278. OSWALD BOELCKE (1891-1916) German World War I fighter pilot who became his country's first ace, armed with Fokker's revolutionary synchronized machine gun. Soon after shooting down his 40th victim, he was himself killed in a mid-air collision with another German plane. Rare S.P. "Boelcke", 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" b/w, a 1916 3/4 length photo postcard image of the German ace in full dress uniform, replete with his Ordre Pour le Merite (Blue Max) award for bravery which he received in January, 1916. Some silvering toward the margins, otherwise very good condition. $600-800