Sestřel! Hlásím sestřel! 4 - Osudy sedmi spojeneckých stíhačů Druhé světové války – Brzkovský Marek (2023)

The term 'ace' in the context of fighter pilots originated during World War I and referred to a pilot who managed to shoot down at least five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Although it was an unofficial title, it was highly valued, and almost every fighter pilot aspired to achieve it. The number of kills was also linked to the awarding of honors, promotions, respect from comrades, and often financial rewards. During World War II, this designation was widely used, and the cult of fighter aces was fostered by practically all nations involved in the conflict. In each unit, these men determined the success or failure of combat operations, and this relatively small group of pilots accounted for the majority of the kills achieved by their unit. Great aces often became unit commanders, and many reached high ranks. Everyone, of course, aimed to shoot down as many enemies as possible and become the best. The fates of the seven men described in this book are often quite different. They fought in various phases of the world conflict, on different aircraft, and on different fronts of World War II. Some lived to see its end, while others lost their battle with death and perished at the controls of their fighter planes.