Willy Coppens | |
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Birth name | Willy Omer François Jean Coppens |
Born | Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels, Belgium | 6 July 1892
Died | 21 December 1986 De Panne, West Flanders, Belgium | (aged 94)
Allegiance | Belgium |
Service | Grenadiers, Compagnie des Aviateurs |
Years of service | 1912–1940 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | 2nd Grenadiers, 1ère Escadrille de Chasse, 9ème Escadrille de Chasse, Escadrilles (Squadrons) 4, 6 |
Awards | Order of Leopold II, Order of the Crown, Belgian Croix de Guerre, French Legion d'Honneur, Serbian Order of the White Eagle, British Distinguished Service Order, British Military Cross, French Croix de Guerre |
Willy Omer François Jean baron Coppens d'Houthulst, DSO MC (6 July 1892 – 21 December 1986) was Belgium's leading fighter ace and the champion "balloon buster" of World War I. He was credited with 37 confirmed victories and six probables.