutsches Kreuz - Gold (20/03/44)
EK 1 & 2
Bomber Operational Clasp with pendant
KilledInAction (KIA) 16 July, 1944 at 1930 hours on a low-level mission against a Soviet tank breakthrough between Kovel and Lemberg (Lviv, aka Lemberg) Russia, when his AC took a direct flak hit over the Radekhiv- Stoyaniv railroad, crashing in flames NE of Lviv. Shot down behind Russian Lines in the winter of 42-43 by Russian AA fire, however rescued by German Infantry. At the time, he was serving in "Special Detachment Stepp". 300 missions, 80 tanks destroyed (72 in 80 missions!). Added: The VDK says Hptm Ruffer's remains have not been transferred to a military cemetery because his gravesite has yet to be found (D.Drury). RK awarded after destroying 72 tanks (CK)

3 Schulze, WilliUffz10/1/1917BorringhausenI/NJG-3 (Vechta)Bf 110C-2 Werk # 3025 "D5 + ??" (lost 5/21/41) Night Fighter Operational Clasp KIC 21 May, 1941; crash location unknown, buried Görlitz Friedhof, Block 29/2/35. Source: A. Rosseels. Added: Pilot and Prüfmeister Willy Rüffer killed when both engines failed while on a workshop flight in the area of the Vechta airfield (F.Braun).
4 Weber, GebhardLt9/1/1921Stfkpt 13(Pz)/SG-9 (3/44 Ukraine), Stfkpt 10(Pz)/SG-9 (7/44 to wars end, S.U.)Hs 129B-2Assault Operational ClaspWeber replaced Rudi Ruffer of 10 Staffel after he was killed. He earlier replaced a "Wenzel" who was Stfkpt in 13(PZ)/SG-9 and was wounded in March, 1944. This may be Lt Günter Wenzel, however I had no previous knowledge of his being in SG-9. Source: SG-9 Personnel list via Colin Fuller.

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Wer vor der Vergangenheit die Augen verschließt, wird blind für die Gegenwart. Richard von Weizsäcker

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