The 7 Most Feared Fighter Aces and Their Plane of WWII

World War II was a period marked by intense aerial combat as thousands of planes roamed the skies in various theatres of war. Courageous pilots helmed these aircraft, all highly trained and capable. Yet, a select few stood out, owing to their remarkable flying abilities, becoming recognized as the most formidable men in the skies. Here’s a look at seven of such outstanding pilots who flew during the most extensive global conflict of the 20th century.

1. Erich “Bubi” Hartmann

Erich Hartmann, known for his nickname “Bubi,” which translates to “The Kid,” holds an unmatched record, downing 352 enemy aircraft. This astounding figure makes him unparalleled in aerial combat to this day. Hartmann’s flying tenure commenced with gliders, later joining the German Air Force in 1940. After completing his training, Hartmann swiftly demonstrated his remarkable skills throughout the war, claiming his last victory hours before Germany’s surrender.

Post-war, Hartmann faced capture, subsequently handed over to Soviet forces. Accusations of war crimes led to a sentence of 25 years imprisonment. Many believed the charges were unfounded, aimed at coercing him into military service for East Germany. He only served until 1955 before returning to Germany, where he later contributed as a flight instructor. Hartmann passed away in 1993 and, by 1997, received a posthumous clearance of all charges by the Russian Federation.

2. Hans-Ulrich Rudel

Renowned as the most decorated German pilot, Hans-Ulrich Rudel, remarkably, downed only nine enemy planes, a modest accomplishment compared to his peers. However, he stood out for his prowess with a Junkers Ju-87 “Stuka” dive bomber, claiming over 800 vehicles, 519 tanks, and even a battleship among his targets. Rudel’s resilience was proven after being downed 30 times and losing a leg, yet he continued flying missions.

Following the collapse of the Third Reich, Rudel surrendered and later settled in South America, where his post-war life included weapon smuggling and aiding other Germans fleeing post-war tribulations. Notably, he contributed to the development of the US A-10 Thunderbolt in 1976.

3. Ivan Kozhedub

Ivan Kozhedub is known as the highest-scoring Soviet and Allied ace, with 64 confirmed kills. Signing up with the Red Army in 1940 and becoming a certified pilot by the following year, he initially served as a trainer. As the war progressed, Kozhedub was relocated to the front, where he found his first opportunity for action in 1943. Among his notable feats was becoming one of the select pilots who downed a German Me-262 jet—an astonishing achievement at the time.

His exemplary performance continued despite challenges. In one incident, he had to fend off friendly fire from American P-51 Mustangs after being erroneously identified as the enemy. Despite the controversies surrounding this encounter, Kozhedub remained a celebrated figure.

4. Marmaduke “Pat” Pattle

Representing the British Royal Air Force, South African Marmaduke “Pat” Pattle displayed exceptional talents in the air. After joining the RAF, Pattle displayed stunning success during his tenure, especially in Greece, where he achieved the status of “Ace-in-a-day” three times. His remarkable tally of over 41 aircraft solidified him as one of the finest in the RAF.

Pattle’s end came tragically at the age of 26, when he crashed into the sea during a battle and was never recovered. His impressive success rates in the Hawker Hurricane and Gloster Gladiator remain unsurpassed.

5. Richard Bong

American Richard Bong, with all of his 40 victories recorded in a P-38, became the United States’ ultimate fighter ace. Awarded his wings in 1942, he was deployed to the Pacific theater, actively contributing to the efforts there. His final victory came in 1944, and shortly after he was sent back to the US.

Sadly, Bong’s life ended during a test flight of a P-80 jet fighter, when the aircraft malfunctioned and he was unable to deploy his parachute in time. His death coincided with the tragic bombings of Hiroshima but remained a significant loss to the aviation community.

6. Ilmari Juutilainen

With 94 confirmed victories, all against the Soviets, Ilmari Juutilainen of Finland claims the top rank for non-German fighter aces. His meticulous skill ensured his aircraft was never hit by enemy fire. Juutilainen’s career saw him piloting a variety of aircraft through two significant wars, ending as a commercial pilot post-World War II. He passed away on his 85th birthday in 1999.

7. Tetsuzō Iwamoto

Japanese ace Tetsuzō Iwamoto was one of the most skilled pilots in the Imperial Navy. Even before WWII, he gained recognition in China, carrying his combat expertise into the Pacific, where he achieved a substantial part of his 80 confirmed kills. Post-war, Japan’s societal shifts made it challenging for Iwamoto to find work until he secured a position in a spinning mill. Unfortunately, a series of medical mishaps led to his untimely death in 1955, at a mere 38 years of age.