[fugazi]

For some reason, the Austria-Hungary fighter pilots didn't shoot at Hammann when he stopped to pick up his flight leader or on the flight back. I'd like to think it was a little humanity showing through all the killing that goes on during war, but who knows.

[allendale]

They probably would have tipped their wings in salute and may have escorted him back. People on both sides saluted and respected their vanquished foes.

[rktman]

WHAT? It wasn’t juan mclame? Yeah, I know better.

[robowombat]

Unfortunately Hamann was killed in an aircraft accident at Langley Field, Virginia less than a year later. Hence the Sims Class destroyer named for him sunk at the Battle of Midway.

[rjsimmon]

During the early stage of WWI, enemy aviators used to salute one another in the air. That is, until one of them brought a gun...

[Doogle]

Reminds me of...Pardo’s Push
https://youtu.be/RRNbcPS3A9c

[TADSLOS]

It was considered bad form during WWI to gun down an already downed pilot. Probably had to do with the fact that flying then was hairy enough as it was, so respect was given.

That all changed by the next war, for the most part. Everyone and everything was a target. However, there were a few examples of chivalry performed by luftwaffe pilots towards crippled allied aircraft in WWII.

[MUDDOG]

the Austria-Hungary fighter pilots didn't shoot at Hammann

FranzJoseffarians.

Long sideburns, holy schnapps, waltz music.

[Little Ray]

It is a Macchi M5, not a Machhi M5.

[Snickering Hound]

The F8F Bearcat just missed seeing action in WWII.

VF-19 had re-equipped with the fighter and was on board the Langley steaming for the warzone west of Hawaii when the Japanese surrendered.