A flying ace is a military aviator who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. The term originated in World War I in France, when French newspapers described Adolphe Pegoud as a flying ace after he became the first pilot to shoot down five German aircraft. Ace is also used to refer to non-aviators who have distinguished themselves by sinking ships, destroying tanks, etc. (i.e. U-boat ace). During WWI the Central Powers as well as Britain specified an ace as someone who had 10 or more confirmed "kills".
World War I
Spanish Civil War
World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
1. Advisor to NVPAF
Other conflicts
Note: There were no aces in the Persian Gulf War of 1991. The pilots with the greatest number of victories is included Two F-15 Eagle pilots were credited with three victories each.
See also