Francesco Baracca
Francesco Baracca | |
|---|---|
Francesco Baracca, standing by his SPAD XIII fighter. His personal emblem, the Prancing Horse, later became the logo of Ferrari. | |
| Born | 9 May 1888 |
| Died | 19 June 1918 (aged 30) |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Italy |
| Branch | Royal Italian Army Cavalry Corpo Aeronautico Militare |
| Service years | 1907 – 1918 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Regiment "Piemonte Cavalleria" (2nd) 1a Squadriglia, 70a Squadriglia, 91a Squadriglia |
| Awards | Gold Medal of Military Valor, three Silver Medal of Military Valor, British Military Cross, French Croix de Guerre, Belgian Order of the Crown |
Francesco Baracca (9 May 1888 – 19 June 1918) was Italy's top fighter ace of World War I. He was credited with 34 aerial victories. The emblem he wore side by side on his plane of a black horse prancing on its two rear hooves inspired Enzo Ferrari to use it on his racing car and later in his automotive company.