The Greatest German Ace

Hans · 7 July 1999, 04:35 PM

Just wondering, here. Between the German aces, three big names come to my mind - Richthofen, Boelcke and Voss.

Richthofen as the top scorer.
Boelcke as the most influential.
Voss as the most noble, and best fighter.

I am wondering what the general concensus is, or if there is another who is thought to be better.

Thanks!
Hans

7 July 1999, 04:43 PM

What's the criteria?

Hans · 7 July 1999, 05:58 PM

Based on thier relative aforementioned merits.

7 July 1999, 06:38 PM

Once again Udet,Josef,Baumer,Menckhoff,Loerzer,

LvR,Göring,& many others have been left out.

Keith,

fighting a endles war.....

Hans · 7 July 1999, 06:50 PM

Keith -

I was focusing on these three, as they were the first that came to my mind.

I do not intend any injustice to any of the other great German aces.

If you find one to be greater, I want to know, and know why.

I'm just curious about it.

Thanks!
Hans

8 July 1999, 04:22 AM

Hans,
You already know what my opinion of MvR is so I won't say anything here. The greatest German Ace in my opinion is Udet based on 2 of your previously mentioned characteristics (kills, and fighting ability), plus my own third category...HE Survived the war!
VBR,
Jim

8 July 1999, 07:21 AM

I'm partial to Voss but there is alot to be said about Udet, and also von Schleich.

There is also that fella with 352 confirmed from that other war <g>

Tobias

8 July 1999, 02:34 PM

Keith mentions Göring as a possible candidate when Hans asks who was the greatest German ace. This despite the fact that the fat fool was well down on the ace list, was a terrible leader and a future Nazi war criminal.
He even drove a very good pilot named

Willi Gabriel out of the Flying Circus. You just don't get it, do you Keith?

8 July 1999, 02:38 PM

Hans, my vote goes to Boelcke. He was a great leader who discovered Richthofen and several others. His total of 40 kills was fantastic for 1916. If not for his accidential death, he would likely have scored 100.

8 July 1999, 03:02 PM

Attacking me now a'h! Göring led a awesome fighting force in WWII! Also,being far down this list doesn't matter. Do I like him....no...but is he one of my favorites....no! But he still deserves some respect.

Keith,

P.S. a lot of guys were war criminals...big whoop.