July 26, 1918

After shooting down a German aircraft, Maj. Edward “Mick” Mannock, the Royal Air Force’s all time leading ace, is hit by ground fire that causes his fuel tank to explode. His S.E. 5a aircraft dives into the ground and he is killed. He is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest award for valor. Major Mannock is generally given credit for 73 aerial victories, although several sources put his total lower.