Anyone with a passing interest in military aviation knows names like Immelmann, von Richthofen, Rickenbacker, and Boyington. Here are 9 lesser-known aces whose aerial accomplishments rival those of the legends:
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1. Francesco Baracca (Italy)
The most successful Italian ace of World War I, with 34 confirmed victories.
2. Indra Lal Roy (India)
India’s most successful fighter pilot, with 12 kills (2 shared). He remains the only Indian fighter ace to this day.
3. Ivan Kozhedub (Russia)
Credited with 64 victories, Kozhedub is the top scoring Allied ace of World War II. He’s also one of the few pilots to shoot down a Messerschmitt Me 262, one of the Luftwaffe’s early jets.
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