Air Force Leaders & Pioneers

Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the "Red Baron," was the top scoring ace of World War I. Scoring his first kill in September 1916, von Richthofen ultimately downed eighty Allied aircraft. The Red Baron was killed in combat while fighting over Morlancourt Ridge in April 1918.

The top American ace of World War I, Eddie Rickenbacker was a former racecar driver who joined the US Army in 1917. A gifted mechanic, Rickenbacker had to talk his way into flight training as his skills were needed on the ground. Flying with the 94th Aero Squadron, Rickenbacker downed 26 enemy aircraft.

Brigadier General Billy Mitchell was a noted military aviation pioneer. Leading US air units during World War I, Billy Mitchell continued to advocate for air power in the years after the war. Mitchell was famously court-martialed for insubordination in 1925 when he criticized defense policy.

General Jimmy Doolittle began his career during World War I and rose to prominence during the interwar years as an aviation pioneer and racer. With the outbreak of World War II, Jimmy Doolittle returned to active service and led a daring raid on Tokyo before taking command of the Eighth Air Force. Remaining in the service after the war,...

Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding led the RAF's Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Entering the Royal Flying Corps in 1913, Hugh Dowding saw extensive service during World War I. Rising through the ranks, he was key in the RAF's triumph over the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.

Marshal Arthur "Bomber" Harris is best known as the commander of the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command during World War II. While leading Bomber Command, he implemented Winston Churchill's policy of area bombing German cities. A controversial figure, "Bomber" Harris retired shortly after the war.

Brigadier General Robin Olds was a noted American flying ace during World War II and the Vietnam War. Robin Olds was credited with twelve kills over Europe and four over Vietnam. Commanding the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand, Robin Olds became known for his trademark mustache.

A biography of David McCampbell who downed 34 Japanese planes during World War II, making him the top ace of the US Navy.

An online version of the "Red Baron" Manfred von Richthofen's wartime memoir.