Posted on 11/13/2002 5:05:26 PM PST by Lokibob
But this is an argument that could go on FOR YEARS, and should be done over Beers near an airport, LOL.
Additional: Near an airport where round engines sing. But IMHO, a really great pilot needs to have survived his war, or at least died under circumstances other than being shot down by some talented and lucky rookie. Hartmann, tied only with Rudel for the title of Germany's most decorated aviator, managed that feat.
But had he survived the war, the vote might easily have gone to Hptm. Hans Marseilles, who in 1942 had scored 158 victories before meeting his death bailing out of his burning Bf.109. You know one of the planes he flew back then is still flying today?
We can only wonder about how many other pilots might have fallen to Marseilles had he not kept his Appointment with Destiny had his flying and fighting career continued for three more years of the war. Or perhaps one of the talented amateurs would have gotten lucky.
-archy-/-
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