Hans-Ulrich Rudel (1916–1982)

This book is written very well. Rudel does a good job of putting you into the cockpit with him as he flies and fights his way through the Eastern Front. That being said, the copy that I read had many grammatical and spelling errors, presumably the translators fault. On top of all this it was hard to develop any sort of sympathy for a man who led a Neo-Nazi political party after the war.

All during my reading of the book in the back of my mind Im constantly remembering that this man was a show more unapologetic Nazi till the day he died. Perhaps this shouldnt be reflected in my rating of the book itself, as very little about this is opined on but regardless it did effect my enjoyment as I read it. show less

I enjoy reading about WWII and there are few that seem available in English that area such telling and potent views from the other side. Earning the highest decorations issued for air aces, Rudel saw the war from the Eastern front to the fall of Berlin losing limbs and hope along the way. His aspect from altitude and heroic attitude makes for a fascinating read.

This book is written very well. Rudel does a good job of putting you into the cockpit with him as he flies and fights his way through the Eastern Front. That being said, the copy that I read had many grammatical and spelling errors, presumably the translators fault. On top of all this it was hard to develop any sort of sympathy for a man who led a Neo-Nazi political party after the war.

All during my reading of the book in the back of my mind Im constantly remembering that this man was a show more unapologetic Nazi till the day he died. Perhaps this shouldnt be reflected in my rating of the book itself, as very little about this is opined on but regardless it did effect my enjoyment as I read it. show less

From the Bantam War Book Series on World War II, this book presents a portrait of Germany's foremost pilot in the air war on the Russian front.
Rubel was one of the most successful pilots on any side of any war. With over 300 tank kills, and around 3000 sorties under deteriorating conditions. The most decorated German in WW2 he gives a unique perspective on the war from his viewpoint some years later. Unfortunately; his narrative style is more that of someone telling tales in a Bar but this show more could be because of the loss of his logs on his surrender. He doesn't get into much of the politics aside from a hatred of socialism and a fear of the red menace. Coming from East Germany it's really no surprise. He also doesn't get much into the operational or strategic aspects as to why his unit is where it is. show less