Who is the greatest American ace?

Many historians consider Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker the greatest air ace

air ace

A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually considered to be five or more.

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Flying ace - Wikipedia

produced by the American services. In Great Britain, he is highly regarded as an air fighter, and his name is revered by those of his old enemies still alive in Germany.

Who was the most famous fighter ace?

The so-called “Red Baron” – Manfred von Richthofen – is probably the best-known fighter pilot in general. Red Baron is a household name, even for non-aviation fans. The Red Baron scored 80 kills in WWI – with his Fokker Dr.

Who is the highest scoring living ace?

With 16¼ victories to his credit, Clarence Emil “Bud” Anderson Jr., 100, is the highest-scoring living American fighter ace.

Who is considered America's first flying ace?

Edward O'Hare takes off from the aircraft carrier Lexington in a raid against the Japanese position at Rabaul-and minutes later becomes America's first WWII flying ace. In mid-February 1942, the Lexington sailed into the Coral Sea.

Who was the highest American aces of ww2?

George Davis Jr., James Hagerstrom and William Whisner.) Francis "Gabby" Gabreski was the top American ace in air-to-air victories over Europe during WWII with 28 officially credited kills. While strafing a German airfield in July 1944, the propeller on his P-47 struck the ground, and Gabreski crash-landed.

When America's Greatest Ace Took on 9 Japanese Zeros - True Story of Richard Bong

Which ace has the most kills in history?

Erich Hartmann, with 352 official kills the highest scoring fighter pilot of all time.

Who was the last fighter ace?

50 years ago, between May 10 and August 28, 1972 Captain Richard “Steve” Ritchie, Reidsville, NC 's native son, became the only United States Air Force pilot to achieve Ace status (*). He will likely be the last.

Who is the deadliest ace pilot?

Erich Alfred Hartmann (19 April 1922 – 20 September 1993) was a German fighter pilot during World War II and the most successful fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare.

Who is the best American fighter pilot of all time?

Top Image: Major Richard Bong courtesy of the US Air Force. Known as the “Ace of Aces” for his rank as the top American flying ace during World War II, Major Richard Ira Bong is credited with the downing of an impressive confirmed total of 40 enemy aircraft over the course of his career as a fighter pilot.

What was the most feared American plane in ww2?

Junkers Ju87 Widely known as the “Stuka”, the Ju87 was one of the most feared aircraft during World War Two. It had a fearsome siren which terrified those who heard it. Lockheed Hudson Useful aeroplane. The wooden lifeboat was designed to be dropped by Hudsons to rescue airmen who had ditched.

Who is the oldest living fighter ace?

In 2013, Anderson was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. He turned 100 in January 2022. Anderson's hometown Auburn honored him with a grand celebration. He is the last living American triple flying ace of WW2.

Who is the highest scoring US Navy ace?

McCampbell is the United States Navy's all-time leading flying ace (called Ace of the Aces in the Navy) and top F6F Hellcat ace with 34 aerial victories.

Who is the top scoring Tomcat ace?

The highest-scoring pilot in the history of the F-14 Tomcat is the Iranian ace Jalil Zandi, credited with shooting down 11 Iraqi aircraft during Iran–Iraq War making him the most successful F-14 pilot.

What is the hardest pilot rating?

The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living.

How many American aces are there?

American Fighter Aces Association is a non-profit organization which recognizes the 1,450 combat American pilots (referred to as Aces) who have had five or more aerial victories in combat.

When was the last dogfight?

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the last ever dogfight occurred in 1969 over Central America between Honduras and El Salvador. With that said, the aerial tactics used during WWII are still considered by many to have won the war.

Who is the most famous pilot ever?

The Wright Brothers

Wilbur and Orville Wright are arguably the most famous pilots in the history of flight. They ushered into the age of aviation on December 17, 1903, when they flew the world's first successful motorized aircraft.

What is the most feared fighter jet in the world?

F-15 Eagle is still one of the most dangerous jets around

The F-15 is a legend. The F-15 Eagle and its variants are some of the most capable jet fighters ever. McDonnell Douglas created and produced it primarily as an air superiority tactical fighter.

How many current pilots are aces?

The American Fighter Aces Association currently recognize 1,442 fighter pilots as Aces.

How many pilot kills is an ace?

The term 'ace' is generally taken to mean any fighter pilot credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft. Lone aerial combat provided an outlet for acts of personal bravery.

Which country has best fighter pilots?

Greek pilots are frequently voted by their NATO counterparts as being the best in the world. It is recalled that Squadron Leader Anastasios Andronikakis was named NATO's best pilot in 2021.

What American pilot has the most kills?

Major Richard Bong, U.S. Army Air Forces

Major Bong was born in Superior, Wisconsin and went by the nickname “Bing-Bang.” He served from 1941-1945 during World War II. During his service the Major recorded 40 confirmed kills.

Who was the best night fighter ace?

Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer (16 February 1922 – 15 July 1950) was a German Luftwaffe night-fighter pilot and the highest-scoring night fighter ace in the history of aerial warfare.

What is a female pilot called?

Aviatrix. Women have been involved in aviation from the beginnings of both lighter-than air travel and as airplanes, helicopters and space travel were developed. Women pilots are called "aviatrices".