Compare And Contrast Rickenbacker And Frank Luke Jr

The Greater Aviator

World War one saw many great airmen, but there were two that stood out among the rest; Captain Edward Rickenbacker and 2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. These men both demonstrated courage and bravery that ultimately asked them for their life. Both men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their deeds of bravery, as well as earning the title of Ace. An Ace is someone that has shot down at least five enemy planes. Rickenbacker was nicknamed “Ace of the Aces”, while Luke was the first of only two men to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Luke honored his country through his actions. Frank Luke Jr demonstrated superior characteristics that lead him to make a valuable contribution to World War I through bravery, skilled flying skills, and selflessness.

2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr’s bravery is shown through the choices that he made at such a young age.

Captain Luke was only 21 years old when he was shot down by German troops. In World War I, “having previously destroyed a number of enemy aircraft within 17 days he voluntarily started on a patrol after German observation balloons” (Writing Assignment #1: Guidance). He specialized in attacking observation balloons, “possibly the toughest target any WWI pilot could face”( Toliver, Constable). This was due to the artillery, fighter squadrons, and new to WWI, machine guns. Captain Luke stared death in the face and continued to fly and fire into enemy lines. He shot down 2 balloons and 3 aircraft on September 18th alone (Toliver, Constable). Captain Luke destroyed 13 enemy airborne targets in a mere 5 days. His contributions would not have been so great if he had not had the qualities of bravery that he did. He also exhibited Skilled

Airmanship.
2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr, enlisted in the signal air Corp for the U.S. Army at 20 years old as a private but soon was sent to aviation training (Toliver, Constable). He was then commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Aviation section of the Signal Officers Reserve. Although the odds are better to fly in a formation, 2nd Lieutenant Luke would fly solo, straight into the line of fire. He totaled 18 victories, which made him an Ace. While Rickenbacker is also an Ace and Medal winner, Rickenbacker did not take down, single handedly, as many enemy aircraft. Luke was injured by German aircraft, and still continued to open fire on their troops. Rather than aircraft, Luke shot down infantry men, 6 total, with numerous wounded. Luke was a skilled pilot, even when injured, he continued to fight enemy troops and land a plane. Not only did this feat demonstrate skilled piloting, but demonstrated his selflessness.
The ultimate price one can pay for their country is their life. That is what 2nd lieutenant Luke did. He fought gallantly and was surrounded after landing on enemy soil. Rather than surrendering, Luke “drew his automatic pistol and defended himself … until he fell dead from a wound in the chest” (Writing Assignment #1: Guidance). He fought for a very short period of time, yet he accomplished so much due to his love of this country and selflessness. All soldiers should embody the attitude 2nd lieutenant Frank Luke Jr did. As he was injured, fired at, and landed a damaged plane, Luke never lost his intensity to fight for his country. He died when he was only 21.
Both Rickenbacker and Luke made significant sacrifices to aid the war effort, but ultimately Luke demonstrated superior characteristics, like bravery, dedication to airmenship, and selflessness, that led him to make an important contribution to America’s War effort.