perttime

Fokker Eindecker would be a candidate for the aircraft which changed the face of aerial warfare. But the rest escapes me...

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Good guess, Perttime! To all: Perttime is correct as to the iconic aircraft. I would have thought the rest would be obvious at this point; but here's another clue to help you all along. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.



Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.

Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

This is going on a lot longer than I thought it would. I figured clues (15) and (16) would end it. Oh well; here's a morning clue to move things along. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.
29. He was, prior to his military service, a locksmith.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.
29. He was, prior to his military service, a locksmith.
30. He began his military service in the infantry.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Hello? You guys are still out there, aren't you? Aren't you? Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.
29. He was, prior to his military service, a locksmith.
30. He began his military service in the infantry.
31. He then became a driver in a motorized company.

SimonCraig1

Sorry to keep you waiting Ernie... Max Ritter von Mόller

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Right you are, SimonCraig1; and you are up. Now tell us..... You had the answer a long time ago, right? Thanks; Ernie P.

Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:
1. His name is right there at the top of at least one list.
2. And, second on a much larger list.
3. He was an experienced military veteran before his war began.
4. And, he was already a pilot; although he did not start his military career as such.
5. He was small of stature.
6. Although he practiced gymnastics for recreation.
7. Very early in the war, he crashed on takeoff due to an engine failure.
8. He suffered two broken legs; yet managed to pull a crewmember to safety.
9. He is credited with shooting down at least five fellow aces; as well as several pilots who survived to become aces themselves.
10. He had a natural aptitude for mechanical things. Because of this, he was assigned as a driver for an important person.
11. He used that opportunity to press the VIP successfully for a transfer to an aviation career path.
12. When the war started, he was flying reconnaissance missions.
13. Despite his injuries (7) and (8), he was back flying in less than two months.
14. He was trained on single seat fighters less than a year into the war. He had already earned several medals for bravery in other types.
15. He was then assigned to a new group forming under an iconic leader.
16. He was among the first to fly an iconic aircraft in combat; one which changed the face of aerial warfare.
17. He scored his first victory around five weeks later.
18. He was an ace in six more weeks.
19. Two thirds of his victims were fighter aircraft.
20. He became a squadron Commander.
21. He died when his flight went after a two seater aircraft, escorted by two fighters.
22. He was shot down while taking on two enemy fighters; although there is confusion as to exactly who delivered the fatal blow.
23. The two seater gunner also claimed the victory.
24. What is known is that our subject’s fuel tank erupted in flames.
25. He jumped from the cockpit to escape the flames; sans parachute. The outcome was self evident.
26. He was one of eight children and his father was a merchant.
27. The name of Boelcke figured prominently in his story.
28. After his death, he was awarded a Knighthood; becoming a “von”.
29. He was, prior to his military service, a locksmith.
30. He began his military service in the infantry.
31. He then became a driver in a motorized company.
32. He became a military pilot in April of 1914.
Answer: Max Ritter von Muller; the highest scoring Bavarian ace of WWI and second only to Baron von Richthofen in decorations awarded to a pilot.

Max Ritter von Mόller (1 January 1887 – 9 January 1918) Orden Pour le Mιrite, Iron Cross, Military Order of Max Joseph was a German World War I fighter ace credited with 36 victories. He was the highest scoring Bavarian pilot of the war.

Max Mόller was one of eight children born in Rottenburg an der Laaber, Bavaria, Germany, to Max Mόller and his wife Margarethe Wiesmόller. The senior Max Mόller was a merchant.

The younger Max Mόller completed primary school and was apprenticed to a locksmith. When he finished his apprenticeship, he became a journeyman locksmith. He moved several times to pursue his trade. For recreation, he was a gymnast. Physically Mόller was small in stature, being only 5 foot one inch tall.

He joined the army on 18 October 1907. He originally served with 6 Kompanie, 1 Kφniglich Bayrisches Infanterieregiment (Company 6, First Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment). On 1 October 1911, he transferred to the motorized company of the regiment as a driver. It was soon discovered that he had a natural mechanical aptitude, and coming to the notice of his superiors, he was then assigned as chauffeur to the Bavarian War Minister. He used this opportunity to repeatedly importune the Minister for transfer to the Luftstreitkrδfte. In the meantime, he had been promoted to Feldwebel on 18 April 1913.

He was posted to the army flying school at Schleiίheim on 1 December 1913, and after four months of training he became a fully qualified pilot on 20 April 1914. He started flying missions immediately.

Mόller was assigned to Feldflieger Abteilung 1b on 2 August 1914. When the war broke out, Mόller was flying with FA 1b as a reconnaissance pilot and carried out several missions. On 18 August 1914 however, he crashed taking off when his engine failed; both Mόller's legs were broken. However, he overcame his injuries to pull his unconscious observer from the wreckage.

He returned to FA 1b and flying on 9 October. On 31 March 1915, flying an Otto CI 'pusher' biplane, he barely survived a hard dogfight against a French-flown Farman. Despite badly damaged elevators and a dozen bullets in his plane, he returned safely to his base.

On 13 December 1915, Mόller flew a dangerous and daring mission behind enemy lines, photographing enemy positions. Upon his return, he was the first officer (and one of only seventeen soldiers) to be awarded the Silver Award of his native Bavaria's Medal for Bravery.

Mόller underwent single-seat fighter training and then served with Feldflieger Abteilung 32, beginning on 17 May 1916. As a two-seater pilot, Mόller had flown over 160 missions, and had also earned the Iron Cross First Class and the Iron Cross Second Class. Already noted as an aggressive and skilled airman, Mόller was one of the first pilots to fly the Fokker Eindecker in action.

Mόller was posted to Kampfeinsitzer Kommando B, which in May 1916 becvame Abwehrkommando Nord of FAA 32. He then was posted to the newly mobilized Prussian Jasta 2 on 1 September 1916, to serve under Oswald Boelcke.

On 10 October of that same year, he scored his first victory: a DH.2 of No. 24 Squadron, RFC, the pilot being captured. On 27 November, he became an ace.

A transfer to the Kingdom of Wόrttemberg's newly formed Jasta 28 followed, in January 1917. On 7 April 1917 he opened their victory roll when he shot down an F.E.2d of 20 Squadron. On the 30th, he shot down the 45 Squadron Sopwith Strutter of 8-kill ace Captain William Wright, who survived; it was Mόller's seventh win.

Mόller's tally quickly rose throughout 1917, with six in May. He was also promoted to Leutnant on 26 May, in the regular army, rather than the Reserve, the first time such a commission had been awarded.
He scored five more times in June 1917. He was quickly rising among the recognized German flying aces, and his skill formed the cutting edge of Jasta 28. His native Bavaria recognized him with the Bavarian Golden Medal for Bravery. He also was awarded the Wόrttembergian Order of Military Merit and the Member's Cross with Swords of the Royal Hohenzollern House Order, not to be confused with the more usual Royal House Order of Hohenzollern. The Members' Cross (Kreuz der Inhaber) was a lower order exclusively for non-commissioned officers or civilians and, especially with swords, was a rare distinction.

On 28 July, he shot up a Sopwith 1½ Strutter containing 10-kill 'ace' Captain Matthew Brown Frew and 7-kill 'ace' gunner Lieutenant George Al Brooke. With a damaged undercarriage and two bullets through the propeller, Frew managed to get the Sopwith back to its home aerodrome, but was written off and credited as Mόller's 19th victory.

August 1917 was Mόller's highest scoring month, with seven victories, and he added another in September, and two in October. Exactly a year after Mόller had joined Jasta 2, he had gotten an impressive score of 27 victories and had already earned the Pour le Merite. The Blue Max, as it was nicknamed, was awarded on 3 September 1917. With the several other distinguished medals that had been awarded to him, he was one of the most highly decorated aces in the entire German air service, second only to Manfred von Richthofen.

After a transfer back to Jasta 2 on 29 October, he shot down number 30 on 6 November. On 11 November 1917, Mόller shot down future 7-kill ace Captain Arthur Claydon of No 32 Squadron as his 31st claim. Mόller also shot down an unidentified aircraft down on the 29th. With the death of Heinrich Gontermann in late October, Mόller (with 29 claims) was second only to Manfred von Richthofen as the highest scoring ace still at the front.

On 29 October 1917, Mόller was then posted to Jasta 2, opening his account with his new unit on 6 November, when he claimed a SPAD, possibly of 19 Squadron. On 11 November he downed a DH-5 of No.32 Squadron, piloted by future 7-kill ace Lt. Arthur Claydon, who force landed.

Mόller shot down four aircraft in December 1917. The last of these, on 16 December 1917, was his fifth over a fellow or future ace, 70 Squadron's Lieutenant Kenneth A. Seth-Smith (7 kills), who survived.

When Jasta 2's leader, Walter von Bόlow-Bothkamp, was killed on 6 January, Mόller became the commander of the Jasta.

Just three days later, on 9 January 1918, while on a patrol over Moorslede, Mόller's flight came across an RE.8 of No. 21 Squadron flown by Capt.G.F.W. Zimmer and Lt.H.A. Somerville, and two SE5a fighters of No 60 Squadron, flown by Captain Frank O. Soden and Captain R. L. Childlaw-Roberts. Mόller engaged the fighters and after a lengthy battle, he was taken down, although there is some speculation as to who was responsible. Somerville also claimed the Albatros.

What is known is that bullets struck his fuel tank, and his Albatros D.Va had begun to go into a spiral several thousand feet up. With fire quickly burning through the interior panel of the cockpit, Mόller, who wasn't wearing a parachute, jumped to his death.

Mόller's final victory toll included 22 enemy fighter planes among his 36 victims. He was also an ace over aces, having downed five aces himself.

Mόller's body and some personal effects were returned to his home town on 11 January 1918. His belongings are in the keeping of the mayor; his diary has been translated into modern German for the benefit of researchers.

After the war, Mόller was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Max Joseph which conferred a knighthood on him, backdated to 11 November 1917. Thus in death, he became Max, Ritter von Mόller.

Hydro Junkie

I'm glad someone figured it out. I had no clue as to who it was though, with clues 15 and 16, I was thinking an ME-262 pilot. Just for the record, there were several airmen that bailed out of aircraft, sans parachute, that survived with some flying and fighting again before the end of their war.

SimonCraig1

I probably would have Ernie if I'd been around enough, WWI aviation is one of my major interested in RC (and history). Yesterday was the first day I had a chance to really dig and with a few days to post some clues! The Boelcke clue was a clincher.

Up shortly!

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for as aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.
5. At least one of the acquired aircraft was shot down by fighters from the nation that manufactured them.

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.
5. At least one of the acquired aircraft was shot down by fighters from the nation that manufactured them
6. Given their background, not surprisingly, one or the acquired aircraft was attacked in a 'friendly fire' incident.

SimonCraig1

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.
5. At least one of the acquired aircraft was shot down by fighters from the nation that manufactured them
6. Given their background, not surprisingly, one or the acquired aircraft was attacked in a 'friendly fire' incident.
7. Of the five acquired aircraft, one flew East and four flew West to reach their new owners. A sixth flew West but never made it.

Hydro Junkie

Me-108

SimonCraig1

Nope not the 108, new clue
I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.
5. At least one of the acquired aircraft was shot down by fighters from the nation that manufactured them
6. Given their background, not surprisingly, one or the acquired aircraft was attacked in a 'friendly fire' incident.
7. Of the five acquired aircraft, one flew East and four flew West to reach their new owners. A sixth flew West but never made it.
8. It first flew in 1937.

SimonCraig1

HI Guys just a head up my email is going to be very spotty for the next few days. I'll post clues (or congratulate the successful guesser) but it will be a bit ad hoc.

I'm looking for an aircraft
1. Despite it short production run <200 aircraft it was used by several countries.
2. Not all these countries bought the plane.
3. The countries that acquired those aircraft did not capture them.
4. The acquired aircraft were used in clandestine operations due to their ability to land in out of the way places.
5. At least one of the acquired aircraft was shot down by fighters from the nation that manufactured them
6. Given their background, not surprisingly, one or the acquired aircraft was attacked in a 'friendly fire' incident.
7. Of the five acquired aircraft, one flew East and four flew West to reach their new owners. A sixth flew West but never made it.
8. It first flew in 1937
9. and the last one was operational until 1952.

SimonCraig1

Hi folks, deepest apologies, I thought I'd mange to get clues in but failed miserably. I'll get one up very soon!