John C. Meyer was the fourth highest-scoring American ace in Europe with 24 aerial victories and 13 aircraft destroyed on the ground. By the time an accident put an end to his combat flying, he had flown 200 combat missions. He remained with the Air Force after the war and later became the Commander in Chief of the Strategic Air Command. John C. Meyer was the fourth...
With 26.83 victories, Major George Preddy was the sixth highest-ranking American ace of all times, and the leading Mustang ace. He was shot down and killed by friendly ground fire on Christmas day 1944 while he was pursuing enemy fighters at very low level. With 26.83 victories, Major George...
"Hub" Zemke commanded the 56th FG, which became known as "Zemke's Wolfpack", and was one of the greates advocates of the Republic heavy fighter. He was shot down and captured in October 1944, having flown 154 combat missions and obtained 17.75 confirmed aerial victories. "Hub" Zemke commanded the 56th FG,...
Mahurin was the first American pilot to become a double ace in the European Theater and was also the only pilot to shoot down enemy planes in the ETO, PTO and Korean War. During World War II he was credited with 20.75 aerial victories, making him the sixth-highest American P-47 ace. He was also credited with shooting down 3.5 MiG-15s in Korea, bringing... Mahurin was the first American pilot...
Neel Kearby was one of the leading Thunderbolt aces with 22 enemy aircraft destroyed. On October 11, 1943 he led his 4-aircraft formation against a Japanese raid of 12 bombers and 36 fighters. Kearby shot down six aircraft during the action, with no American loss, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions. Neel Kearby was one of the leading...
"Gabby" Gabreski was credited with 28 enemy aircraft destroyed during World War II and also became an ace during the Korean War by adding another 6.5 kills to his tally. "Gabby" Gabreski was credited with 28...
George Welch was one of the few American pilots who managed to get airborne during the Japanese attack on pearl Harbor, and shot down 2.5 aircraft that day. During the war, he flew nearly 350 combat missions and was credited with 16 enemy aircraft destroyed before illness forced him to retire. After the war, Welch became a test pilot. George Welch was one of the few...
With 7 victories, "Deke" Whittaker was the all-time top ace of the 57th Fighter Group. With 7 victories, "Deke" Whittaker...
David Lee "Tex" Hill (1915-2007) served during World War II, during which he was credited with 18.25 victories, and later in Korea. David Lee "Tex" Hill (1915-2007)...
Clive Robertson Caldwell DSO, DFC & Bar (28 July 1910 – 5 August 1994) was the leading Australian air ace of World War II. He is officially credited with shooting down 28.5 enemy aircraft in over 300 operational sorties. In addition to his official score, he has been ascribed six probables and 15 damaged. Clive Robertson Caldwell DSO, DFC...
"RT" Smith was credited with 9 victories during the war, and served with the AVG and later the 1st Air Commando Group. "RT" Smith was credited with 9...
With 14 victories on the type, Luigi Gorrini was the most succesful Veltro pilot. He survived the war and scored a total of 19 aerial victories (24 according to some sources). With 14 victories on the type, Luigi...
Russell Bannock, DSO, DFC, was one of the best Allied night fighter pilots and ended the war with a total of 9 aerial victories, 2 aircraft destroyed on the ground and 19.5 V-1 "buzz bombs" shot down. Russell Bannock, DSO, DFC, was one of...
Sadaaki Akamatsu survived the war and was credited with 27 aerial victorie, including 11 during the Second Sino-Japan War. Sadaaki Akamatsu survived the war and...