List of American World War II Aces

During World War II, American fighter pilots who achieved the status of "ace" were those who had downed five or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat. These pilots played a crucial role in the air superiority campaigns across various theaters of war, including the European, Pacific, and Mediterranean theaters. This article provides a comprehensive list of notable American World War II aces, detailing their achievements, aircraft, and contributions to the war effort.

Definition and Criteria

An "ace" is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The criteria for becoming an ace were established during World War I and carried over into World War II. The confirmation of kills required verification from multiple sources, including gun camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and enemy aircraft wreckage.

Notable American World War II Aces

Richard Bong

Major Richard Ira Bong was the United States' highest-scoring ace, with 40 confirmed kills. He flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism. Bong's aggressive tactics and exceptional flying skills made him a legend among his peers.

Thomas McGuire

Major Thomas Buchanan McGuire Jr. was the second-highest-scoring American ace with 38 confirmed kills. Like Bong, McGuire flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after being killed in action in January 1945.

David McCampbell

Captain David McCampbell was the leading Navy ace with 34 confirmed kills. He flew the F6F Hellcat and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where he shot down seven enemy aircraft in one day.

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington

Major Gregory Boyington, famously known as "Pappy," was a Marine Corps ace with 28 confirmed kills. He led the "Black Sheep" squadron (VMF-214) and flew the F4U Corsair. Boyington was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his valor.

Charles MacDonald

Colonel Charles Henry MacDonald was a leading ace in the Pacific Theater with 27 confirmed kills. He flew the P-38 Lightning and was known for his leadership and tactical prowess. MacDonald was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star.

Francis Gabreski

Colonel Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski was the top American ace in the European Theater with 28 confirmed kills. He flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and later served in the Korean War. Gabreski was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star.

Robert S. Johnson

Lieutenant Colonel Robert S. Johnson was a leading ace in the European Theater with 27 confirmed kills. He flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and was known for his tenacity and resilience. Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star.

George Preddy

Major George E. Preddy Jr. was one of the top aces in the European Theater with 26.83 confirmed kills. He flew the P-51 Mustang and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star. Preddy was killed in action on Christmas Day 1944.

Joseph Foss

Major Joseph Jacob Foss was a leading Marine Corps ace with 26 confirmed kills. He flew the F4F Wildcat and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign.

Alexander Vraciu

Commander Alexander Vraciu was a leading Navy ace with 19 confirmed kills. He flew the F6F Hellcat and was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Aircraft Flown by American Aces

American aces flew a variety of aircraft during World War II, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most notable aircraft include:

P-38 Lightning: Known for its distinctive twin-boom design and versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
F6F Hellcat: A rugged and reliable carrier-based fighter that excelled in the Pacific Theater.
F4U Corsair: Known for its distinctive gull-wing design and exceptional performance in dogfights.
P-47 Thunderbolt: A heavily armed and armored fighter-bomber that was highly effective in the European Theater.
P-51 Mustang: Renowned for its long-range capabilities and superior performance at high altitudes.

Tactics and Strategies

American aces employed a variety of tactics and strategies to achieve their kills. These included:

**Boom and Zoom**: A tactic that involved diving on an enemy aircraft from a higher altitude, firing, and then climbing back to altitude to avoid retaliation.
**Energy Fighting**: Utilizing the aircraft's energy (speed and altitude) to gain an advantage over the enemy.
**Defensive Flying**: Techniques such as the Thach Weave, which involved two aircraft flying in a weaving pattern to cover each other's blind spots.

Training and Selection

The training and selection process for American fighter pilots was rigorous. Candidates underwent extensive physical and psychological evaluations before being accepted into flight training programs. Training included:

**Primary Flight Training**: Basic flight instruction on trainer aircraft.
**Advanced Flight Training**: More complex maneuvers and combat tactics.
**Operational Training Units (OTUs)**: Specialized training on the specific aircraft they would fly in combat.

Impact and Legacy

The contributions of American aces during World War II had a significant impact on the outcome of the war. Their achievements boosted morale on the home front and among their fellow servicemen. The legacy of these aces continues to be honored through various memorials, museums, and historical societies.