Oswald Boelcke: Germany's First Fighter Ace and Father of Air Combat

Synopsis

This biography of the pioneering WWI flying ace who mentored the Red Baron is &“fascinating . . . [it] captures combat aviation at its inception&” (MiG Sweep: The Magazine of Aviation Warriors). With a total of forty victories, Oswald Boelcke was Germany&’s first ace in World War I—and a century later he remains a towering figure in the history of air warfare, renowned for his character, inspirational leadership, organizational genius, development of air-to-air tactics, and impact on aerial doctrine. Paving the way for modern air forces across the world with his pioneering strategies, Boelcke had a dramatic effect on his contemporaries. The famed Red Baron&’s mentor, instructor, squadron commander, and friend, he exerted a tremendous influence upon the German air force. He was one of the first pilots to be awarded the famous Pour le Mérite, commonly recognized as the &“Blue Max.&” All of this was achieved after overcoming medical obstacles in childhood and later life with willpower and determination. Boelcke even gained the admiration of his enemies: After his tragic death in a midair collision, Britain&’s Royal Flying Corps dropped a wreath on his funeral, and several of his captured foes sent another wreath from their German prison camp. His name and legacy live on, as seen in the Luftwaffe&’s designation of the Tactical Air Force Wing 31 &“Boelcke.&” This definitive biography reveals his importance as a fighter pilot who set the standard in military aviation.

Copyright:

2016

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

192 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781910690666

Publisher:

Grub Street Publishing

Date of Addition:

12/17/24

Copyrighted By:

Grub Street Publishing

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Military, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.