Sunday, 5 February 2023

Balloon-Buster PIlots

 This was a term coined in WW I, and the American with the most balloon kills was Frank Luke, which Luke AFB, AZ is named after.

I should also note that his tally adds up to fourteen balloons destroyed.  The guy with the most balloon kills?  Willy Coopens, Belgian guy, with 35 balloons 'killed'.

In those days, it was a big deal. 

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2 comments:

  1. Bigus Macus5 February 2023 at 12:35

    Thanks, did not know this.

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  2. Schnitzel_Republic5 February 2023 at 17:56

    I should note here....the Germans used the balloons a heck of a lot. Between French, Brit, and Belgium 'fighter-pilots'....there's probably well over 250 German balloons shot down. Being a crew-man on the balloon observation deal....was a pretty crappy deal.

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