Events with tag - Combat Pilot

July 6, 1943

Ivan Kozhedub's First Aerial Victory

Soviet fighter pilot Ivan Kozhedub achieved his first aerial victory during the Battle of Kursk, shooting down a Messerschmitt Bf 109. This marked the beginning of his legendary career that would lead to 62 confirmed aerial victories, making him the top Allied ace of World War II.

December 12, 1944

Richard Bong Becomes America's Top Ace Pilot

Major Richard Bong achieves his 40th aerial victory, becoming America's highest-scoring fighter ace of World War II while flying the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater. He surpassed Eddie Rickenbacker's World War I record and was awarded the Medal of Honor by General Douglas MacArthur.