Complex sentence: Fighter pilots played a critical role in the defense of Malta during its siege and by 6 July 1942, Beurling had three confirmed victories, shortly after raising his total to five to make him an official ace.
Split into simpler sentences: Fighter pilots played a critical role in the defense of Malta during its siege. By 6 July 1942, Beurling had three confirmed victories, shortly after raising his total to five to make him an official ace.