Militaryרודי אוגרטן

Rudy Augarten

Rudy Augarten was an American Jewish fighter pilot who volunteered for the Israeli Air Force in the War of Independence and later commanded Ramat David base.

1922 to 2000Volunteer pilot in the War of IndependenceTraining the first Israeli flight coursesCommanding Ramat David base

Born: 16 June 1922, Philadelphia
Died: 11 September 2000, Los Angeles
Occupation: fighter pilot
Wars: World War II

Rudy Augarten was born in 1922 in Philadelphia

Rudy Augarten was born in Philadelphia. His parents were Jews who had emigrated from Poland.

In World War II he flew P-47 Thunderbolts for the US Army Air Forces in Europe. Shot down near Caen during the Normandy invasion, he was captured by the Germans, escaped and rejoined American forces. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.

While studying international relations at Harvard, he heard a lecture by Abba Eban and decided to volunteer for Israel. After training in Czechoslovakia, he joined Squadron 101 and shot down Egyptian aircraft in the War of Independence. He then trained the first and second flight courses of the Israeli Air Force.

From June 1950 to September 1951 he commanded Ramat David base and took the name Zeev Karmi. He later returned to the United States, finished his studies at Harvard and worked as an engineer and in real estate. He married twice and had 2 sons and a daughter.

Rudy Augarten's life in 5 milestones

1922
Born in Philadelphia.
1948
Shot down an Egyptian Spitfire during Operation Yoav.
1950
Appointed commander of Ramat David base.
1951
Finished his term as commander of Ramat David base.
2000
Died.

Rudy Augarten served in IDF Pilot Course

In the War of Independence he served as a flight commander in Squadron 101, flying Avia S-199, Spitfire and P-51 Mustang aircraft. He later led an advanced flight at the flight school and commanded Ramat David base.

IDF Pilot Course