Josef František
Josef František DFM & Bar (7 October 1914 – 8 October 1940) was a Czechoslovak fighter pilot and Second World War fighter ace who flew for the air forces of Czechoslovakia, Poland, France, and the United Kingdom. He was the highest-scoring non-British Allied ace in the Battle of Britain, with 17 confirmed victories and one probable, all gained in a period of four weeks in September 1940.
Josef František, DFM & Bar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 October 1914 Otaslavice, Austria-Hungary |
| Died | 8 October 1940 (aged 26) Ewell, Surrey, England |
| Buried | Northwood, London, England |
| Allegiance | Czechoslovakia Poland France United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Czechoslovak Air Force Polish Air Force French Foreign Legion Armée de l'Air Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1934–1940 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 793451 |
| Unit | No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Medal & Bar Croix de guerre Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari Cross of Valour (3) |
František was a brilliant pilot and combatant but frequently breached air force discipline first in Czechoslovakia, in France and Britain. The RAF found it best to let him patrol alone, a role in which he was highly successful. He was killed in a crash in October 1940 in the final week of the Battle of Britain.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.