These pilots became aces in a single day during WWI
In order to be named as a pilot ace, a military pilot has to shoot down five targets. The title of flying ace shows that a pilot has proven their…
This American jet killed the top Air Force ace of all time
When it comes to American fighter aces, Chuck Yeager is arguably the most famous for breaking the sound barrier. Other famous World War II-era aces include Jimmy Thach (of “Thach Weave” fame), Gregory “Pappy” Boyington (known for commanding the …
America’s highest-scoring ace once killed a crocodile with his fighter plane
Major Richard Ira Bong is also known as the Ace of Aces for his claim to fame as America’s highest-scoring flying ace. He is credited with 40 confirmed aerial kills…
The first American ace of WWII flew with the British Eagle Squadron
Before the tragic events of December 7, 1941, much of the American population preferred to stay out of the conflicts in Europe and Asia. However, some Americans saw the threat…
This aerial dogfight was like a life-sized version of a bee swarm
Israeli Col. Giora Epstein, one of the world’s greatest fighter aces of the jet era, was leading a flight of four planes during the Yom Kippur War when his team spotted two Egyptian MiG-21s. Epstein pursued the pair and quickly shot down the trail…
The Navy’s first World War II ace shot down five bombers on a single mission
Lieutenant Edward “Butch” O’Hare’s Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter carried about 30-40 seconds worth of ammunition. He was one of two Wildcats held in reserve as the rest of his squadron…
This fighter pilot shot down more than 20 enemy aircraft, earning him the title ‘Quad Jungle Ace’
Pierre Le Gloan: The ace WWII fighter who fought for both sides
Fighter aces—those pilots responsible for taking down at least five other aircrafts—are almost as old as aviation itself. Since World War I, young men have been willing to risk death to earn glory and become “knights of the air…
U.S. F-16s from Aviano take part in exercise “Agile Buzzard”
U.S. Air Force F-16s belonging to the 31st Fighter Wing rapidly deployed to Decimomannu Air Base, Italy as part of an exercise incorporating elements from the developing operational concept known as Agile Combat Employment.
Several F-16s belon…
This Medal of Honor recipient was the Navy’s first ace-in-a-day
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edward H. “Butch” O’Hare was a pioneer of Navy aviation, establishing the Navy’s first night fighter squadron, earning a Medal of Honor and ace-in-a-day status, and probably saving American carrier USS Lexington before hi…