First things first. OK, *I* know it's not yet the end of the millennium, even if Dan Rather, Peter Jennings and the other blatherers don't. However, seeing as it's IMPOSSIBLE for anyone else to claim the title in the next 12 months, I feel safe in announcing the finalists. Based on the criteria of innovation, leadership, personal record, and lasting influence, they are:
5. Erich Hartmann
4.
Manfred von Richthofen
3. Werner Molders
2. John S. Thach
1.
Oswald Boelcke
With the exception of fifth place, which is subject to amendment, the above results are historically, factually, and interpretively beyond debate.
Commentary, however, is inevitable.
"Let the games begin!"