Frank Luke

Frank Luke, a renegade pilot who assaulted German observation balloons used to sight artillery, is regarded as America's best "balloon buster". In July 1918, Luke enlisted in the 27th Aero Squadron in France, and it didn't take him long to irritate his fellow aviators with his arrogant demeanor and careless flying. Nevertheless, the pilot from Arizona excelled in shooting down reconnaissance balloons, which were hazardous targets sometimes protected by enemy fighters, anti-aircraft guns, and cannons. On September 12, he made his first kill; by September 28, he had made 15 kills, including one day when he downed three enemy aircraft in addition to two balloons.

Despite his obvious talent, the brazen Luke frequently disregarded military rules and ignored instructions. On September 29, his commanding officer attempted to ground him, but Luke disobeyed and departed on a perilous solo balloon-busting mission close to Murvaux, France. He then proceeded to quickly deflate three balloons but was severely hurt by machine gun fire and was forced to crash his plane next to a brook. After emerging from the rubble, Luke pulled out his gun and may have fired a few shots at the German soldiers before he was killed by his wounds. The 21-year-old had accomplished an amazing 18 aerial victories in just 18 days by that point. Later on, he became the first pilot to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Lifespan: May 19, 1897 – September 29, 1918

Nation: America