Artwork for Blue Max: Aces of the Great War

Blue Max: Aces of the Great War

December 31, 1991

1914- the peaceful, blue skies over France are shattered forever by the machine guns of mankind's first fighting aircraft. The medal "Pour le merite"- the British called it "the Blue Max"- was awarded to the best German pilots of World War I. To flyers of both sides it symbolized the utmost in daring, courage and honor during a time that will never be repeated in the story of aviation. Fame was rated daily on the numbers of planes shot down; rapid advances were made in flying technology and