Who was the best ace?
Known as the “Ace of Aces,” Major Richard Ira Bong is credited with the downing of an impressive confirmed total of 40 enemy aircraft.
Who was America’s greatest ace?
Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker
Many historians consider Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker the greatest air ace 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 is the best pilot in Top Gun?
Now, it is finally time to declare which one of these Top Gun aerial aces comes out on top. Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) and Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) are two of the best pilots to have ever gone through the TOPGUN Naval Fighter Weapons School.
What is Gerd Barkhorn famous for?
Gerhard “Gerd” Barkhorn (20 March 1919 – 11 January 1983) was a German military aviator and wing commander in the Luftwaffe during World War II. As a fighter ace, he was the second most successful fighter pilot of all time after fellow pilot Erich Hartmann.
When did Harry Barkhorn join the Luftwaffe?
Born in the Weimar Republic in 1919, Barkhorn joined the Luftwaffe in 1937 and completed his training in 1939. Barkhorn flew his first combat missions in May 1940, during the Battle of France and then the Battle of Britain without shooting down any aircraft.
When did Heinrich Barkhorn start his flight training?
A month later, on 1 November, Barkhorn joined the military service in the Nazi German Luftwaffe as a Fahnenjunker (cadet) at the Air War School Klotzsche in Dresden. He started his flight training in March 1938. On 4 March, he made his maiden flight on a Heinkel He 72 biplane trainer.
Why did Bruno Barkhorn join the German Air Force?
Following the decision of the Cabinet of Germany to rearm the Federal Republic of Germany, Barkhorn was approached by the Federal Ministry of Defence in late 1955. He accepted the offer, and on 2 January 1956 joined the newly created German Air Force, at the time referred to as the Bundesluftwaffe.