Oswald Boelcke was Germany's first ace in World War One with a total of forty victories. His character, inspirational leadership, organisational genius, development of air-to-air tactics and impact on aerial doctrine are all reasons why Boelcke remains an important figure in the history of air warfare. Paving the way for modern air forces across the world with his pioneering tactics, Boelcke had a dramatic effect on his contemporaries. The fact that he was the Red Baron's mentor, instructor, squadron commander and friend demonstrates the influence he had upon the German air force. He was one of the first pilots to be awarded the famous Pour le Mérite commonly recognised as the 'Blue Max'. All of this was achieved after overcoming medical obstacles in his childhood and later life with a willpower and determination. Boelcke even gained the admiration of his enemies. After his tragic death in a midair collision, the Royal Flying Corps dropped a wreath on his funeral, and several of his victims sent another wreath from their German prison camp. His name and legacy of leadership and inspiration live on, as seen in the Luftwaffe's designation of the Tactical Air Force Wing 31 'Boelcke'. In this definitive biography RG Head explores why Oswald Boelcke deserves consideration as the most important fighter pilot of the 20th century and beyond; but also for setting the standard in military aviation flying. This book will appeal to enthusiasts of the German air force, military aviation in general and World War One in particular. AUTHOR: RG Head is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy and was one of the first fighter pilots in Vietnam. He flew 325 combat missions in the A-1 Skyraider, earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and thirteen Air Medals. Earning a PhD in political science, he taught cadets at the Academy, had a second tour in South East Asia and commanded the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the Philippines. His is a distinguished graduate of Pilot Training, 'Top Gun' in Advanced Fighter Training, the National War College and top graduate of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. He was a Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City where he published a book, Crisis Resolution. He served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Military Assistant to the Under Secretary for Policy and in the Joint Staff as the Special Assistant to the Director for JCS Matters. When promoted to Brigadier General he served in Italy as Deputy Commander of 5 ATAF and the Air Staff.
