The German Fighter Pilot Who Scored 237 More Victories Than the Leading Allied Ace
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Gerhard Barkhorn, an aviator whose legacy is marked by acclaim and historical scrutiny, served as a pilot for the Luftwaffe in World War II. Despite the contentious discussions surrounding his wartime activities, he amassed a remarkable tally of aerial victories, cementing his place as the second-highest-scoring fighter pilot in history, surpassed only by his fellow German, Erich Hartmann.
After the conflict, Barkhorn made a surprising move, choosing to collaborate with his former foes in the post-war period.