1. Werner Voss
Werner Voss was considered as Germany’s Prince of Skies during the First World War and the only competitor to the Red Baron with regard to aerial warfare and victories. Werner Voss took part in the war when he was just 17 and enlisted himself in the army as a cavalryman. He was then transferred to the aviation sector where became an overnight celebrity due to his aggressive acrobatic combat style. His accuracy in aerial fighting brought him 48 official victories for which he received the prestigious “Pour Le Merite”. It was considered as the highest military honor during World War I.
Werner Voss is known to have received the most rapid promotion in the German army during the war and was also awarded the Iron Cross for his impeccable achievements in air. Werner Voss is most know for his involvement in the greatest dogfight of the First World War. He was outnumbered by seven experienced British fighter pilots over Belgium. They trapped him above and below by British aces including James McCudden. But instead of trying to escape, Werner Voss fought back, charging directly at the British planes and managed to get hits on nearly every one of the planes surrounding him. He was able to fight back for 8 minutes before finally his aircraft was too damaged to fly. He died when his plane crashed. There has been much debate over whether Voss had the opportunity to escape the trap and retreat safely and some wonder why he choose to take over the British pilots instead.
The 20-year-old German celebrity ace was later heralded as the greatest airman of his time by James McCudden, who said it was a privilege to watch Voss fight.