2. Georges Guynemer
Georges Guynemer was a famous French ace who had 54 aerial victories during the First World War. However, Guynemer had earned his celebrity ace status not only because of the overwhelming 54 kills but also for being one of the most chivalrous fighter pilots in the history of World War I.
During an aerial combat with Ernst Udet, the latter found his weapons jammed due to some fault in machinery and was sure to meet his death from the replying blow to be inflicted by Guynemer. But Guynemer saw through his helplessness and spared his life by not fighting him back. This one event established the flawless character of Guynemer.
Guynemer had a sickly childhood and was initially rejected by the military. But he joined the RFC as a mechanic and through his determination made it into fighter pilot training in 1915. He joined Escadrille MS.3 and he used his mechanical skills to upgrade his aircraft for inflicting maximum damage on enemy aircraft. His modified aircraft helped him embark on a killing spree, and he became one of most feared pilots in the enemy brigade. He designed the “Avion Magique”, a Spad XII fighter plane with an outstandingly powerful cannon that inflicted damage both on the enemy’s aircraft and the Spad XII itself.
On September 11, 1917, he died on the Western Front over Belgium after being shot down during a mission.