No one knows who shot down the legendary German pilot known as ‘The Red Baron’
The Red Baron is more than a badass nickname, a frozen pizza brand, or the target of Snoopy’s Sopwith Camel. He was a real man, a German pilot during World…
America’s last WWII triple ace was promoted to brigadier general
Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson served in the U.S. Army Air Force and the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1972. He is America’s oldest and highest-scoring fighter ace, with…
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…
This B-29 is the only bomber to become a jet ace
The beginning of the jet age toward the end of WWII was a huge change in military aviation. Fast and powerful jet fighters could now climb to the high altitudes…
Aces High: Over the Volga with Lydia Litvyak
In all of history, women have played a pivotal role in military campaigns. From the Israelites’ Deborah, to female machine gunners in the 1948-49 War of Independence, to the vicious…
This Navy ace shot down both German and Japanese planes during WWII
Naval air combat during WWII is often associated with the Pacific theater of the war. So, it may surprise some people to learn that Naval Aviators engaged German aircraft over…
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…