Does it make sense to speak of infantry aces? Who qualifies?

Answer 1

Absolutely. Franz Kurowski has written a couple volumes related to the exploits of Germany Infantry Aces in the second world war.

The Germans army had a significant number of awards related to infantry combat. And as can readily be seen on pictures of German troops, they wore these various badges at all times, even in combat.

The German Close Combat clasp was one of the more intriquing awards for infantrymen. It was awarded to men who were in direct contact with the enemy for thirty days or more.

Keep in mind that a German Infantryman could have seen nearly 7 years of combat service before the war's end. Compare this to the two years that US soldiers in Europe actually saw combat operations. And German troops on the Eastern Front were very unlikely to see much furlough time.

Kurowski's books reveal the first thoroughly modern and professional army of the 21st century in the Wehrmacht and Waffen SS formations.

Long answer to a short question, but yes, I do believe it is fair to recognize Infantry Aces.

And certainly men like Audie Murphy and Cpt. Richard Winters would certainly qualify as US Infantry Aces.

Answer 2

The term Aces would seemingly apply better to Fighter Pilots as they are referred to as being an Ace. But yes, there were some Infantry 'Studs' that were quite notable in thier various war eras and times of service. Here are a few:

Retired Col. Hackworth; He started in the Army as a PVT at 15 years of age, after 2 combat tours in Korea, a few short years later, he had recieved a Battlefied Commision and was a CPT by the time he was 23. He also saw numerous tours of Combat in the Vietnam Conflict and was the youngest Col. to serve in that theatre of action. To this day he is still America's most decorated Soldier with 110 medals awarded to him during his time of service. Sadly he is downplayed for his ideals and his resignation of his commission in Vietnam to protest what he viewed, another useless no win war which was wasting countless young Ameican men's lives. You can read more about him in his autobiography, "About Face". It's fascinating and a worthwhile read that will keep you glued to the pages.

Audie Murphy: His story is well known in the Army and among other military personnel. He was an outstanding Soldier who served in WWII, and was awarded the CMH or "The Blue Max" as it was nicknamed in that day. Google his name, you'll see what I mean by 'notable'

Carlos Hathcock: He served in Vietnam with distinction in the Marine Corps as a Sniper. He had 93 confirmed kills and his biography "Marine Sniper" is also a short but excellent read. He is most noted for the kill he made when he shot through an enemy Sniper's scope killing him. That's where all those great Sniper movie scenes come from.

There is many more I could mention, but those are a good start and many more are listed in Hackworth's book. Lastly I will say that all the Infantry men that have done line time and know the horrors of war are Heros. Kudos to you all, my Brother's in Arms

Answer 3

Fighter pilots and 'Aces' generally engage in one-on-one combat. Groups of aircraft engage enemy groups, but ultimately the combat breaks down into individual engagements

In contrast, the infantry is, by definition, large units (divisions) made of smaller units (battalions, companies, platoons). The smallest element normally used is a section (2 sections make a squad, 4 squads make a platoon). Infantry engagements do not take place individually. They take place in units. So it is hard for individuals to be distinguished for their activities per se.

There is a misconception, that infantry soldiers 'don't last' in combat. While an amusing idea, it is generally repeated only to show others how tough an infantryman is: "An average infantryman lasts only 2 minutes in combat and I have been here for 6 months." This belongs to the realm of fairy tales.

Some infantrymen who distinguished themselves were awarded the CMH by Congress (usually posthumously).

Answer 4

No such thing. Fighter pilots become aces after 5 kills.

Answer 5

Infantrymen rarely live long enough (or see enough combat) to kill hundreds of people, but snipers and special operators would qualify i guess.