Take a look at these brave and bold fighter pilots who earned the accolade and joined the ranks of flying aces during World War II aviation combat. A celebration of these astounding pilots, this illustrated history includes black-and-white photos from their time as well as images of the aircraft now. American David McCampbell, who scored all of his 34 kills within six months... Germanys Erich "Bubi" Hartmann, possibly the most dangerous man in aviation history with 352 victories... Britains James Edgar "Johnny" Johnson, who would finish the war with 38 wins with only a single bullet ever hitting his aircraft...

These, and many other brave fighter pilots, were given the title of "ace." Among aviation warfare, this mark sets some above the rest. While it technically marks the pilots as having five enemy kills in aerial combat, it means a lot more than that in military circles. On the battlefield, they were enemies, diametrically opposed, but when they were firmly planted on the ground, they were respected colleagues.

During World War II, tens of thousands of aircraft engaged in deadly dog-fights in the skies over Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. Fighter pilots have always been described as the knights of the air. Since World War I, they have been seen as a breed apart, fighting their battles high above the mud and muck of the battlefields. In this hellish battle for survival, hundreds of pilots claimed five or more victories to become aces. These are their stories. Learn all about the daring men of valor from:

The United States army, marines, and navy
The United Kingdom
Germany
The Soviet Union
Poland
Italy
France
Finland
And everywhere in between!

This fascinating account of the greatest pilots of World War II is a great gift for the history buff in your life and an excellent way to fall into history.