RCU Forums - View Single Post - But who was the greatest aerial warrior?
Old 11-11-2010 | 06:38 PM
  #3  
Ernie P.
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,086
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
From: Bealeton, VA
Default RE: But who was the greatest aerial warrior?

An interesting subject; but one which has to be defined. What do you mean by "greatest aerial warrior"? In my opinion, there are four areas in which an aviator may excell:

1. His skill and effectiveness in the airplane. For a fighter pilot, that would translate to victories; or mission accomplishments for other aviators.

2. His leadership of the men under his command. How well did he train, instruct and lead them; to increase their effectiveness?

3. His effectiveness in developing new aerial tactics.

4. His overall effect on the conduct of the war in which he fought.

When all of these are considered, I believe the answer is the Baron Von Richthofen. Thanks; Ernie P.