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Willy Coppens

King Albert of Belgium decorates Willy Coppens, Belgium's Ace of Aces. Coppens describes this June 30, 1918 ceremony, in which he was awarded the Ordre de la Couronne in his memoir 'Flying in Flanders'.
Caption:
Le Roi décore l'As Belge Coppens. - Le Roi le félicite. (The King [Albert] decorates the Belgian Ace Coppens. The King congratulates him.)
Reverse:
Carte Postale
Service photographique de l'armée Belge.
Phot. Belge, r. Ma Campagne, 30, Brux
Logo PhoB

King Albert of Belgium decorates Willy Coppens, Belgium's Ace of Aces. Coppens describes this June 30, 1918 ceremony, in which he was awarded the Ordre de la Couronne in his memoir Flying in Flanders.

Image text

Caption: Le Roi décore l'As Belge Coppens. - Le Roi le félicite. (The King [Albert] decorates the Belgian Ace Coppens. The King congratulates him.)

Reverse:

Carte Postale

Service photographique de l'armée Belge.

Phot. Belge, r. Ma Campagne, 30, Brux

Logo PhoB

Other views: Larger, Larger

Willy Coppens was Belgium's 'Ace of Aces', its leading ace, with 37 kills to his name. His preferred victim was the observation balloon, typically strongly defended by both anti-aircraft guns and fighter planes.

Coppens flew a Hanriot.

He was the author of the memoir, Flying in Flanders.

Belgium

Roles held by Willy Coppens

Role Start Date End Date
Author
Combatant - Pilot 1916-01-01 1918-11-11

Statistics for Willy Coppens

1 Statistic

Statistic Type Statistic
Enemy Aircraft Downed 37

Some books by or about Willy Coppens (1)

Title Author
Flying in Flanders Willy Coppens