Willy Coppens

Fighter ace (1892-1986) · Belgium · On the map · Musicians · Died at 94

Willy Omer François Jean baron Coppens de Houthulst, DSO MC was Belgium's leading fighter ace and the champion "balloon buster" of World War I. He was credited with 37 confirmed victories and six probables.

Willy Coppens is read about 21 times a day, in 10 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 19 June 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.

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Also in Deutsch

Media & music

Photos 3

Willy Coppens is decorated by King Albert I.

Coppens (centre), pictured in 1919

Awards

Commander of the Legion of Honour

Croix de guerre 1914-1918

Military Cross

Commander of the Order of Leopold II

Commander of the Order of the Crown

Distinguished Service Order

Knight Officer of the Order of the White Eagle

Grand Officer of the Order of Wissam El Alaoui

Officer of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus

Yser Medal

Virtuti Militari

Knight of the Order of the Black Star

Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic

Knight's Cross of the Virtuti Militari

Inter-Allied Victory medal (Belgium)

About this person

Country

Belgium

The same award as Willy

Pierre Alexis Ronarc'hBoth received Yser Medal

Auguste TilkensBoth received Yser Medal

Musicians from Belgium 4

Robert Cogoi46.3 of 100

André Vandernoot46.2 of 100 Morgane46.4 of 100

Tonia46.1 of 100