Rudolf Bayer (10 March 1917 – 14 July 1944) was a highly decorated Oberleutnant der Reserve in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Rudolf Bayer was wounded on 13 July 1944 and died the next day in a hospital in Sokal, Ukraine. He was posthumously promoted to Oberleutnant der Reserve.