3. Donald MacLaren
Donald MacLaren stands out from his fellow air aces in terms of life expectancy in the Royal Flying Corps. With as many as 54 official aerial wins, MacLaren is considered to be the most successful ace of World War I to pilot the Sopwith Camel Aircraft, which, in turn, earned him his celebrity status.
MacLaren left his profession of fur trading and enlisted himself in RFC in 1917. Following his training as a fighter pilot, MacLaren performed all 54 kills within a span of just nine months. He joined the No. 46 Squadron in November 1971 and saw his first flying combat in February 1918. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Flying Order and Military Cross for his gallantry. He was also awarded the French Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre.
In October 1918 during a friendly wrestling match with a friend, Donald broke his leg. Armistice was declared while he was in the hospital. After the war, Donald MacLaren participated and assisted in the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was then appointed the commander of Canadian pilots in England who had been transferred to the new air force. Unlike some aces of the World War I who lived short to taste glory, MacLaren died on July 4, 1989, at the age of 95.