Kill Stealers in World War II ?

[SKJohn]

I was reading a book called “Fighter Pilots – Eyewitness accounts of Air Combat from the Red Baron to Today’s Top Guns.” By Jon E. Lewis.  It is a series of short stories by actual pilots from the major conflicts of the past up to the present.
     Anyway, in a piece by Chuck Yeager called “Flying High (p. 438)”, he was talking how fear affected different kinds of pilots, and he said:

“. . .  There were still others who would fire a burst, then quickly break off; or watch somebody else hammer an airplane, then, when the German was already windmilling and going down, dive in and fire a quick burst, then try and share credit for the kill.  I had a guy do that to me.  Believe me, he never did it again. . . . “

I've read numerous actual accounts of HOing, now kill steaaling as well.  How did Hi Tech know to allow for al these different types of realistic personalities in this game?  It just truly amazes me. . .

[Masherbrum]

IRL, I wouldn't call it exactly "kill stealing".   More like "hatred of the enemy."   

In game, you just have those who stand on the shoulders of others.   That is why when someone is firing over my shoulder, I'm deliberately kill shooting them.   

[Schlitz]

Erich Hartmann was a kill stealer as well.

[Anaxogoras]

In the arenas I think it is bad form.  In a scenario type setting, where the enemy should be killed as quickly as possible, I'm happy to watch my wingman blow the enemy I've been fighting out of the sky.

[Spikes]

In the arenas I think it is bad form.  In a scenario type setting, where the enemy should be killed as quickly as possible, I'm happy to watch me wingman blow the enemy I've been fighting out of the sky.

Same here. I mean, if I'm dead on someone's six in a scenario firing at them , I don't want someone swooping in and getting them, I'd rather them keep my six clear.

[Cthulhu]

In the arenas I think it is bad form.  In a scenario type setting, where the enemy should be killed as quickly as possible, I'm happy to watch me wingman blow the enemy I've been fighting out of the sky.

Agree about the arenas, but it depends on the circumstances.

1) Running down a burning zero that's running just to hose it down = low-life move
2) Firing on a burning bomber that's just about to drop on your CV = absolutely

[Anaxogoras]

Agree about the arenas, but it depends on the circumstances.

1) Running down a burning zero that's running just to hose it down = low-life move
2) Firing on a burning bomber that's just about to drop on your CV = absolutely

Agreed.

[stickpig]

You have to watch those burning zero's.... I've seen them fly long enough to come back at ya and still engage.

[Cthulhu]

You have to watch those burning zero's.... I've seen them fly long enough to come back at ya and still engage.

Only a matter of time before we see one land, rearm, and re-up.

[Enker]

Agree about the arenas, but it depends on the circumstances.

1) Running down a burning zero that's running just to hose it down = low-life move

Now, what if it is going to take out your leader? Still no shooting it dead as a doornail?

[Cthulhu]

Now, what if it is going to take out your leader? Still no shooting it dead as a doornail?

I'm a Knight... what is this "leader" thing you refer to?

[Becinhu]

If the roman candle zeke is saddled up on a buddy its getting hosed. Otherwise let em burn.

[Crash Orange]

2) Firing on a burning bomber that's just about to drop on your CV = absolutely

I figure anything that's inbound and still a credible threat to drop troops or ords is fair game.

As far as history goes, my understanding is that kill stealing was very much NOT an acceptable behavior - not so much because of stealing someone else's glory but because if you were zooming in trying to shoot a plane that's already going down you were NOT doing your job which was to watch for other threats. Particularly if you were flying wing and the kill you were stealing was your lead's. Both pilots getting target fixated would defeat the whole purpose of flying in elements to begin with.

I'm not that familiar with Hartmann's career, but I imagine Sailor Malan or Tom Blackburn would have wrung the pencil-neck of any geek under their command who jumped in front of a squad mate to spray a plane that was already burning and out of control.   Aggression in a fighter jock is a cardinal virtue but not at the expense of teamwork and discipline.

[infowars]

I heard someone on range the other day yell out...  " Hey..  Thanks for clearing my 12 o'clock "  I just about pee'd my pants laughing...

[Enker]

I'm a Knight... what is this "leader" thing you refer to?

Squad leader, wing leader, or element leader. Take your pick. For me it would be Saxman in FSOs, because he always seems to pick me as his wingman, even though I tend to break off to early to pursue other targets. For you it might be...ummm...someone in FSOs?