Frank Luke Jr. (May 19, 1897 – September 29, 1918) was an American fighter ace credited with 19 aerial victories, ranking him second among United States Army Air Service (USAAS) pilots during World War I, after Eddie Rickenbacker.

Frank Luke, Jr., the “Arizona Balloon Buster,” was one of the bravest men ever to wear the wings of the Aviation Section. He possessed a unique combination of shyness and aggression, plus an honest dislike for excessive discipline.

Feb 13, 2023 · Frank Luke Jr. was an American pilot from Phoenix, Arizona, whose short but impressive air combat career made him one of the top “balloon busters” of World War I. Luke was, by many accounts, a naturally talented pilot who struggled at times with the discipline found in the military command structure.

Frank Luke was back for the opening day of the offensive, flying out with Lieutenant Ivan Roberts, one of his few friends from the early days before the Arizona Boaster had been transformed into America's greatest hero of the air. It was Luke's first combat mission since the death of Joe Wehner seven days earlier.

Nov 1, 2022 · Despite only flying against the Germans for just over two weeks, American pilot Frank Luke made a name for himself. Learn about his story.

U.S. Army Air Service Second Lieutenant Frank Luke Jr was posthumously presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during World War I.

Aug 1, 2009 · Second Lt. Frank Luke Jr. with his biplane in the fields near Rattentout Farm, France, on Sept. 19, 1918. In the final tally, he was the second-ranking US ace of the war and the first airman ever awarded the Medal of Honor. The true story of Luke’s exploits was soon engulfed by legend and myth.

Frank Luke Jr., nicknamed "The Arizona Balloon Buster," was born in Phoenix, Ariz. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1917, learned to fly and arrived on the front in France in July 1918. Assigned to the 27th Aero Squadron, his exceptional bravery initially earned him a reputation for being "wild and reckless."

1st Lt. Frank Luke Jr. Memorial Museum and Research Center exists to educate, enrich, and further the appreciation of America’s war history from WWI to the present. (May 19, 1897 – September 29, 1918) Born in Phoenix Arizona. awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor as well as numerous international awards.

Frank Luke, called the most spectacular air fighter of World War I, who shot town 18 airplanes and balloons in his short military career, enlisted in the Signal Corps Sept. 25, 1917. He took ground training at the University of Texas' School of Military Aeronautics and learned to fly at Rockwell Field, San Diego, Calif.