To Non-Java ALLSTAR Network Website
Please let me remind all of you--this
material is copyrighted. Though partially funded by NASA, it is still a
private site. Therefore, before using our materials in any form, electronic or
otherwise, you need to ask permission.
There are two ways to browse the site: (1) use the search
button above to find specific materials using keywords; or,
(2) go to specific headings like history,
principles or careers at specific levels above and click on the
button.
Teachers may go directly to the Teachers' Guide from the For
Teachers button above or site browse as in (1) and (2).
|
Maj. US Air Service Early Proponent of U.S. Air Power Born Nice, France Dec. 29, 1879—Feb. 19,1936 |
William Mitchell enlisted as a volunteer at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898 and received a field commission that same year. He distinguished himself when in 1901-1902, under most difficult conditions, he established a communications system for the Army throughout the wilderness of Alaska.
His belief in the military potential of aircraft led Captain "Billy" Mitchell to volunteer for flying duty and he was rated Military Aviator in 1916. After America's entry into the World War I in 1917, he went to France to establish and head the U.S. Air Service. He became the first American to fly over enemy lines in combat. In 1918, he was appointed to Commander of all Allied Air Services.
After the war, this much decorated hero vigorously advocated the primacy of air power as an instrument of national policy. He organized the famous bombing tests against naval ship targets in Chesapeake Bay in 1921, clearly demonstrating the efficacy of air bombardment in defense of the U.S. His militant attacks on complaisant politicians and senior old-line Army and Navy Officers resulted in his court-marshal in 1925, and his subsequent resignation from the service.
During World War II "Billy" Mitchell's prophecies and theories were to prove true. A grateful Congress posthumously promoted him to the rank of Major General and awarded him a special gold Congressional Medal.
Invested 1970 in the International Aerospace Hall of Fame
From "These We Honor," The International Hall of Fame; The San Diego Aerospace Museum, San Diego, CA. 1984
Send all comments to 
allstar@fiu.edu
© 1995-2009 ALLSTAR Network. All rights reserved worldwide.
| Funded in part by |  |
From San Diego Aerospace Museum Educational Materials |
 |
Updated: March 12, 2004
