In the showcase episode on Soviet pilots, you say that saying one of their names struck fear in the hearts of German pilots. While descriptions of distinct markings on a plane would easily be reported back, how did pilots end up learning the names of their opponents?
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Propaganda - pilots that garnered reputation for everything from kills to deft defying flying abilities to sheer luck. Individuals, squadrons and planes all were played up for morale boost to the populace and to strike fear into the enemy. The “Night Witches” were heavily played up by the Soviets as they were used primarily for night missions and many female pilots excelled at what they did and the Soviets were quick to capitalize on their fame by singling out individuals and basically playing them up for morale boosts and propaganda and it is effective.
All nations be allied or axis all did this to one degree or another. The Americans excelled at this even if the pilot was mediocre they became famous for becoming an ace or doing something that earned them a name IE. Charging an enemy plane with no ammo or jammed weapons. The Flying Tigers, The Black Sheep Squadron and the Red Tails all got reputations and even though the Red Tails was an all black squadron they became heroes for the blacks back in the states.
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