Frank Luke was the first airman to receive the Medal of Honor. His flying battles ranking second among U.S. Army Air Service pilots after Captain Eddie Rickenbacker in number of aerial victories during World War I (Rickenbacker was credited with 26 victories, while Luke's official score was 18, however, 17 of Luke's 18 victories were officially recorded as destroyed, versus only 11 of Rickenbacker's 26).
Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, a U.S. Air Force pilot training installation since World War II, is named in his honor.
Luke was, indeed, one of the most remarkable men to serve his country. He was a giant in developing the skills for aerial combat, and left a legacy still unmatched today.
He died at only 21 years old.
“He was the most daring aviator and greatest fighter pilot of the entire war. His life is one of the brightest glories of our Air Service. He went on a rampage and shot down fourteen enemy aircraft, including ten balloons, in eight days. No other ace, even the dreaded Richthofen, had ever come close to that.” - Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker
Found on https://www.facebook.com/groups/134585496559585/
“He was the most daring aviator and greatest fighter pilot of the entire war. His life is one of the brightest glories of our Air Service. He went on a rampage and shot down fourteen enemy aircraft, including ten balloons, in eight days. No other ace, even the dreaded Richthofen, had ever come close to that.” - Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker
Found on https://www.facebook.com/groups/134585496559585/
For the detailed history, which I wasn't able to find when I made this post, listen to Mike Rowe's podcast, Episode 374: No Man No Problem with Bill Whittle Start at minute 36:00
For example, Frank Luke's beginnings were in the mines in Arizona, and he was the bare knuckle prize fighter champ... then, to make some more money, he started a dancing school, to teach miners to dance. Why? TO WIN THE ATTENTION OF WOMEN!
Serious, that's genius!
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