Balloon buster

Paone is curator of the National Air and Space Museum’s lighter-than-air collection, which no doubt makes him one of the foremost balloon experts in the world. Writing for the museum’s blog, Paone tells the story of Frank Luke Jr., a World War I flying ace with an unmatched ability to shoot down observation balloons. Apparently, the Germans used them extensively along the front lines as a way to better direct fire and scout troop movements. As such, they were heavily guarded by ground-based artillery and airborne escorts.

Despite the strong defenses, Luke, flying a SPAD S.XIII French biplane, was able to shoot down 14 balloons during his two months in the war—most in a two-week period—while protected by his wingman, Joe Wehner. On one fateful day he downed three balloons in 45 minutes, ultimately paying the price by being shot down soon after the last kill. For a total of 19 official aircraft and balloon wins, Luke was one of the war’s most successful aces, and the first pilot to win the Medal of Honor. The Chinese balloon-popping F–22s used the callsigns Frank01 and Frank02 during their recent mission, and were based with the 27th Fighter Squadron, a direct descendant of Luke’s 27th Aero Squadron.

Check out the museum’s website to read the full text of Paone’s excellent post.

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airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/honoring-balloon-buster-frank-luke