ORIGINAL: Ernie P.

Last clue for this evening. Thanks; Ernie P.


This question concerns one of the lesser known, but still very accomplished, WWI aces.

Question: What WWI ace do I describe?

Clues:

(1) He was a small man.

(2) He began the war as a ground troop, became an aircraft mechanic, then a bomber pilot. He was assigned to a bomber unit, just as they were transitioning into fighter aircraft.

(3) He wasn’t considered a good pilot, but was a great marksman.

(4) He soloed after only five hours of instruction; but crashed upon landing.