Ground kills vs Air kills

Did any countries (or did all of them) count ground kills of enemy aircraft towards "ace" status? I am watching the classic movie "Fighter Squadron", and it shows a gun camera of a P-47 blowing the ever-lovin' crap out of two nazi crates on the ground. Would those count? I can't help but wonder. Thank you.

 

The term "Ace" was not officially used by the USAAF. Aerial victory credits are what are generally used to determine the unofficial status of ace. The AAF did keep official credits of ground kills in a separate tabulation from aerial victories, but those are not typically applied toward the status of 'ace' in common usage.

 

Thanks, but what about other air forces? Anyone know? Thanks again!

 

US ETO fighter pilots yes you could be a ground ace with 5 air to ground kills.

for the LW you are correct Lou they were not counted and not put on a fighter A/C tail, only air to air downings. Now if this was a ground attack pilot that is a total another story........... for the fighter pilot: the ground kills would be added in the overall totals of his military service and upon acceptance of higher grading of awards like the Ritterkreuz