Augustin Novák

Augustin Novák (sometimes referred to as Novak or Nowak; 1890–1970) was a Czech World War I flying ace credited with five or seven aerial victories. A prewar soldier, who had joined the horse artillery in 1911, he participated in the early Battle of Krasnik against the Russians, winning a Silver Medal for Bravery. After transferring to aviation service in January 1916, he became a two-seater pilot on the Russian, Romanian, and Italian Fronts. His aerial victories earned him two more awards of the Medal for Bravery, both First Class. He was then removed from combat to become an instructor in January 1918.

Early life Augustin Novák was born in Butovice, Moravia, Austria-Hungary (today part of Studénka, Czech Republic) in 1890. On 1 June 1917, he posted a combat claim for an unconfirmed victory over another Farman. On the 21st, he scored his fourth confirmed win, yet another Farman, himself being shot down on the same day. On 8 July, he survived being shot down again, this time by Lieutenant Gheorghe Mihăilescu; his observer was killed, while he was injured. In August, he won his second silver medal for Bravery, First Class. When his unit was shifted to northern Italy to fight in the Battle of Caporetto, he scored his fifth aerial victory, shooting down an Italian reconnaissance craft on 11 November 1917.

In late January 1918, Novák's combat career ended. He was posted to the rear as an instructor.