Adolphe Pégoud
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Adolphe Célestin Pégoud was a French aviator and flight instructor who became the first fighter ace in history during World War I.
Adolphe Pégoud
German pre-war postcard depicting Pégoud's loop
Pégoud being awarded the Croix de Guerre
Flying ace
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A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually considered to be five or more.
French Colonel Rene Fonck, to this day the highest-scoring Allied flying ace with 75 victories.
Erich Hartmann, with 352 official kills the highest scoring fighter pilot of all time.