Greatest Flying Aces In History

A flying ace is defined, in combat terms, as a pilot who has successfully shot down five enemy aircraft in combat. It is almost impossible to imagine the adrenaline rush, not to mention the breathtaking danger of aerial dogfights, and many of us have winced just watching film depictions of such events. There have been too many heroic pilots to count in the course of history, but this is a list of genuine aces - the absolute best of the best.

10. Joseph Christopher McConnell, Jr - US ace pilot

Joseph Christopher McConnell, Jr. was the top US ace during the Korean War, credited with shooting down 16 enemy Mig-15 aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star for combat heroism. McConnell is still the top-scoring American jet ace, and probably the most successful jet fighter pilot in history.

Read more »