Rudolf Glöckner was born January 17, 1920 in lower Saxonia, Germany. In 1938 Rudolf joined the Luftwaffe and in December 1939 started flight training and became a candidate for officer's commission. Rudolf continued his basic training and fighter pilot training until June 1941 where Rudolf experienced his first dog fight off the south Norwegian coast. In September 1941 Rudolf was stationed in Northern Norway and Northern Finland and became the staff officer with JG 5. Rudolf continued to fly over the eastern front as Squadron leader until March, 1945 when he became first aide to Wing Commander Weissenberger of JG 7 (Me 262). Rudolf finished the war with 32 confirmed victories.