Arsenal VG-33
Senior Airman
Reputations among the fighter pilot community are fragile. The fighter pilot community is brutal on 'claimers' - of any nationality, and particularly harsh on those that left their wingmen to fend for themselves while pursuing scores..
Agreed, and very well put.
I have no idea whatsoever whether Closterman was in that category.. Gabby Gabreski caused more than a few heads to shake for losing wingmen in Korea, as an example. To my knowledge he was not French.
I had no idea about Gabreski losing his wignman. But even if he was reprimanded for it, he never recieved the same scrutiny and derision that Clostermann did. Even Boyington, inspite of his heavy boozing and condescening behaviour towards others, is still well liked and admired. Are his claims questioned? Its a double standard.