Major Josef Mai (3 March 1887 – 18 January 1982) Iron Cross First and Second Class, was a World War I fighter pilot credited with 30 victories.

When World War I began Mai was part of the offensive aimed at the French capital of Paris.

[3] Mai joined the German air service in 1915; he trained at the Fokker plant at Leipzig.

[6] Mai scored his first victory on 20 August 1917, flying an Albatros D.V, and downing a Sopwith Camel of No.

On 25 April 1918 he forced down British ace Lt Maurice Newnham of No.

Pilot Lt Herbert Sellars was killed although Observer Lt. Charles Robson survived and taken prisoner.

As he hit one Brisfit with incendiary ammunition, the other swerved away from the incoming fire and collided with his wrecked companion.

[11][12] Mai claimed his 30th and last score, a Bristol F.2B of 20 Squadron, killing the ace crew of Lt. Nicholson Boulton and 2/Lt.

[citation needed] Mai was nominated for Germany's highest honor, the Pour le Merite, or Blue Max.