# Rudolf Resch
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{{short description|German World War II fighter pilot (1914–1943)}}
{{Infobox military person
|name=Rudolf Resch
|image=Rudolf Resch.jpg
|birth_date=7 April 1914
|death_date={{death date and age|1943|7|11|1914|4|7|df=y}}
|caption=
|birth_place= [Kamenz](/source/Kamenz)
|death_place= [Oryol](/source/Oryol)
|death_cause=[Killed in action](/source/Killed_in_action)
|nickname=
|allegiance={{flag|Nazi Germany}}
|branch={{air force|Nazi Germany}}
|service_years=1934–1943
|rank=''[Major](/source/Major_(Germany))'' (major)
|unit=[J/88](/source/Jagdgruppe_88), [Condor Legion](/source/Condor_Legion)
[JG 77](/source/Jagdgeschwader_77), [JG 52](/source/Jagdgeschwader_52), [JG 51](/source/Jagdgeschwader_51)
|commands=3./JG 77, 6./JG 52, IV./JG 51
|battles={{hidden
|''See battles''
|{{plainlist|
*[Spanish Civil War](/source/Spanish_Civil_War)
----
*[World War II](/source/World_War_II)
*:[Battle of France](/source/Battle_of_France)
*:[Battle of Britain](/source/Battle_of_Britain)
*:[Eastern Front](/source/Eastern_Front_(World_War_II))
*::[Operation Barbarossa](/source/Operation_Barbarossa)
*::[Second Battle of Kharkov](/source/Second_Battle_of_Kharkov)
*::[Battle of the Caucasus](/source/Battle_of_the_Caucasus)
*::[Battle of Kursk](/source/Battle_of_Kursk){{KIA}}
}}
|-
|headerstyle=background:#dbdbdb
|style=text-align:center;
}}
|awards=[Spanish Cross](/source/Spanish_Cross) in Gold with Swords
[Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross)
|other_work=
}}
'''Rudolf Resch''' (7 April 1914 – 11 July 1943) was a German [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe) [military aviator](/source/military_aviation) during the [Spanish Civil War](/source/Spanish_Civil_War) and [World War II](/source/World_War_II), a [fighter ace](/source/fighter_ace) listed with 94 enemy aircraft shot down. A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy [aircraft](/source/aircraft) during aerial combat.{{sfn|Spick|1996|pp=3–4}} He was credited with one aerial during the Spanish Civil War and further 93 on the [Eastern Front](/source/Eastern_Front_(World_War_II)) of World War II.
Born in [Kamenz](/source/Kamenz), Resch volunteered for service with the [Condor Legion](/source/Condor_Legion) during the Spanish Civil War where he was assigned to [''Jagdgruppe'' 88](/source/Jagdgruppe_88) (J/88—88th Fighter Group). Following service in Spain, Resch was posted to [''Jagdgeschwader'' 77](/source/Jagdgeschwader_77) (JG 77—77th Fighter Wing) and became a ''[Staffelkapitän](/source/Staffelkapit%C3%A4n)'' (squadron leader). Serving in the [Battle of France](/source/Battle_of_France) and [Battle of Britain](/source/Battle_of_Britain), he was then transferred to [''Jagdgeschwader'' 52](/source/Jagdgeschwader_52) (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing). He claimed his first aerial victory of World War II on 22 June 1941, the day German forces launched [Operation Barbarossa](/source/Operation_Barbarossa), the invasion of the Soviet Union. On 6 September 1942, Resch was awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross) after 58 aerial victories claimed in World War II.
Resch was appointed ''[Gruppenkommandeur](/source/Gruppenkommandeur)'' (group commander) of IV. ''[Gruppe](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945))'' (4th group) of [''Jagdgeschwader'' 51](/source/Jagdgeschwader_51) "Mölders" (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing) on 1 March 1943. He was [killed in action](/source/killed_in_action) on 11 July 1943, when he was shot down near [Oryol](/source/Oryol) during the [Battle of Kursk](/source/Battle_of_Kursk).
==Early life and career==
Resch was born on 7 April 1914 in [Kamenz](/source/Kamenz), at the time in the [Kingdom of Saxony](/source/Kingdom_of_Saxony), part of the [German Empire](/source/German_Empire).{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=185}} His father was a professor of [Slavic studies](/source/Slavic_studies) at the [Dresden University of Technology](/source/Dresden_University_of_Technology).{{sfn|Braatz|2010|p=10}} In early 1938, he joined the [Condor Legion](/source/Condor_Legion) and was posted to 2. ''[Staffel](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945))'' (2nd squadron) of [''Jagdgruppe'' 88](/source/Jagdgruppe_88) (J/88—88th Fighter Group) as a [fighter pilot](/source/fighter_pilot). On 17 July, he claimed an aerial victory over a [Polikarpov I-15](/source/Polikarpov_I-15) fighter aircraft. On 14 April 1939, he was awarded the [Spanish Cross](/source/Spanish_Cross) in Gold with Swords ({{lang|de|Spanienkreuz in Gold mit Schwertern}}), for his service in the Spanish Civil War.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}} Following his return to Germany, he served as an instructor at the [''Jagdfliegerschule'' Schleißheim](/source/Jagdfliegerschule), the fighter pilot school at [Schleißheim](/source/Flugplatz_Schlei%C3%9Fheim).{{sfn|Braatz|2010|p=40}}
==World War II==
World War II in Europe began on Friday 1 September 1939 when German forces [invaded Poland](/source/Invasion_of_Poland). Resch was appointed ''[Staffelkapitän](/source/Staffelkapit%C3%A4n)'' (squadron leader) of 3. ''Staffel'' of [''Jagdgeschwader'' 77](/source/Jagdgeschwader_77) (JG 77—77th Fighter Wing) in April 1940 during the "[Phoney War](/source/Phoney_War)" period of World War II. He replaced ''Oberleutnant'' Werner Eichel. The ''Staffel'' belonged to I. ''[Gruppe](/source/Organization_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1933%E2%80%931945))'' (1st group) of JG 77, at the time based in [Odendorf](/source/Odendorf), preparing for the upcoming [Battle of France](/source/Battle_of_France).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2001|pp=453–454}} During the [Battle of Britain](/source/Battle_of_Britain) on 31 August, Resch made a [forced landing](/source/forced_landing) in his [Messerschmitt Bf 109](/source/Messerschmitt_Bf_109) E-1 (''Werknummer'' 3642—factory number) following aerial combat with the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force) (RAF) over the [Thames Estuary](/source/Thames_Estuary).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=107}}
On 6 October 1940, Resch was transferred and made ''Staffelkapitän'' of 6. ''Staffel'' of [''Jagdgeschwader'' 52](/source/Jagdgeschwader_52) (JG 52—52nd Fighter Wing). He replaced ''Oberleutnant'' Werner Lederer in this function who was transferred.{{sfn|Schreier|1990|p=189}} The ''Staffel'' was subordinated to II. ''Gruppe'' of JG 52 which was headed by ''Hauptmann'' Wilhelm Ensslen.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=151}} In consequence, command of his former 3. ''Staffel'' of JG 77 passed on to ''Oberleutnant'' [Karl-Gottfried Nordmann](/source/Karl-Gottfried_Nordmann).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=101}} At the time, the ''Gruppe'' was based at [Peuplingues](/source/Peuplingues) near the [English Channel](/source/English_Channel) and fighting the RAF during the Battle of Britain.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=144}} II. ''Gruppe'' was withdrawn from the Channel Front on 2 November and moved to [München Gladbach](/source/M%C3%B6nchengladbach), present-day Mönchengladbach, on 5 November for a period of rest and replenishment.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|pp=38–39}} The ''Gruppe'' had also lost its commanding officer, Ensslen, who was [killed in action](/source/killed_in_action) on 2 November. Ensslen was replaced by ''Hauptmann'' [Erich Woitke](/source/Erich_Woitke).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=151}} On 22 December, II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to [Leeuwarden Airfield](/source/Leeuwarden_Air_Base) where they were tasked with flying fighter patrols along the Dutch [North Sea](/source/North_Sea) coast. On 15 January 1941, the ''Gruppe'' moved to [Ypenburg Airfield](/source/Ypenburg_Airport) where they stayed until 10 February.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2002|p=149}}
===Operation Barbarossa===
thumb|left|Map indicating Operation Barbarossa's attack plan|alt=A map of Eastern Europe depicting the movement of military units and formations.
In preparation of [Operation Barbarossa](/source/Operation_Barbarossa), the German invasion of the Soviet Union, II. ''Gruppe'' of JG 52, without a period of replenishment in Germany, was ordered to airfields close to the German-Soviet [demarcation line](/source/demarcation_line). While the ''[Gruppenstab](/source/Stab_(Luftwaffe_designation))'' (group headquarters unit) and 4. ''Staffel'' were based at [Suwałki](/source/Suwa%C5%82ki) in northeastern Poland, 5. and 6. ''Staffel'' were transferred to a forward airfield at [Sobolewo](/source/Sobolewo%2C_Bia%C5%82ystok_County). For the invasion, II. ''Gruppe'' of JG 52 was subordinated to the ''Geschwaderstab'' (headquarters unit) of [''Jagdgeschwader'' 27](/source/Jagdgeschwader_27) (JG 27—27th Fighter Wing). The ''Geschwader'' was part of the [VIII. ''Fliegerkorps''](/source/8th_Air_Corps_(Germany)) commanded by ''[Generaloberst](/source/Generaloberst)'' [Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen](/source/Wolfram_Freiherr_von_Richthofen) which supported the northern wing of [Army Group Centre](/source/Army_Group_Centre).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=26}}
On 22 June, the German forces launched the attack on the Soviet Union which opened the [Eastern Front](/source/Eastern_Front_(World_War_II)). That day, Resch claimed his first aerial victory of World War II. He was credited with shooting down a [Tupolev SB](/source/Tupolev_SB)-2 bomber in the afternoon.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=41}}{{sfn|Weal|2007|p=10}} On 25 June, the ''Gruppe'' moved to an airfield at [Varėna](/source/Var%C4%97na) in Lithuania which had previously been occupied by the [Soviet Air Forces](/source/Soviet_Air_Forces) (VVS—''Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily''). Two days later, the ''Gruppe'' moved to [Maladzyechna](/source/Maladzyechna), supporting the advance [''Panzergruppe'' 3](/source/3rd_Panzer_Army) near [Barysaw](/source/Barysaw).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=27}} Flying from this airfield, Resch claimed an [Ilyushin DB-3](/source/Ilyushin_DB-3) bomber shot down on 2 July.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=328}} Two days later, the ''Gruppe'' moved to Sloboda, east of [Minsk](/source/Minsk), before moving to an airfield named Lepel-West at [Lyepyel](/source/Lyepyel) on 5 July. From this airfield, II. ''Gruppe'' flew [combat air patrol](/source/combat_air_patrol)s and fighter escort missions to combat areas near [Vitebsk](/source/Vitebsk) and [Haradok](/source/Haradok), supporting [''Panzergruppe'' 2](/source/2nd_Panzer_Army) and 3 in their advance to Vitebsk and [Polotsk](/source/Polotsk).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|pp=77–78}} Here, Resch claimed the destruction of a SB-3 bomber on 7 July.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=42}} On 12 July, the ''Gruppe'' moved to Kamary, an airfield in the western parts of Vitebsk.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=28}} Resch shot down a SB-2 bomber on 17 July.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=42}} On 22 July, II. ''Gruppe'' advanced to the airfield Andrejewka near [Smolensk](/source/Smolensk) where it stayed until 5 August.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=78}} Operating from Andrejewka, Resch shot down another SB-2 bomber on 27 July.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=43}}
II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to relocate to [Soltsy](/source/Soltsy), {{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} west of [Lake Ilmen](/source/Lake_Ilmen), on 5 August in support of the [16th Army](/source/16th_Army_(Wehrmacht)) and [Army Group North](/source/Army_Group_North).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=28}} Here, the ''Gruppe'' supported the fighting south of Lake Ilmen, and the German attacks on [Shlisselburg](/source/Shlisselburg), [Leningrad](/source/Leningrad) and the Soviet fleet at [Kronstadt](/source/Kronstadt).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=79}} Operating from Soltsy, Resch claimed one [Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-1](/source/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-1) fighter shot down on 16 and 19 August.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|pp=43–44}} On 24 August, II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to an airfield at Spasskaya Polist on the river [Polist](/source/Polist), south of [Chudovo](/source/Chudovo%2C_Chudovsky_District%2C_Novgorod_Oblast) and north of [Novgorod](/source/Veliky_Novgorod) on Lake Ilmen, supporting the [18th Army](/source/18th_Army_(Wehrmacht)) in its advance towards the [Neva](/source/Neva) and [Lake Ladoga](/source/Lake_Ladoga).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|pp=29, 31}} Resch claimed three MiG-1 fighters while flying from Spasskaya Polist, one on 25 August and two the following day.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=44}} Since German forces had reached the proximity of Leningrad, II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to [Lyuban](/source/Lyuban_(town)%2C_Leningrad_Oblast), approximately {{Convert|70|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} to Leningrad and located on the road to [Moscow](/source/Moscow).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=80}} The ''Gruppe'' stayed at Lyuban until 30 September, flying missions to Shlisselburg, Leningrad and [Mga](/source/Mga).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=31}} Fighting in this combat area, Resch claimed six aerial victories in September 1941. On 2 September, he was credited with the destruction of a MiG-1 fighter followed by a [Polikarpov R-5](/source/Polikarpov_R-5) reconnaissance bomber on 5 September followed by another MiG-1 fighter on 11 September.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}} The following day, he claimed another MiG-1 fighter,{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=329}} followed by two further MiG-1 fighters shot down on 26 and 27 September.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|pp=45–46}}
On 2 October, German forces launched [Operation Typhoon](/source/Battle_of_Moscow), the failed [strategic offensive](/source/strategic_offensive) to capture Moscow. In support of this offensive, II. ''Gruppe'' was moved to Stabna, located just north of Smolensk.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=81}} Operating from Stabna, Resch shot down a Mig-1 fighter on 3 October and a [Polikarpov I-16](/source/Polikarpov_I-16) fighter {{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} south of [Rzhev](/source/Rzhev) on 8 October.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}} On 12 October, II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to [Novodugino](/source/Novodugino) where it stayed for four days.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=33}} The ''Gruppe'' then moved to an airfield west of [Kalinin](/source/Tver), present-day Tver, on 16 October.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=81}} The following day, Resch claimed two MiG-1 fighters and two DB-3 bombers on 18 October. These were his last claims in 1941.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}} He was awarded the [Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe](/source/Honour_Goblet_of_the_Luftwaffe) ({{lang|de|Ehrenpokal der Luftwaffe}}) on 20 December 1941.{{sfn|Obermaier|1989|p=185}}
===Eastern Front===
In late January 1942, II. ''Gruppe'' was withdrawn from the Eastern Front and sent to Jesau near [Königsberg](/source/K%C3%B6nigsberg) for a period of recuperation and replenishment, arriving on 24 January 1942.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=446}} In Jesau, the ''Gruppe'' received many factory new Bf 109 F-4 aircraft. On 14 April, II. ''Gruppe'' received orders to move to [Pilsen](/source/Plze%C5%88), present-day Plzeň in the Czech Republic, for relocation to the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=447}} The ''Gruppe'' had also received a new commander, Woitke had been transferred and was replaced by ''Hauptmann'' [Johannes Steinhoff](/source/Johannes_Steinhoff) who thus became Resch's commanding officer.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=285}} Following a series of relocations, including a short deployment on the [Crimea](/source/Crimea) where Resch claimed an [Ilyushin Il-2](/source/Ilyushin_Il-2) [ground attack](/source/ground_attack) aircraft on 8 May.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=101}}{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}} The ''Gruppe'' was then ordered to the airfield named Kharkov-Waitschenko on 14 May and participated in the [Second Battle of Kharkov](/source/Second_Battle_of_Kharkov).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|pp=102–103}} The next day, Resch was credited with shooting down a [Polikarpov I-153](/source/Polikarpov_I-153) fighter.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}} On 16 May, the ''Gruppe'' moved to Artyomovsk, present-day [Bakhmut](/source/Bakhmut), where they stayed until 23 May supporting German forces fighting in the Battle of Kharkov.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=103}} Operating from Artyomovsk, Resch shot down a MiG-1 fighter on 20 May,{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=330}} and one on 21 and 22 May each.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}} On 23 May, the ''Gruppe'' was ordered to relocate to [Barvinkove](/source/Barvinkove).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=103}} There, Resch claimed a [Vultee V-11](/source/Vultee_V-11) attack aircraft and a [Petlyakov Pe-2](/source/Petlyakov_Pe-2) bomber on 26 May.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
On 1 June, II. ''Gruppe'' moved to an airfield at Grakowo, located approximately halfway between [Kharkov](/source/Kharkov) and [Kupiansk](/source/Kupiansk). The main German objectives in that combat area were, breakthrough to the upper [Don](/source/Don_(river)) and capture of [Voronezh](/source/Voronezh).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=104}} Resch claimed the destruction of an Il-2 ground attack aircraft that day.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}} On 10 June, he was credited with two aerial victories, a further Il-2 aircraft,{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=331}} and a MiG-1 fighter. Three days later, he claimed two [Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov LaGG-3](/source/Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov_LaGG-3) fighters destroyed.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}} Flying Bf 109 F-4/R1 (''Werknummer'' 13358), Resch was wounded in combat on 21 June near Sochorowka.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=502}} On 26 June, the ''Gruppe'' moved to an airfield at Bilyi Kolodyaz, approximately {{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} southeast of [Vovchansk](/source/Vovchansk), and to an airfield named Ssowy south of [Kursk](/source/Kursk) on 3 July, before returning to Artemovsk on 8 July. On 14 July, II. ''Gruppe'' again relocated, this time south to Chatzepetowka, and then on 17 July to [Taganrog](/source/Taganrog) located on the [Sea of Azov](/source/Sea_of_Azov).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|pp=104–106}} There, Resch shot down a LaGG-3 fighter on 19 July, and two further LaGG-3 fighters the following day.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|pp=485–486}} On 22 July, II. ''Gruppe'' moved to an airfield named Nowy-Cholan, south of [Tatsinskaya](/source/Tatsinskaya_(rural_locality)), where the ''Gruppe'' flew combat air patrols.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=106}} There, Resch claimed a [Sukhoi Su-2](/source/Sukhoi_Su-2) aircraft shot down on 24 July. The next day, he claimed an I-153 fighter, an I-16 fighter and a LaGG-3 fighter.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=331}} For 40 aerial victories claimed to date,{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=106}} he was awarded the [German Cross](/source/German_Cross) in Gold ({{Lang|de|Deutsches Kreuz in Gold}}) on 27 July 1942.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}}
Following several relocations, II. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to Tusov on 20 August. Located approximately {{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} southwest of [Kalach-na-Donu](/source/Kalach-na-Donu) on the western bank of the Don, the ''Gruppe'' operated in the combat area of [Stalingrad](/source/Stalingrad).{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=107}} Until end of August, Resch claimed ten further aerial victories. He shot down a LaGG-3 fighter on 23 August, the next day he claimed a [Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3](/source/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-3) fighter. On 25 August, a [Yakovlev Yak-1](/source/Yakovlev_Yak-1) fighter and LaGG-3 fighter fell to his guns, followed by one LaGG-3 fighter on 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 August, respectively.{{sfn|Barbas|2005|pp=333–334}} Resch was awarded the [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross) ({{lang|de|Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes}}) on 6 September 1942 for 50 aerial victories claimed.{{sfn|Weal|2004|p=122}}
===Group commander===
Resch was appointed ''[Gruppenkommandeur](/source/Gruppenkommandeur)'' (group commander) of IV. ''Gruppe'' of [''Jagdgeschwader'' 51](/source/Jagdgeschwader_51) "Mölders" (JG 51—51st Fighter Wing) on 1 March 1943. He replaced ''Hauptmann'' Johann Knauth who was transferred.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=143}}{{sfn|Aders|Held|1993|pp=134, 251}} Command of his former 6. ''Staffel'' of JG 52 was passed on to ''Oberleutnant'' [Gustav Denk](/source/Gustav_Denk).{{sfn|Weal|2007|p=33}} His three squadron leaders were, ''Oberleutnant'' [Horst-Günther von Fassong](/source/Horst-G%C3%BCnther_von_Fassong) heading 10. ''Staffel'', ''Hauptmann'' [Adolf Borchers](/source/Adolf_Borchers) in charge of 11. ''Staffel'', and ''Hauptmann'' [Wilhelm Moritz](/source/Wilhelm_Moritz) leading 12. ''Staffel''.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=143}} The ''Gruppe'' had just completed conversion from the Bf 109 F-2 to the [Focke-Wulf Fw 190](/source/Focke-Wulf_Fw_190) A-4 and was based at Smolensk. In that combat area, Army Group Centre had launched [Operation Büffel](/source/Operation_B%C3%BCffel), a series of retreats eliminating the [Rzhev salient](/source/Battles_of_Rzhev).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=96–97}} On 21 March, IV. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to [Bryansk](/source/Bryansk) where it was deployed over the left wing of Army Group Centre. On 23 March, Resch claimed his first aerial victory as ''Gruppenkommandeur'' when he shot down a LaGG-3 fighter northeast of [Zhizdra](/source/Zhizdra).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=100–101}}
On the afternoon of 11 April, IV. ''Gruppe'' escorted 16 [Junkers Ju 87](/source/Junkers_Ju_87) [dive bomber](/source/dive_bomber)s from III. ''Gruppe'' of [''Sturzkampfgeschwader'' 1](/source/Sturzkampfgeschwader_1) (StG 1—1st Dive Bomber Wing) on a bombing mission to various targets near Kursk. On this mission, Resch claimed two LaGG-3 fighters shot down north of Kursk.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=104}} The ''Gruppe'' flew missions to the combat area south and southeast of [Oryol](/source/Oryol) on 25 April. That day, Resch claimed a MiG-3 fighter shot down.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=106, 147}} The following day, the ''Gruppe'' was ordered to the airfield named Sjablowo, a satellite airfield near Oryol.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=107}} On 7 May, large Soviet bomber and ground attack aircraft units attacked Luftwaffe airfields in the area of Oryol and Bryansk. Defending against this attack, Resch was credited with destruction of an Il-2 ground attack aircraft.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=109, 148}} Resch was then credited with shooting down a Yak-1 fighter east of [Verkhovye](/source/Verkhovye%2C_Verkhovsky_District%2C_Oryol_Oblast) on 11 May. The following day, he claimed a LaGG-3 shot down south Oryol, the only claim by IV. ''Gruppe'' that day.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=110}} On 2 June, IV. ''Gruppe'' flew escort missions and combat air patrols to Kursk. Without loss, IV. ''Gruppe'' pilots claimed 13 aerial victories, including two LaGG-3 fighters by Resch.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=112, 148}} Combat on 8 June, led the ''Gruppe'' to an area east and southeast of Oryol. On two separate missions, Resch shot down a LaGG-3 fighter in the morning and a La-5 fighter later that evening.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=114, 148}}
===Operation Citadel and death===
thumb|upright|right|German penetration during the Battle of Kursk
On 5 July, German forces launched [Operation Citadel](/source/Operation_Citadel) in a failed attempt to eliminate the Kursk salient that initiated the [Battle of Kursk](/source/Battle_of_Kursk). In preparation of this operation, IV. ''Gruppe'' was ordered to an airfield named Oryol-West and supported ''Generaloberst'' [Walter Model](/source/Walter_Model)'s [9th Army](/source/9th_Army_(Wehrmacht)) on the northern pincer. That day, pilots of the ''Gruppe'' flew up to five combat missions in the combat area near [Maloarkhangelsk](/source/Maloarkhangelsk%2C_Oryol_Oblast). The ''Gruppe'' escorted bombers from [''Kampfgeschwader'' 4](/source/Kampfgeschwader_4) (KG 4—4th Bomber Wing), [KG 51](/source/Kampfgeschwader_51) and [KG 53](/source/Kampfgeschwader_53) as well as Ju 87 dive bombers from StG 1.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=117}} The ''Gruppe'' claimed 36 aerial victories that day, including two La-5 fighters by Resch, one northeast of Maloarkhangelsk and another south-southeast of [Trosna](/source/Trosna%2C_Trosnyansky_District%2C_Oryol_Oblast).{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=117, 149}}
In the early morning of 6 July, Resch shot down ''Leytnant'' Yevgeniy Stepanov from the 157 IAP (Fighter Aviation Regiment—''Istrebitelny Aviatsionny Polk'').{{sfn|Bergström|2007|p=48}} On 8 July, the ''Gruppe'' flew multiple missions in support of the Army near [Ponyri](/source/Ponyri%2C_Ponyrovsky_District%2C_Kursk_Oblast) as well as escort missions for Ju 87 dive bombers from StG 1. In their defense, Resch shot down a Yak-1 fighter west of [Livny](/source/Livny) and a La-5 fighter west of Maloarkhangelsk. The next day, the 9th Army was fighting near Olkhovatka and Ponyri. The ''Gruppe'' claimed 24 aerial victories, including a LaGG-3 fighter and an Il-2 ground attack aircraft by Resch.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=119, 150}} On 11 July, Resch claimed another Il-2 ground attack aircraft.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}} He was then shot down and killed in action in his Fw 190 A-5 (''Werknummer'' 7264) near Judinka, the combat area near Maloarkhangelsk.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|pp=120, 158}}{{sfn|Aders|Held|1993|p=136}}{{sfn|Weal|2006|p=93}} Command of IV. ''Gruppe'' was temporarily given to ''Hauptmann'' [Wilhelm Moritz](/source/Wilhelm_Moritz) before ''Major'' [Hans-Ekkehard Bob](/source/Hans-Ekkehard_Bob) took command of the ''Gruppe'' on 1 August.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=143}}{{sfn|Weal|2006|p=93}}
==Summary of career==
===Aerial victory claims===
According to US historian [David T. Zabecki](/source/David_T._Zabecki), Resch was credited with 93 aerial victories during World War II.{{sfn|Zabecki|2014|p=1614}} Spick lists Resch with 94 aerial victories claimed in an unknown number combat missions. This figure includes 93 aerial victories on the Eastern Front, and one further victory during the Spanish Civil War.{{sfn|Spick|1996|p=234}} Mathews and Foreman, authors of ''Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims'', researched the [German Federal Archives](/source/German_Federal_Archives) and found documentation for 93 aerial victory claims. This number includes one claim during the Spanish Civil War and 65 on the Eastern Front.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|pp=1032–1034}}
Victory claims were logged to a map-reference (PQ = ''Planquadrat''), for example "PQ 44243". The ''Luftwaffe'' grid map ({{lang|de|Jägermeldenetz}}) covered all of Europe, western Russia and North Africa and was composed of rectangles measuring 15 [minutes](/source/Minute_of_arc) of [latitude](/source/latitude) by 30 minutes of [longitude](/source/longitude), an area of about {{Convert|360|sqmi|sqkm|sp=us}}. These sectors were then subdivided into 36 smaller units to give a location area {{Convert|3|x|4|km|mi|abbr=on|sp=us}} in size.{{sfn|''Planquadrat''}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders collapsible" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none; text-align:right; width: 100%;"
|-
! colspan="10" | Chronicle of aerial victories
|-
| colspan="10" style="text-align: left;" |
{{legend|#faecc8|This and the ? (question mark) indicates information discrepancies listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike, Bock, Mathews and Foreman.|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
|-
!scope="col" width="100px"| Claim
!scope="col"| Date
!scope="col"| Time
!scope="col" width="100px"| Type
!scope="col"| Location
!scope="col" style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" width="100px" | Claim
!scope="col"| Date
!scope="col"| Time
!scope="col" width="100px"| Type
!scope="col"| Location
|-
! colspan="10" | – 2. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgruppe'' 88 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}}
Spanish Civil War
|-
| 1
| 17 July 1938
| {{Center|—}}
| [I-15](/source/Polikarpov_I-15)
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" |
|
|
|
|
|-
! colspan="10" | – 6. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 52 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}}
Operation Barbarossa — 22 June – 5 December 1941
|-
| 2
| 22 June 1941
| 16:30
| [SB-2](/source/Tupolev_SB){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=41}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 13
| 5 September 1941
| 18:30
| [R-5](/source/Polikarpov_R-5){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}}
|
|-
| style="background:#e3d9ff;" | 3?{{Refn|This claim is not listed by Prien, Stemmer, Rodeike and Bock.{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=41}}|group="Note"}}
| 2 July 1941
| 19:27
| [DB-3](/source/Ilyushin_DB-3)
| Lukamly{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}}{{sfn|Barbas|2005|p=328}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 14
| 11 September 1941
| 08:53
| I-18 ([MiG-1](/source/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-1)){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}}
|
|-
| 4
| 7 July 1941
| 05:50
| SB-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=42}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 15
| 12 September 1941
| 09:15
| I-18 (MiG-1)
| east of Szarja{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}}
|-
| 5
| 17 July 1941
| 13:12
| SB-2{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=42}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 16
| 26 September 1941
| 10:19
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}}
|
|-
| 6
| 27 July 1941
| 11:18
| SB-2{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=43}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 17
| 27 September 1941
| 11:40
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
| 7
| 16 August 1941
| 05:46
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=43}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 18
| 3 October 1941
| 15:50
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
| 8
| 19 August 1941
| 06:51
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=44}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 19
| 8 October 1941
| 12:10
| [I-16](/source/Polikarpov_I-16)
| {{Convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [Rzhev](/source/Rzhev){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|-
| 9
| 25 August 1941
| 12:57
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=44}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 20
| 17 October 1941
| 15:45
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
| 10
| 26 August 1941
| 16:32
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=44}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 21
| 17 October 1941
| 15:55
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
| 11
| 26 August 1941
| 16:35
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=44}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 22
| 18 October 1941
| 09:45
| DB-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
| 12
| 2 September 1941
| 12:15
| I-18 (MiG-1){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=45}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 23
| 18 October 1941
| 09:50
| DB-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2003|p=46}}
|
|-
! colspan="10" | – 6. ''Staffel'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 52 –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|pp=1032–1033}}
Eastern Front — 7 May 1942 – 3 February 1943
|-
| 24
| 8 May 1942
| 12:10
| [Il-2](/source/Ilyushin_Il-2){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 50
| 29 August 1942
| 13:14
| [LaGG-3](/source/Lavochkin-Gorbunov-Gudkov_LaGG-3)
| PQ 44243{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=489}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [Stalingrad](/source/Stalingrad)
|-
| 25
| 15 May 1942
| 18:40
| [I-153](/source/Polikarpov_I-153){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 51
| 30 August 1942
| 13:15
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49213{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=489}}
northeast of Grebenka
|-
| 26
| 20 May 1942
| 13:35
| MiG-1
| southeast of Gussarowka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 52
| 31 August 1942
| style="background:#faecc8" | 09:38?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 08:50.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1033}}|group="Note"}}
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49533{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
{{Convert|35|-|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Stalingrad
|-
| 27
| 21 May 1942
| 18:30
| MiG-1{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 53
| 7 September 1942
| 06:04
| LaGG-3
| PQ 44453{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
south of [Mozdok](/source/Mozdok)
|-
| 28
| 22 May 1942
| 07:30
| MiG-1{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 54
| 7 September 1942
| style="background:#faecc8" | 09:30?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 09:50.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1033}}|group="Note"}}
| MiG-1
| PQ 44634{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
|-
| 29
| 26 May 1942
| 14:30
| [V-11](/source/Vultee_V-11) (Il-2){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 55
| 8 September 1942
| style="background:#faecc8" | 13:35?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 13:30.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1033}}|group="Note"}}
| R-5
| PQ 44634{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
|-
| 30
| 26 May 1942
| 15:36
| [Pe-2](/source/Petlyakov_Pe-2){{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=481}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 56
| 12 September 1942
| 16:45
| LaGG-3
| PQ 44613{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
|-
| 31
| 1 June 1942
| 09:25
| Il-2{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 57
| 17 September 1942
| 07:00
| MiG-1
| PQ 44633{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
|-
| 32
| 10 June 1942
| 13:15
| Il-2
| north of Bakejewka{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 58
| 17 September 1942
| 11:45
| LaGG-3
| PQ 54374{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=490}}
|-
| 33
| 10 June 1942
| 18:25
| MiG-1{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 59
| 23 September 1942
| 12:25
| I-153
| PQ 95551{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
{{Convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [Tuapse](/source/Tuapse)
|-
| 34
| 13 June 1942
| 10:32
| LaGG-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 60
| 5 October 1942
| style="background:#faecc8" | 14:30?{{Refn|According to Mathews and Foreman claimed at 14:50.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1033}}|group="Note"}}
| [Yak-1](/source/Yakovlev_Yak-1)
| PQ 95723{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
|-
| 35
| 13 June 1942
| 17:15
| LaGG-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=482}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 61
| 6 October 1942
| 09:42
| Pe-2
| PQ 95693{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of [Maykop](/source/Maykop)
|-
| 36
| 19 July 1942
| 11:43
| LaGG-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=485}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 62
| 10 October 1942
| 15:15
| Yak-1
| PQ 95722{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of Tuapse
|-
| 37
| 20 July 1942
| 08:45
| LaGG-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 63
| 11 October 1942
| 13:40
| Yak-1
| PQ 95747{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
vicinity of Tuapse
|-
| 38
| 20 July 1942
| 08:55
| LaGG-3{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
|
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 64
| 11 October 1942
| 13:48
| Yak-1
| PQ 95783{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of Tuapse
|-
| 39
| 24 July 1942
| 07:05
| [Su-2](/source/Sukhoi_Su-2) ([Seversky](/source/Republic_Aviation))
| PQ 18562{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 65
| 16 October 1942
| 12:35
| Yak-1
| PQ 94132{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=491}}
|-
| 40
| 25 July 1942
| 08:00
| I-153
| PQ 18842{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
{{Convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-northwest of Mykolaiv
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 66
| 29 October 1942
| 15:35
| Yak-1
| PQ 95722{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=492}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northeast of Tuapse
|-
| 41
| 25 July 1942
| 08:28
| I-16
| PQ 18391{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 67
| 7 January 1943
| 13:45
| [La-5](/source/Lavochkin_La-5)
| PQ 28762{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
|-
| 42
| 25 July 1942
| 08:35
| LaGG-3
| PQ 18384{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=486}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 68
| 10 January 1943
| 06:20
| La-5
| PQ 27121{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
east of Mykolaiv
|-
| 43
| 23 August 1942
| 09:00
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49193{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=487}}
Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 69
| 10 January 1943
| 06:21
| La-5
| PQ 27121{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
east of Mykolaiv
|-
| 44
| 24 August 1942
| 12:30
| [MiG-3](/source/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-3)
| PQ 44352{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=488}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 70
| 26 January 1943
| 11:30
| La-5
| PQ 0864{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
|-
| 45
| 25 August 1942
| 12:40
| Yak-1
| PQ 59171{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=488}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 71
| 30 January 1943
| 07:13
| La-5
| PQ 08681, southwest of Ssaraiski{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
|-
| 46
| 25 August 1942
| 17:30
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49112{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=488}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 72
| 30 January 1943
| 07:55
| La-5
| PQ 08691{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
|-
| 47
| 26 August 1942
| 08:30
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49244{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=488}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 73
| 30 January 1943
| 12:45
| La-5
| PQ 0883{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=498}}
|-
| 48
| 27 August 1942
| 12:14
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49273{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=489}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 74
| 2 February 1943
| 08:10
| Yak-1
| PQ 1867{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=499}}
|-
| 49
| 28 August 1942
| 05:15
| LaGG-3
| PQ 49221{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=489}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of Stalingrad
| style="border-left: 3px solid grey;" | 75
| 2 February 1943
| 13:30
| Yak-1
| PQ 08732{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2006|p=499}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [Novocherkassk](/source/Novocherkassk)
|-
! colspan="10" | – ''Stab'' IV. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 51 "Mölders" –{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|pp=1033–1034}}
Eastern Front — 4 February – 11 July 1943
|-
| 76
| 23 March 1943
| 14:35
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 44262{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=147}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [Zhizdra](/source/Zhizdra)
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 85
| 8 June 1943
| 19:40
| La-5
| PQ 35 Ost 63122{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [Oryol](/source/Oryol)
|-
| 77
| 11 April 1943
| 14:10
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 62181{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=147}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [Kursk](/source/Kursk)
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 86
| 5 July 1943
| 18:35
| La-5
| PQ 35 Ost 63612{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=149}}
{{Convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [Maloarkhangelsk](/source/Maloarkhangelsk%2C_Oryol_Oblast)
|-
| 78
| 11 April 1943
| 14:12
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 62181{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=147}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of Kursk
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 87
| 5 July 1943
| 18:59
| La-5
| PQ 35 Ost 63572{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=149}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southeast of [Trosna](/source/Trosna%2C_Trosnyansky_District%2C_Oryol_Oblast)
|-
| style="background:#e3d9ff;" | ?{{Refn|This claim is not listed by Mathews and Foreman.{{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1033}}|group="Note"}}
| 25 April 1943
| 10:35
| MiG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 53482{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=147}}
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 88
| 6 July 1943
| 06:25
| Yak-1
| PQ 35 Ost 63563{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=149}}
{{Convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Maloarkhangelsk
|-
| 79
| 7 May 1943
| 05:15
| Il-2
| PQ 35 Ost 54862{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of Oryol
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 89
| 8 July 1943
| 08:05
| Yak-1
| PQ 35 Ost 73574{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of [Livny](/source/Livny)
|-
| 80
| 11 May 1943
| 18:05
| Yak-1
| PQ 35 Ost 73163{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [Verkhovye](/source/Verkhovye%2C_Verkhovsky_District%2C_Oryol_Oblast)
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 90
| 8 July 1943
| 09:55
| La-5
| PQ 35 Ost 63553{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Maloarkhangelsk
|-
| 81
| 12 May 1943
| 08:15
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 63592{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Maloarkhangelsk
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 91
| 9 July 1943
| 08:34
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 63574{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Trosna
|-
| 82
| 2 June 1943
| 03:53
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 62113{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of Kursk
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 92
| 9 July 1943
| 08:36
| Il-2
| PQ 35 Ost 63573{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Trosna
|-
| 83
| 2 June 1943
| 10:43
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 63793{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southwest of [Zolotukhino](/source/Zolotukhino%2C_Zolotukhinsky_District%2C_Kursk_Oblast)
| style="border-left: 3px solid" | 93
| 11 July 1943
| 11:50
| Il-2
| PQ 35 Ost 63393{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=150}}
{{Convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} north-northwest of Maloarkhangelsk
|-
| 84
| 8 June 1943
| 09:36
| LaGG-3
| PQ 35 Ost 63414{{sfn|Prien|Stemmer|Rodeike|Bock|2012|p=148}}
{{Convert|20|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [Zmiyovka](/source/Zmiyovka%2C_Oryol_Oblast)
| style="border-left: 3px solid" |
|
|
|
|
|}
===Awards===
* [Spanish Cross](/source/Spanish_Cross) in Gold with Swords (14 April 1939){{sfn|Mathews|Foreman|2015|p=1032}}
* [Honour Goblet of the Luftwaffe](/source/Honour_Goblet_of_the_Luftwaffe) on 20 December 1941 as ''[Hauptmann](/source/Hauptmann)'' and ''[Staffelkapitän](/source/Staffelkapit%C3%A4n)''{{sfn|Patzwall|2008|p=169}}
* [German Cross](/source/German_Cross) in Gold on 27 July 1942 as ''Hauptmann'' in the 6./''Jagdgeschwader'' 52{{sfn|Patzwall|Scherzer|2001|p=374}}
* [Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross](/source/Knight's_Cross_of_the_Iron_Cross) on 6 September 1942 as ''Hauptmann'' and ''Staffelkapitän'' of the 5./''Jagdgeschwader'' 52{{sfn|Fellgiebel|2000|p=355}}{{Refn|According to Scherzer as ''Staffelkapitän'' of the 6./''Jagdgeschwader'' 52.{{sfn|Scherzer|2007|p=624}}|group="Note"}}
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group="Note"}}
==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|25em}}
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Aders
|first1=Gebhard
|last2=Held
|first2=Werner
|year=1993
|title=Jagdgeschwader 51 'Mölders' Eine Chronik – Berichte – Erlebnisse – Dokumente
|trans-title=Fighter Wing 51 'Mölders' A Chronicle - Reports - Experiences - Documents
|language=de
|location=Stuttgart, Germany
|publisher=Motorbuch Verlag
|isbn=978-3-613-01045-1
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Barbas
|first=Bernd
|year=2005
|title=Die Geschichte der II. Gruppe des Jagdgeschwaders 52
|trans-title=The History of 2nd Group of Fighter Wing 52
|language=de
|isbn=978-3-923457-71-7
}}
* {{Cite web
|last=Bergström
|first=Christer
|author-link=:sv:Christer Bergström
|work=Identifying a Luftwaffe Planquadrat
|title=Bergström Black Cross/Red Star website
|url=http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/bc-rs/planquadrat.htm
|access-date=28 January 2021
|ref={{sfnRef|''Planquadrat''}}
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222042030/http://www.bergstrombooks.elknet.pl/bc-rs/planquadrat.htm
|archive-date=22 December 2018
|url-status=dead
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Bergström
|first=Christer
|author-link=:sv:Christer Bergström
|year=2007
|title=Kursk—The Air Battle: July 1943
|location=Hersham, Surrey
|publisher=Classic Publications
|isbn=978-1-903223-88-8
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Braatz
|first=Kurt
|author-link=:de:Kurt Braatz
|year=2010
|title=Walter Krupinski - Jagdflieger, Geheimagent, General
|trans-title=Walter Krupinski - Fighter Pilot, Spy, General
|language=de
|location=Moosburg, Germany
|publisher=NeunundzwanzigSechs Verlag
|isbn=978-3-9811615-5-7
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Fellgiebel
|first=Walther-Peer
|author-link=:de:Walther-Peer Fellgiebel
|year=2000
|orig-date=1986
|title=Die Träger des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939–1945 — Die Inhaber der höchsten Auszeichnung des Zweiten Weltkrieges aller Wehrmachtteile
|trans-title=The Bearers of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939–1945 — The Owners of the Highest Award of the Second World War of all Wehrmacht Branches
|language=de
|location=Friedberg, Germany
|publisher=Podzun-Pallas
|isbn=978-3-7909-0284-6
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Mathews
|first1=Andrew Johannes
|last2=Foreman
|first2=John
|year=2015
|title=Luftwaffe Aces — Biographies and Victory Claims — Volume 3 M–R
|location=Walton on Thames
|publisher=Red Kite
|isbn=978-1-906592-20-2
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Obermaier
|first=Ernst
|year=1989
|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger der Luftwaffe Jagdflieger 1939 – 1945
|trans-title=The Knight's Cross Bearers of the Luftwaffe Fighter Force 1939 – 1945
|language=de
|location=Mainz, Germany
|publisher=Verlag Dieter Hoffmann
|isbn=978-3-87341-065-7
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Patzwall
|first1=Klaus D.
|last2=Scherzer
|first2=Veit
|year=2001
|title=Das Deutsche Kreuz 1941 – 1945 Geschichte und Inhaber Band II
|trans-title=The German Cross 1941 – 1945 History and Recipients Volume 2
|language=de
|location=Norderstedt, Germany
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall
|isbn=978-3-931533-45-8
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Patzwall
|first1=Klaus D.
|year=2008
|title=Der Ehrenpokal für besondere Leistung im Luftkrieg
|trans-title=The Honor Goblet for Outstanding Achievement in the Air War
|language=de
|location=Norderstedt, Germany
|publisher=Verlag Klaus D. Patzwall
|isbn=978-3-931533-08-3
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Prien
|first1=Jochen
|last2=Stemmer
|first2=Gerhard
|last3=Rodeike
|first3=Peter
|last4=Bock
|first4=Winfried
|year=2001
|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 2—Der "Sitzkrieg"—1.9.1939 bis 9.5.1941
|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 2—The "Phoney War"—1 September 1939 to 9 May 1940
|language=de
|location=Eutin, Germany
|publisher=Struve-Druck
|isbn=978-3-923457-59-5
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Prien
|first1=Jochen
|last2=Stemmer
|first2=Gerhard
|last3=Rodeike
|first3=Peter
|last4=Bock
|first4=Winfried
|year=2002
|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 4/II—Einsatz am Kanal und über England—26.6.1940 bis 21.6.1941
|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 4/II—Action at the Channel and over England—26 June 1940 to 21 June 1941
|language=de
|location=Eutin, Germany
|publisher=Struve-Druck
|isbn=978-3-923457-64-9
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Prien
|first1=Jochen
|last2=Stemmer
|first2=Gerhard
|last3=Rodeike
|first3=Peter
|last4=Bock
|first4=Winfried
|year=2003
|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 6/II—Unternehmen "BARBAROSSA"—Einsatz im Osten—22.6. bis 5.12.1941
|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 6/II—Operation "BARBAROSSA"—Action in the East—22 June to 5 December 1941
|language=de
|location=Eutin, Germany
|publisher=Struve-Druck
|isbn=978-3-923457-70-0
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Prien
|first1=Jochen
|last2=Stemmer
|first2=Gerhard
|last3=Rodeike
|first3=Peter
|last4=Bock
|first4=Winfried
|year=2006
|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 9/II—Vom Sommerfeldzug 1942 bis zur Niederlage von Stalingrad—1.5.1942 bis 3.2.1943
|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 9/II—From the 1942 Summer Campaign to the Defeat at Stalingrad—1 May 1942 to 3 February 1943
|language=de
|location=Eutin, Germany
|publisher=Struve-Druck
|isbn=978-3-923457-77-9
}}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Prien
|first1=Jochen
|last2=Stemmer
|first2=Gerhard
|last3=Rodeike
|first3=Peter
|last4=Bock
|first4=Winfried
|year=2012
|title=Die Jagdfliegerverbände der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1934 bis 1945—Teil 12/II—Einsatz im Osten—4.2. bis 31.12.1943
|trans-title=The Fighter Units of the German Air Force 1934 to 1945—Part 12/II—Action in the East—4 February to 31 December 1943
|language=de
|location=Eutin, Germany
|publisher=Buchverlag Rogge
|isbn=978-3-942943-05-5
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Scherzer
|first=Veit
|year=2007
|title=Die Ritterkreuzträger 1939–1945 Die Inhaber des Ritterkreuzes des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939 von Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm sowie mit Deutschland verbündeter Streitkräfte nach den Unterlagen des Bundesarchives
|trans-title=The Knight's Cross Bearers 1939–1945 The Holders of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 by Army, Air Force, Navy, Waffen-SS, Volkssturm and Allied Forces with Germany According to the Documents of the Federal Archives
|language=de
|location=Jena, Germany
|publisher=Scherzers Militaer-Verlag
|isbn=978-3-938845-17-2
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Schreier
|first=Hans
|year=1990
|title=JG 52 Das erfolgreichste Jagdgeschwader des 2. Weltkriegs
|trans-title=JG 52 The Most Successful Fighter Wing of World War II
|language=de
|location=Berg am See
|publisher=K. Vowinckel
|isbn=978-3-921655-66-5
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Spick
|first=Mike
|year=1996
|title=Luftwaffe Fighter Aces
|location=New York
|publisher=[Ivy Books](/source/Ivy_Books)
|isbn=978-0-8041-1696-1
|url-access=registration
|url=https://archive.org/details/luftwaffefighter00mike
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Weal
|first=John
|year=2004
|title=Jagdgeschwader 52: The Experten
|series=Aviation Elite Units
|volume=15
|location=Oxford, UK
|publisher=[Osprey Publishing](/source/Osprey_Publishing)
|isbn=978-1-84176-786-4
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Weal
|first=John
|year=2006
|title=Jagdgeschwader 51 "Mölders"
|series=Aviation Elite Units
|volume=22
|location=Oxford, UK
|publisher=[Osprey Publishing](/source/Osprey_Publishing)
|isbn=978-1-84603-045-1
}}
* {{Cite book
|last=Weal
|first=John
|year=2007
|title=More Bf 109 Aces of the Russian Front
|series=Aircraft of the Aces
|volume=76
|location=Oxford, UK
|publisher=[Osprey Publishing](/source/Osprey_Publishing)
|isbn=978-1-84603-177-9
}}
* {{Cite book
|editor-last=Zabecki
|editor-first=David T.
|editor-link=David T. Zabecki
|title=Germany at War: 400 Years of Military History
|location=Santa Barbara, California
|publisher=[ABC-Clio](/source/ABC-Clio)
|year=2014
|isbn=978-1-59884-981-3
}}
{{Refend}}
==External links==
*[http://www.luftwaffe39-45.historia.nom.br/ases/resch_rudolf.htm Luftwaffe 1939–1945 History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223095044/http://www.luftwaffe39-45.historia.nom.br/ases/resch_rudolf.htm |date=2011-02-23 }}
*[https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/25910 TracesOfWar.com]
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{succession box
|before=''Hauptmann'' Hans Knauth
|after=''Major'' [Hans-Ekkehard Bob](/source/Hans-Ekkehard_Bob)
|title=Commander of IV. ''Gruppe'' of ''Jagdgeschwader'' 51
|years=1 March 1943 – 11 July 1943
}}
{{s-end}}
{{Knight's Cross recipients of JG 52}}
{{Subject bar
| portal1=Aviation
| portal2=Biography
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Resch, Rudolf}}
Category:1914 births
Category:1943 deaths
Category:People from Kamenz
Category:Military personnel of the Kingdom of Saxony
Category:Luftwaffe pilots
Category:German World War II flying aces
Category:Recipients of the Gold German Cross
Category:Recipients of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross
Category:Luftwaffe personnel killed in World War II
Category:Aviators killed by being shot down
Category:Condor Legion personnel
Category:Military personnel from Saxony
---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Rudolf Resch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Resch) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Resch?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.