James Thomas Byford McCudden (March 28, 1895 - July 9, 1918) was an English First World War flying ace and among the most highly decorated airmen in British military history. Having an interest in mechanics he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) in 1913 at which time he first came into regular contact with aircraft. Out the outbreak of war in 1914 he flew as an observer before training as a fighter pilot in 1916. He claimed his first victory in September 1916. McCudden claimed his fifth victory, making him an ace in February 1917. For the next six months he served as an instructor and flew defensive patrols over London. He returned to the frontline in the summer, 1917. That same year he dispatched a further 31 enemy aircraft while claiming multiple victories in one day on 11 occasions. On July 9, 1918 McCudden was killed in a flying accident when his aircraft crashed following an engine fault. His rank at the time of his death was Major, a significant achievement for a man who had begun his career as a non-commissioned officer. At his death he had amassed 57 enemy aircraft placing him seventh on the list of the war's most successful aces. With his six British medals and one French, he received more awards for gallantry than any other airman of British nationality serving in WWI.
