Jaan Mahlapuu facts for kids

Jaan Mahlapuu was a brave Estonian fighter pilot. He flew for the Russian Air Service during World War I. Born in Valga, Estonia, in 1894, he became famous. He was the first "ace" pilot from Estonia. An ace pilot is someone who shoots down five or more enemy planes.

Jaan Mahlapuu: Estonia's First Flying Ace

Becoming a Pilot

Jaan Mahlapuu loved to fly. In 1915, he finished flight school in Pskov. This training prepared him to become a military pilot. Soon after, he joined the fight in World War I.

A Hero in the Skies

Jaan was sent to the war front near Riga. Riga is a city in Latvia. Here, he became a true hero. Reports say he shot down five or six German planes. This made him an "ace" pilot. He was the first Estonian to achieve this. After a big win in Riga, he was honored. The city of Riga made him an "Honor Citizen." This was a special award for his bravery.

A Sad End

Sadly, Jaan Mahlapuu's life ended too soon. In August 1917, he died in an airplane accident. He was a true pioneer and hero in the early days of flight.

Sources

• Russian Fighter Aces of 1914 - 1924