French pilots endured the unique experience of fighting both with and against the Allies during World War II. Possessing mostly obsolescent aircraft at the outbreak of the war, the Armee de l'Air was decimated in the wake of the Blitzkrieg, but riot before French units achieved creditable scores, particularly against Italian forces. After the capitulation of France in 1940, a number of French aces continued to fly with the Vichy squadrons, many of which saw action against their former AlLies in North Africa. French pilots also escaped to Britain and Russia, achieving notable success with the RAF and on the Eastern Front, respectively.

This rare look at the French aces of World War II features 40 specially commissioned color plates researched from original sources and derailing the wide assortment of aircraft flown by French aces, as well as paint schemes, marking, and unit badges worn by the different Groupe de Chasse. A detailed text explains the conflicts and tactics flown, includes tables of traits involved, and features interviews with several leading aces. Archival photos are sourced from the best collections from across the globe.