Quick Facts
Biography
Rudolf Trenkel (17 January 1918 – 26 April 2001) was a German World War II Luftwaffe 138 victories Flying ace and recipient of the coveted Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
Rudolf Trenkel served in Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) during the Battle of Britain. From February to June 1942 he was assigned to Jagdgeschwader 77 (JG 77) only to be transferred back to JG 52, taking command of the 2nd Staffel. In 1944 he was forced to bail out five times within ten days. On 14 July 1944, Trenkel was credited with his 100th aerial victory. He was the 83rd Luftwaffe pilot to achieve the century mark. After the capitulation he was taken prisoner of war by US forces only to be turned over to the Red Army.
Awards
- Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe (11 December 1942)
- German Cross in Gold on 15 January 1943 as Feldwebel in the 2./JG 52
- Iron Cross (1939)
- 2nd Class (12 September 1940)
- 1st Class (18 October 1940)
- Wound Badge (1939)
- in Black
- Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 19 August 1943 as Oberfeldwebel and pilot in the 2./JG 52
- Obermaier 1989, p. 217.
- Patzwall & Scherzer 2001, p. 479.
- Fellgiebel 2000, p. 52.