The American Journey © 2012

"Aces of World War I"

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about World War I. Using new technology the military developed submarines, flame throwers, tanks, poison gas, and other weapons. The airplane had been invented earlier in the century. Now military leaders found it dramatically useful in war. In this activity you will take a closer look at two of the most famous "ace" pilots during World War I—one American and one German.

Destination Title: Legendary Aviators and Aircraft of World War One

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• Scroll down to the chart. Under Notable Aviators-American click on Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker and read the selection.
• Using your "Back" button return to the chart and look under Notable Aviators-German.
• Click on Manfred von Richthofen and read the selection.

After you have read about these two aces, answer the following questions.

1			What national sport did a young Rickenbacker excel at that made him famous?
2			How many victories did Rickenbacker achieve? What honors did he receive?
3			When was Richthofen born? When was he killed?
4			What were some of Richthofen's nicknames? Why?
5			Both of these men were important aviators of World War I. Make a chart that compares their achievements in World War I.