What were the Eagle Squadrons (1940-1942)?

Introduction The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (circa 1940), prior to America’s entry into the war in December 1941. With the United States still neutral, many Americans simply crossed the border and… Read More

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Who was Edward O’Hare?

Introduction Lieutenant Commander Edward Henry O’Hare (13 March 1914 to 26 November 1943) was an American naval aviator of the United States Navy, who on 20 February 1942, became the Navy’s first fighter ace of the war when he single-handedly attacked a formation of nine heavy bombers approaching his aircraft carrier. Even though he had… Read More

What was the 1998 Cavalese Cable Car Crash?

Introduction The Cavalese cable car crash, also known as the Strage del Cermis (Italian: Massacre of Cermis), occurred on 03 February 1998, near the Italian town of Cavalese, a ski resort in the Dolomites some 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Trento. Twenty people were killed when a United States Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler aircraft,… Read More

What is a Flying Ace?

Introduction A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ace is varied, but is usually considered to be five or more. The concept of the “ace” emerged… Read More

What was the 1988 Remscheid A-10 Crash?

Introduction The 1988 Remscheid A-10 crash occurred on 08 December 1988, when an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jet of the United States Air Force crashed onto a residential area in the city of Remscheid, West Germany. The aircraft crashed into the upper floor of an apartment complex. In addition to the pilot, five people were… Read More