10 Of The Most Legendary Fighter Pilots In Historical past

Probably the most embellished and profitable American fight pilot of all time, Richard Bong made his identify flying missions within the Pacific Theater throughout World Struggle II. He realized to fly within the Civilian Pilot Coaching program, and have become a flying cadet within the U.S. Military Air Corps on the younger age of 20, simply in time for America’s entry into the continuing world battle. Over the course of three years, he racked up a formidable 40 confirmed kills, most of them behind the stick of a P-38 Lightning, incomes the nickname “Ace of Aces,” and ultimately, a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded by Normal Douglas MacArthur.  

Like another nice pilots on this checklist, Bong wasn’t a fan of intricate dogfighting, contemplating himself a substandard gunner. He most popular, as a substitute, to shut earlier than participating in a firefight along with his opponent. Nonetheless, his ability as a pilot and spectacular kill depend are plain. Sadly, his love of aviation would result in his premature loss of life. After returning dwelling to a hero’s welcome in January of 1945, Bong grew to become a check pilot for Lockheed. On August 6 of the identical yr, he was killed whereas testing the P-80 Capturing Star. If that date sounds acquainted, it is as a result of it is also the day the primary atomic weapon was dropped on Hiroshima. The truth that Bong’s loss of life was front-page information on such a momentous day demonstrates his significance in American fight aviation historical past.