France

Fonck was the highest scoring ace for France and indeed the Allies. When he was conscripted in August 1914, he refused to serve in the French Air Service. He chose instead to go to the trenches. But by early 1915, he changed his mind and began his flight training in a Penguin at Saint-Cyr. With a talent for flying, he was soon serving with Escadrille C47, flying an unarmed Caudron on reconnaissance missions over the lines. In April 1917 Fonck was assigned to Spa103. He had by that time amassed over 500 hours of flying. Flying the SPAD VII, he developed a reputation for studying the tactics of his opponents and being ultra conservative with his ammunition during a dogfight. He shot down six enemy aircraft in one day through careful aim and short bursts. Unfortunately, his ego took hold and consequently he never achieved the admiration and popularity of his fellow-ace Georges Guynemer. Even French ace Claude Haegelen, one of Fonck's few friends, said he boasted too much and too often.

Colonel René Paul Fonck ended the First World War as the top Allied fighter ace, and when all succeeding aerial conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries are also considered, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces". He received confirmation for 75 victories (72 solo and three shared) out of 142 claims. Taking into account his probable claims, Fonck's final tally could conceivably be nearer 100 or above. He was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1918 and later a Commander of the Legion of Honour after the war.