Warbird Information Exchange

Does the most kills make you the best ace? Would this then be Hartmann? Bong? etc ... or is there someone else who you think would flame those guys in a one on one? Assuming they were flying the same steed .....

for me?

Lt. Col. Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski
Scored 28 kills with 56th Fighter Group in WWII, POW
Downed 6.5 MiGs over Korea, CO of 4th FIW and 51st FIW

Robin Olds, in any of his SCAT aircraft.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

I only one I knew very well was Bob Love, all thou I had several converations with Pappy

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Dick Bong wasn't a leader nor was he a above average pilot.
He was agressive and a good gunner. You'll note that ever though he had the rank and combat experience he was never in any position of authority. After leaving the 9th FS has a flight leader, he was assigned to HQ 5th FC has a "gunnery expert". Has such he attached himself to any unit he wished and picked out the choicest missions for himself. To be in running for the best you have to be a outstanding combat flyer and a leader. B/G Jim Howard MOH, double ace and CO of the 354th FG said that the great combat fighter pilot/leader he ever saw was Major Don Beerbower 18 kills CO 353rd FS KIA 8-9-44.
My vote would be for L/C Grant Mahony who was a 5 kill ace (plus 20+ on the ground) who flew more combat missions (550+) than any other American pilot in WWII. He flew with the 24th PG in the Philippines, commanded the 17th Prov Sqd in Java, 76th FS in China, Fighter Section 1st Air Commandos in Burma and was KIA has Deputy CO of the 8th FG in the Philippines in 1945. He received the DSC, 3 Silver Stars, 4 DFCs, PH, 15 Air Medals, British DFC, 6 PUCs and 10 battles stars. Bet you never even heard of him

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Don't touch my junk!!

I would be lying if the name Yeager wasn't the first thing that came to mind, but I figured Jack would throw something at me.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

You're right ... never heard of him, you have any photos of him and what he flew jack?

http://ojlubke.com/pixseries/pixmahony/mahony.html
http://www.specialforcesroh.com/awards-4429.html
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Wow! That would be a great paint scheme for a warbird. Hey Jack, since we were talking about him in another thread, what about McConnell?

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Director

I saw the movie

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Cmdr. Daniel Rehm....13 kills while serving with VF-50 and later VF-8 aboard U.S.S. Bataan and later U.S.S. Bunker Hill....Hellcat driver/fighter

Tex Hill would flame em all in any plane.

has there ever been? and has anyone here ever attended an "Ace's reunion"? ... Champlin Air Museum had something about Ace's years ago, I visited Champlin once and I think i remember they had something to honor Ace's. Anyone know for sure? ... also, what has happened to Champlin? .... I believe they sold their aircraft to Paul Allen, am I right here?

The American Fighter Aces Association has been in existance since the 60s. Their memoriabilia has with most of Champlin's a/c went to the MOF.

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Yeah, the champllin museum got bought out and scattered, with I believe, some of
the collection going to paul allen, but I believe some of it went other places in the NW?

as for aces & leaders....

I would put Don Blakeslee up there .. pulling in lots of missions, lots of historical
firsts (first russia shuttle mission, commander of unit with most kills).

if we'd call for a combat team i'd nominate John Godfrey and Don Gentile. Godfrey
even came back after his stateside tour for w/ 16 air and a whole bunch of strafing.

anyway, just a thought.

henning

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Jack, have you attended an Ace's reunion somewhere? seem you would have. .... How many ace's in one room for you?