[krichter33]

It's really sad that such terms such as "fraudster" are thrown about without any direct evidence to support it. It's my belief that the vast majority of successful fighter aces, from ALL SIDES, overclaimed. Some, of course, more than others. But I believe only a very small percentage would have actively engage in outright fraud. The suggestions stipulated here about a whole range of different aces as being "fraudsters" I find disturbing. Is it possible some of them did exaggerate and lie about particular claims, yes it is. But unless you have absolute proof that they did, all you have are personal suspicions. I find it hard to believe that so many of these top aces were all outright frauds and liars. This implies a conspiracy of so many different elements. Not just wingmen, but also any other fighter pilot in the unit, commanders and other pilots in the combat zone, would all have to be involved. This sounds extremely far fetched to me. Yes, it some isolated instances it is possible, but not to such a vast degree that is being suggested. As far as their "shooting patterns" are concerned, this again, doesn't prove anything. Studying loss records is very historically viable and important, and does show the type of overclaiming that can occur, but it does not prove fraud. I wish this same level of interest would be focused on the top Allied aces and their overclaiming. Of course, I'm sure, most would be adamant not to call them "fraudsters."