Frank Luke was American pilot, and he was also the second highest scoring Ace during World War One. He took down fourteen German balloons and four German aircraft in just seventeen days. Although Rickenbacker has more victories to his name, no one matched Frank Luke for a courage that bordered on madness.
Frank Luke was born in Arizona on May 19, 1897, the fifth child of German immigrants. He was a strong, active and competitive boy who loved to play sports. He enlisted in the Aviation service in 1917 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1918. He was then assigned to the 27th Aero Squadron in France.
He wasn't well-liked by the others in his Squadron, with the exception of another outcast named Joe Wehner. When Luke announced his first air victory, the others brushed him off as a liar. That's when Luke started securing written and signed eyewitness accounts of his victories. Unfortunately, his tendency to break away from formation, go on solo missions, and blow up German balloons sparked jealousy and dislike in his fellow pilots. Luke wasn't entirely a loner, though: His friend Wehner would often fly along with him and cover his back.
Joe Wehner died in action while flying with Frank Luke, as did Ivan Roberts shortly afterward. The deaths of the few people Luke counted as friends drove him into a suicidal depression. He started going on unauthorized missions until he was nearly arrested for going AWOL. His final act was shooting down three more observation balloons before he was forced to land in German territory. His body was discovered with an empty gun, a bullet hole in his chest, and several dead Germans surrounding him.
Frank Luke, easily one of the most daring Flying Aces that ever lived, was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1921.
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