Adolph “Sailor” Malan, one of Britain’s leading fighter pilots, was known to be an aggressive pilot, a tough leader, and an excellent shot. After serving in operations over Dunkirk, Malan took over command of the 74 Squadron in August 1940. In December of that year, Malan was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his “brilliant leadership, skill and determination.” Under his leadership 74 Squadron had “destroyed at least 84 enemy aircraft and damaged many more,” according to his citation. Malan retired from the RAF in 1946 as one of the leading Allied air aces, according to the Imperial War Museum. (Getty Images)