Who do you think was the most influential airmen of all time?

2022-09-19T12:22:39-04:00

Thanks to all who participated! This sweepstakes event has ended and all prizes have been awarded. Please continue to share your stories and follow the RallySweeps page for the next event! https://rly.pt/RLYSWP

RallySweeps | RallyPoint

RallySweeps

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 19 at 2022 12:31 PM

2022-09-19T12:31:19-04:00

Those would have to be Orville and Wilbur Wright of course. If it wasn't for those two inventing, building and flying the first motor-operated airplane, everyone else that came later would be having a hard time of it...

Not to mention that the control system they invented back in the early 1900s is still used on fixed-wing aircraft today.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 19 at 2022 12:33 PM

2022-09-19T12:33:55-04:00

Thanks for sharing

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Sep 19 at 2022 12:45 PM

2022-09-19T12:45:01-04:00

I would add General Curtis Lemay as one of, if not the most influential airman. His formation design and tactics in the European bombing campaign in WW II, his work in the Pacific and then 10 years leading SAC into the new age of AirPower.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Sep 19 at 2022 12:47 PM

2022-09-19T12:47:28-04:00

Billy Mitchell -- he thought "outside of the box" and saw the potential of air superiority as a force multiplier

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Sep 19 at 2022 1:31 PM

2022-09-19T13:31:44-04:00

There are so many who wore Air Force blue of note. GAF Hap Arnold, BG Billy Mitchell, Gen Curtis LeMay, MSgt Dwayne Hackney, CMSgt Rich Etchberger, SSgt Bill Pitzenbarger and many more.

However, to me one man stands out front as a personal hero. BG Everett "Bud" Day seemingly was awarded just about every military decoration including the MoH for his actions in his many years a POW. It is his actions after his days at Hoa Lo Prison and subsequent retirement that are of note to me.

BG Day fought endlessly to force the government to honor a promise made in almost every enlistment. If you serve 20 years or more and retire, we will give you and your wife free Healthcare for life. Bud Day fought the government tooth and nail to honor its promise. That fight went all the way to SCOTUS where it ruled against him, ending his longest battle.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Sep 19 at 2022 1:44 PM

2022-09-19T13:44:04-04:00

General Chappy James.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Sep 19 at 2022 2:21 PM

2022-09-19T14:21:20-04:00

Doolittle

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Sep 19 at 2022 2:37 PM

2022-09-19T14:37:16-04:00

Beyond a doubt William Lendrum Mitchell

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 19 at 2022 2:44 PM

2022-09-19T14:44:11-04:00

Those that came to mind immediately was the Wright Brothers. They proved man could fly albeit by artificial means since we don't have wings like the birds. Sooner or later someone else would do it but they did what everyone thought was impossible at the time.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Sep 19 at 2022 3:26 PM

2022-09-19T15:26:00-04:00

A triplet- Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. What they did was out of this world.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 19 at 2022 3:39 PM

2022-09-19T15:39:31-04:00

Lt > General James Doolittle

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 19 at 2022 3:39 PM

2022-09-19T15:39:52-04:00

Lt. General James Doolittle

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Sep 19 at 2022 4:55 PM

2022-09-19T16:55:29-04:00

My Daddy, John LeRoy, grand dad Joe, uncle Greg, Larry, Don, Cousins Jimmy, Joe, Jay, Jerry, John, Jeff, so you see flying been instilled in me for many generations.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2022 10:41 PM

2022-09-19T22:41:01-04:00

Gen. Jimmy Stewart.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Sep 20 at 2022 12:44 AM

2022-09-20T00:44:10-04:00

Chuck Yeager was the most famous Airman (Amn) in the U.S. Army Airforce. Although the Tuskegee Airmen were more famous, their race left them in the trace.

Response by CMSgt Caryn Chipman made Sep 20 at 2022 8:32 PM

2022-09-20T20:32:40-04:00

I am a huge proponent of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), so in my opinion Gen Hap Arnold is the most influential airman of all time. In a 1944 staff memo, it is said he wrote, “If you can get mechanical machines to do this, you can save lives at the outset.” To have the foresight in those early years to see the benefits of unmanned aircraft was inspirational. From a personal perspective, while I worked in Medical, my husband was assigned to a UAV Squadron. He was able to protect troops on the ground and take out enemy targets in the AOR, then come home for dinner and assist-coach our kid’s soccer team. Mission success and Lives saved … Win-Win. Thanks Gen HH Arnold!

Response by PVT Mark Whitcomb made Sep 21 at 2022 11:29 AM

2022-09-21T11:29:25-04:00

As a history buff I would say Doolittle

Response by 1LT Ralph Mccormick made Sep 21 at 2022 5:44 PM

2022-09-21T17:44:27-04:00

Jimmy Stewart

Response by SPC Jeremy Belanger made Sep 21 at 2022 5:50 PM

2022-09-21T17:50:07-04:00

Colonel Bud Day

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 5:50 PM

2022-09-21T17:50:43-04:00

Eddie Rickenbacker

Response by PV2 William Vanmeter made Sep 21 at 2022 5:59 PM

2022-09-21T17:59:44-04:00

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington Baa Baa Black Sheep... Pappy an American combat pilot who was a United States Marine Corps fighter ace during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. A Marine aviator with the Pacific fleet in 1941, Boyington joined the "Flying Tigers" (1st American Volunteer Group) of the Republic of China Air Force and saw combat in Burma in late 1941 and 1942 during the military conflict between China and Japan.

In September 1942, Boyington rejoined the Marine Corps. In early 1943, he deployed to the South Pacific and began flying combat missions in the F4U Corsair fighter. In September 1943, he took command of Marine fighter squadron VMF-214 ("Black Sheep"). In January 1944, Boyington, outnumbered by Japanese "Zero" planes, was shot down into the Pacific Ocean after downing one of the enemy planes. He was captured by a Japanese submarine crew and was held as a prisoner of war for more than a year and a half. He was released shortly after the surrender of Japan. The television series Baa Baa Black Sheep was inspired by Boyington and his men in the "Black Sheep" squadron. It ran for two seasons in the late 1970s.

Response by LCDR Quentin Burns made Sep 21 at 2022 6:05 PM

2022-09-21T18:05:11-04:00

General Billy Mitchell

Response by Capt Bill Chada made Sep 21 at 2022 6:11 PM

2022-09-21T18:11:54-04:00

Chuck Yeager and Robin Olds were the first to come to mind.

Response by SGT John D Crytser made Sep 21 at 2022 6:14 PM

2022-09-21T18:14:58-04:00

Major Kong. From the movie DR. Strangelove.

Response by SGM Larry Stegall made Sep 21 at 2022 6:25 PM

2022-09-21T18:25:56-04:00

General Jimmy Doolittle

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 6:26 PM

2022-09-21T18:26:20-04:00

The Most Influential Airmen of all time has to be The Wright Brothers. Without their young hearts and adventurous ways who knows how much longer it would have taken for flight to be real.

Response by CPO Craig Gilchrist made Sep 21 at 2022 6:31 PM

2022-09-21T18:31:45-04:00

Pappy Boyington - USMC

Response by SrA Chris Venters made Sep 21 at 2022 6:37 PM

2022-09-21T18:37:41-04:00

I would have to say that Chuck Yeager has been the most influential airman of all time. More young men have wanted to fly fighter aircraft due to his achievements.

Response by LTC Joseph Keary made Sep 21 at 2022 6:49 PM

2022-09-21T18:49:35-04:00

General Billy Mitchell - he demonstrated the value and impact of air power during its early years

Response by SPC Bret Miller made Sep 21 at 2022 6:56 PM

2022-09-21T18:56:13-04:00

Richard Bong.

Response by SrA Candy Vela made Sep 21 at 2022 6:58 PM

2022-09-21T18:58:09-04:00

Daniel “Chappie” James

Response by SPC Randy Lewen made Sep 21 at 2022 7:02 PM

2022-09-21T19:02:01-04:00

My Father whom was a navigator and pilot and Navigator. He is 98 yrs young and is one of the last remaining, WWII, Viet nam and Korean Veterans left. He flew in all 3.

Response by SSgt Dale Wurm made Sep 21 at 2022 7:02 PM

2022-09-21T19:02:33-04:00

James H. Doolittle

Response by SP5 Ernest Thompson made Sep 21 at 2022 7:07 PM

2022-09-21T19:07:22-04:00

I believe Jimmy Stewart influenced many young men to join during WWII. Also, Jimmy gave up his Hollywood career to do his duty. A true American

Response by LTC William Bridgeman made Sep 21 at 2022 7:07 PM

2022-09-21T19:07:40-04:00

Billy Mitchell

Response by CN Robert Campbell made Sep 21 at 2022 7:10 PM

2022-09-21T19:10:30-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by PO2 Dan Sherman made Sep 21 at 2022 7:12 PM

2022-09-21T19:12:29-04:00

Gen. Curtis Lemay

Response by MAJ Terry Jessup made Sep 21 at 2022 7:23 PM

2022-09-21T19:23:10-04:00

Chuck Yeager, without a doubt. While nor at the beginning of the airplane, he, nevertheless took aviation to new heights by flying real jets out and into space. Being the role model that he was, empowered other modern day aviators to do overwhelming programs and lead the US into the real Jet age.

Response by SSgt Mack Neelands made Sep 21 at 2022 7:24 PM

2022-09-21T19:24:22-04:00

General Curtis LeMay

Response by Sgt David Bahnsen made Sep 21 at 2022 7:24 PM

2022-09-21T19:24:55-04:00

Chuck Yeager.
His personality formed The personality of the USAF.

Response by PO2 Allen Bergseth made Sep 21 at 2022 7:26 PM

2022-09-21T19:26:34-04:00

Charles Lindbergh

Response by PFC Carl Wolfe made Sep 21 at 2022 7:30 PM

2022-09-21T19:30:41-04:00

Jimmy Stewart

Response by SPC Scott Case made Sep 21 at 2022 7:33 PM

2022-09-21T19:33:09-04:00

Emilia Airhart

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Sep 21 at 2022 7:34 PM

2022-09-21T19:34:47-04:00

I do not know much about Airmen however since I think differently I would say the most influential Airmen are the ones that at some point can tell their loved ones stories of when I was in or what we used to do. How you can sit down with your loved ones or friends and tell that story while your having a beverage on a summer dusk day by a fire or in the winter time by a fire. For the ones that may not be able to have beverages or need alternative beverages then all of what I said before applies. Again, I can do a google search and come up with all of these Airmen that did this and that and the other thing. By no means no disrespect to them. Just to be able to any of that to me thats the most influential Airmen.

Response by PVT Rex Adkins made Sep 21 at 2022 7:40 PM

2022-09-21T19:40:37-04:00

Charles Chuck Yeager

Response by MSG Janice Knippel made Sep 21 at 2022 7:48 PM

2022-09-21T19:48:47-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by TSgt David Campbell made Sep 21 at 2022 7:51 PM

2022-09-21T19:51:05-04:00

James Doolittle no question about it!

Response by Col Ronald Torgerson made Sep 21 at 2022 8:01 PM

2022-09-21T20:01:24-04:00

Billy Mitchell

Response by Col Ronald Torgerson made Sep 21 at 2022 8:03 PM

2022-09-21T20:03:07-04:00

Billy Mittchell

Response by TSgt Robert Hull made Sep 21 at 2022 8:03 PM

2022-09-21T20:03:40-04:00

John Glenn, he just kept on serving till the end of his life. Flew every thing that was flyable to every
place that needed to be explored.

Response by LCpl John Leddy made Sep 21 at 2022 8:15 PM

2022-09-21T20:15:18-04:00

Jimmy Doolittle

Response by PFC Vince Ortiz made Sep 21 at 2022 8:24 PM

2022-09-21T20:24:58-04:00

Eddie Rickenbacker

Response by PO2 John Breaux made Sep 21 at 2022 8:52 PM

2022-09-21T20:52:45-04:00

Bessie Coleman

Response by Lt Col Robert Marshak made Sep 21 at 2022 8:56 PM

2022-09-21T20:56:28-04:00

General (then Lt Col) Jimmy Doolittle. The war in the Pacific was going badly. The Japanese were capturing island after island and country after country They thought they were invincible. The war in Europe and the Atlantic was also going poorly. Then, Doolittle trained crews and led a B-25 raid on the main Japanese islands, that showed Japan they were not invincible. The raid also boosted American morale. Upon his return, Doolittle was promoted and presented the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Roosevelt. Doolittle felt each of his fellow crew members should have received the medal. He was always thinking about his men. That's why I think General Jimmy Doolittle is the most influential airman of all time.

Response by SrA Laralee Totty made Sep 21 at 2022 9:02 PM

2022-09-21T21:02:41-04:00

Esther Blake: Known as “The First Woman in the Air Force,” Staff Sgt. Esther McGowin Blake famously enlisted on the first minute of the first hour of the first day—July 8, 1948—she paved the way for us- the women that currently make up only less than 11% of the airman in the military.

Response by PO2 Richard Gleason made Sep 21 at 2022 9:07 PM

2022-09-21T21:07:54-04:00

Jimmy Doolittle

Response by ENS Dennis McGuire made Sep 21 at 2022 9:12 PM

2022-09-21T21:12:51-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by SP5 George Butts made Sep 21 at 2022 9:14 PM

2022-09-21T21:14:31-04:00

The original group of "Quiet Birdmen" of WWI, my Great Uncle Edward Butts included, who proved that aviators and aircraft changed the battlefields of past into a new age of air power.

Response by PO2 Robert Pohl made Sep 21 at 2022 9:23 PM

2022-09-21T21:23:56-04:00

The Wright Brothers. Without the brothers who knows how long it would have taken for someone else to complete any flight.

Response by SSG Ted Seal made Sep 21 at 2022 9:34 PM

2022-09-21T21:34:18-04:00

Years ago I had the distinct privilege of meeting Captain Charles (Chuck) Elwood Yeager, from Myra, West Virginia, with his accomplishments in combat, the evasion of the enemy when he was shot down, and his willingness to tempt fate by being the first to exceed the sound of speed, as a test pilot.

Response by Terry More made Sep 21 at 2022 10:00 PM

2022-09-21T22:00:54-04:00

I believe it would have to be Howard Hughes

Response by Sgt Joel Pedaline made Sep 21 at 2022 10:02 PM

2022-09-21T22:02:38-04:00

USMC VMFA -214 WWII under Maj. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington MOH winner

Response by MSgt Alvin Collins made Sep 21 at 2022 10:02 PM

2022-09-21T22:02:45-04:00

Billy Mitchell

Response by Capt Marc Paquette made Sep 21 at 2022 10:15 PM

2022-09-21T22:15:09-04:00

Billy Mitchell

Response by Rapunzel Clements made Sep 21 at 2022 10:21 PM

2022-09-21T22:21:51-04:00

Charles CQ Brown and Charles McGee

Response by Capt John Burke made Sep 21 at 2022 10:27 PM

2022-09-21T22:27:19-04:00

Gen Chappie James

Response by CPL Jason Blackwood made Sep 21 at 2022 10:32 PM

2022-09-21T22:32:21-04:00

Amelia Earhart

Response by SP5 Ronald Johnson made Sep 21 at 2022 10:33 PM

2022-09-21T22:33:05-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen..Changed and Made history..U should know the story...

Response by PO1 Robert Jones made Sep 21 at 2022 10:45 PM

2022-09-21T22:45:01-04:00

Amelia Earhart

Response by CPL Anthony Randle Sr made Sep 21 at 2022 10:52 PM

2022-09-21T22:52:18-04:00

George Herbert Walker Bush

Response by SGT Matthew LaFeir made Sep 21 at 2022 10:56 PM

2022-09-21T22:56:23-04:00

Billy Mitchell...
This opinion is coming from an Army Veteran, holding a lower inclination of education about most seasoned and established airmen.
However,
I do recall Billy Mitchell and his renown ideology that an independent airpower would be revolutionary. Basically arguing that modern warfare in aviation has an exponential amount of growth. He lead over 1,400 planes in the World War I battle of St. Mihiel and proved powerful demonstrations that airpower can also defeat naval warships.

Response by PVT William Major made Sep 21 at 2022 10:58 PM

2022-09-21T22:58:53-04:00

Wright Brothers

Response by CPL Canya Jones made Sep 21 at 2022 11:01 PM

2022-09-21T23:01:00-04:00

Wright Brothers

Response by Lt Col Jim Bullard made Sep 21 at 2022 11:05 PM

2022-09-21T23:05:47-04:00

Billy Mitchell, who identified and believed in the power of aerial bombardment before anyone else. Because he was so far ahead of his time, his career suffered as his contemporaries could not grasp his vision and his he importance of it. He was justified in the end, however.

Response by PV2 Terry Simmons made Sep 21 at 2022 11:10 PM

2022-09-21T23:10:02-04:00

I think all these men were great airmen : James Doolittle, Charles "Chuck" Yeager, Eddie Rickenbacker, Billy Mitchell, and Daniel James ! Thanks.

Response by SGT J V made Sep 21 at 2022 11:11 PM

2022-09-21T23:11:19-04:00

Billy Mitchell

Response by Capt Barry O'Rourke made Sep 21 at 2022 11:22 PM

2022-09-21T23:22:41-04:00

Gen Henry "Hap" Arnold - General of the Air Force. Pioneer airman who was taught to fly by the Wright Brothers, and commander of Army Air Forces in victory over Germany and Japan in World War II. In 1949, by act of Congress, he received permanent five-star rank as general of the Air Force, the first such commission ever granted.

Response by PO2 Mindy Cunningham made Sep 21 at 2022 11:39 PM

2022-09-21T23:39:17-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen!

Response by PO2 George Njirich made Sep 21 at 2022 11:44 PM

2022-09-21T23:44:52-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by PO2 Howard Carrell made Sep 21 at 2022 11:52 PM

2022-09-21T23:52:39-04:00

Doolittle

Response by SrA Greg Clack made Sep 21 at 2022 11:53 PM

2022-09-21T23:53:02-04:00

Chuck yeager . shot down a jet with a prop plane, broke the sound barrier, flew the backward swept wing x29. Had eagle eyes.An influential champion for several decades.

Response by AB Blake Bowers made Sep 22 at 2022 12:17 AM

2022-09-22T00:17:02-04:00

General Ciurtis LeMay

Response by AB Blake Bowers made Sep 22 at 2022 12:17 AM

2022-09-22T00:17:40-04:00

Gemera; Cirtos LeMay
General Hap Arnold

Response by 1stLt William Misner made Sep 22 at 2022 12:20 AM

2022-09-22T00:20:46-04:00

Without a doubt the greatest American fighter Pilot of all time was the one and only CHUCK YEAGER! {1} BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES ELWOOD YEAGER (/ˈjeɪɡər/ YAY-gər, February 13, 1923 – December 7, 2020) was a United States Air Force officer, flying ace, and record-setting test pilot who in 1947 became the first pilot in history confirmed to have exceeded the speed of sound in level flight.
Yeager was raised in Hamlin, West Virginia. His career began in World War II as a private in the United States Army, assigned to the Army Air Forces in 1941.[a] After serving as an aircraft mechanic, in September 1942, he entered enlisted pilot training and upon graduation was promoted to the rank of flight officer (the World War II Army Air Force version of the Army's warrant officer), later achieving most of his aerial victories as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot on the Western Front, where he was credited with shooting down 11.5 enemy aircraft (the half credit is from a second pilot assisting him in a single shootdown). On October 12, 1944, he attained "ace in a day" status, shooting down five enemy aircraft in one mission.
After the war, Yeager became a test pilot and flew many types of aircraft, including experimental rocket-powered aircraft for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Through the NACA program, he became the first human to officially break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947, when he flew the experimental Bell X-1 at Mach 1 at an altitude of 45,000 ft (13,700 m), for which he won both the Collier and Mackay trophies in 1948. He then went on to break several other speed and altitude records in the following years. In 1962, he became the first commandant of the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School, which trained and produced astronauts for NASA and the Air Force.
Yeager later commanded fighter squadrons and wings in Germany, as well as in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. In recognition of his achievements and the outstanding performance ratings of those units, he was promoted to brigadier general in 1969 and inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1973, retiring on March 1, 1975. His three-war active-duty flying career spanned more than 30 years and took him to many parts of the world, including the Korean War zone and the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War. General Chuck Yeager is referred to by many as one of the greatest pilots of all time, and was ranked fifth on Flying's list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation in 2013. Throughout his life, he flew more than 360 different types of aircraft over a 70-year period, and continued to fly for two decades after retirement as a consultant pilot for the United States Air Force.

Information Reference Link
{1} Chuck Yeager - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Yeager

Bill Misner
[login to see]
United States Marine Corps 1960-1965

Chuck Yeager - Wikipedia

Response by PO2 Ronald Lomers made Sep 22 at 2022 12:37 AM

2022-09-22T00:37:32-04:00

General James Harold “Jimmy” Doolittle and the Doolittle Raiders.

Response by PO2 Ronald Lomers made Sep 22 at 2022 12:39 AM

2022-09-22T00:39:31-04:00

General James Harold “Jimmy” Doolittle and the Doolittle Raiders because they proved to the Japanese that their island nation was not out of the reach of American forces.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 12:46 AM

2022-09-22T00:46:43-04:00

Daniel James

Response by Capt Sylvia DeBorger made Sep 22 at 2022 1:01 AM

2022-09-22T01:01:38-04:00

BGen Chuck Yeager

Response by Pvt Francis Creamer made Sep 22 at 2022 1:05 AM

2022-09-22T01:05:09-04:00

General Curtis LeMay

Response by Pvt Francis Creamer made Sep 22 at 2022 1:08 AM

2022-09-22T01:08:04-04:00

General Curtis LeMay

Response by Cpl Robert Sutton made Sep 22 at 2022 1:14 AM

2022-09-22T01:14:00-04:00

Wade McClusky

Response by Capt Carlton Dewberry made Sep 22 at 2022 1:41 AM

2022-09-22T01:41:11-04:00

General Chappy James

Response by SrA John James made Sep 22 at 2022 1:46 AM

2022-09-22T01:46:05-04:00

Col. Jaqueline Cochrane.
First female pilot to fly supersonic, land on a carrier deck, among many other accomplishments being a female pilot in a very male dominated profession. A lot of female U.S. fighter pilots owe their career to her.

Response by CW3 Nicholas Tomson made Sep 22 at 2022 3:10 AM

2022-09-22T03:10:42-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen. They fought two wars at the same time, WWII and the war of discrimination. They did it with dignity, honor, sacrifice, and selfless service. One read of the most heartbreaking stories I about was of one Tuskegee Airman in particular. I can't remember his name, but he flew P-51 mustangs. After the war, he wanted to work for North American and applied for a job there having been a distinguished pilot of their aircraft. He was turned down due to he was black. Those stories and similar ones like it have influenced generations of young black Americans.

Response by PO1 Roge Hadaway made Sep 22 at 2022 3:24 AM

2022-09-22T03:24:53-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by SSG Joe Portali made Sep 22 at 2022 6:15 AM

2022-09-22T06:15:35-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by CPL John Trudell made Sep 22 at 2022 6:16 AM

2022-09-22T06:16:31-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen

Response by SSgt Thomas Lackey made Sep 22 at 2022 6:43 AM

2022-09-22T06:43:25-04:00

The all-time most infuential airman is Chuck Yeager. The science was an unknown for a man breaking the sound barrier, but Chuck was willing to discover the effects.

Response by PVT Joksan Morgan made Sep 22 at 2022 6:59 AM

2022-09-22T06:59:54-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen

Response by SFC Mac McGill made Sep 22 at 2022 7:10 AM

2022-09-22T07:10:29-04:00

Wright Brothers, Doolittle, John Glen, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Mary Earhart, Jimmy Doolittle, Chuck Yeager, and Neil Armstrong fill the bill. Growing up in the 40-the 50s, these names repeatedly appeared. Some were more celebrated, but each filled a niche that made the conglomerate complete when aviators were discussed by students, commentators, lay persons, and politicians.

Response by Cpl Robert Sutton made Sep 22 at 2022 7:49 AM

2022-09-22T07:49:13-04:00

Wade McClusky

Response by Cpl Robert Sutton made Sep 22 at 2022 8:00 AM

2022-09-22T08:00:42-04:00

Wade McClusky

Response by PO3 Richard Pearce made Sep 22 at 2022 8:43 AM

2022-09-22T08:43:23-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen.

Response by PFC Michael Richardson made Sep 22 at 2022 8:57 AM

2022-09-22T08:57:29-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by PFC Michael Richardson made Sep 22 at 2022 8:58 AM

2022-09-22T08:58:00-04:00

Chuck Yeager

Response by PO3 Donald Coles made Sep 22 at 2022 9:03 AM

2022-09-22T09:03:20-04:00

Wright Brothers

Response by A1C Nicholas Lamb made Sep 22 at 2022 9:46 AM

2022-09-22T09:46:36-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen

Response by Cpl Jon Brooks made Sep 22 at 2022 10:02 AM

2022-09-22T10:02:25-04:00

Howard Hughes

Response by Sgt Stephen Harvey made Sep 22 at 2022 10:03 AM

2022-09-22T10:03:41-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen were the most influential. Their fight to be accepted by their own country and their dedication to duty for their country set them apart from other airmen.

Response by Cpl Ralph Murray made Sep 22 at 2022 10:21 AM

2022-09-22T10:21:18-04:00

Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.

Response by SN Dave Oliver made Sep 22 at 2022 10:21 AM

2022-09-22T10:21:22-04:00

My Father. He was a lead bombardier in a B 26 Marauder that bombed Montecasino to flush the Germans out of their HQ at the time. He has neumoris ribbons after completing his 30 missions. He went on to his rank as Lt. Colonel and was Liaison officer coordinator recruiting high school students for the Air Force Academy.

Response by MSgt Richard McCleary made Sep 22 at 2022 10:29 AM

2022-09-22T10:29:13-04:00

Jimmy Doolittle

Response by LCDR Raymond Cook made Sep 22 at 2022 10:30 AM

2022-09-22T10:30:29-04:00

Chuck Yeager for he took us beyond the laws of physics of the time.

Response by PO1 John Buchanan made Sep 22 at 2022 10:42 AM

2022-09-22T10:42:23-04:00

Richard Bong

Response by Sgt Gerald Tompkins made Sep 22 at 2022 10:44 AM

2022-09-22T10:44:10-04:00

General Curtis LeMay... without a doubt!

Response by SN John Renda made Sep 22 at 2022 10:55 AM

2022-09-22T10:55:59-04:00

Brigadier General Robin Olds

Response by SP5 Clarence Hodges made Sep 22 at 2022 11:08 AM

2022-09-22T11:08:37-04:00

GEN. CLAIR LEE CHENNAULT HE RAN THE FLYING TIGERS GAVE THE ARMY JAPENESE FLYING FIGHTING PRACTICES AND WAYS TO ENGAUGE THE PILOTS BUT THE ARMY NEVER USED IT

Response by PO2 Larry Annen made Sep 22 at 2022 11:10 AM

2022-09-22T11:10:53-04:00

My Mother.

She was a Civil Air Patrol pilot. My brother became an Air Force pilot and I a Law Enforcement Pilot.
All 3 of her sons served in the military. My daughter and grandson also served.

Response by CSM John Cartwright made Sep 22 at 2022 11:13 AM

2022-09-22T11:13:37-04:00

Curtis LeMay

Response by CPT Johnathan Osbone made Sep 22 at 2022 11:15 AM

2022-09-22T11:15:42-04:00

Snoopy because of his heroic dogfights with the Red Baron.

Response by CWO2 Harry Craft made Sep 22 at 2022 11:23 AM

2022-09-22T11:23:12-04:00

I always thought the most famous "The Red Baron" He had 80 kills in those old "flying coffins" No one else during that war could touch that figure!

Response by Jennifer Cutberth made Sep 22 at 2022 11:34 AM

2022-09-22T11:34:37-04:00

Chuck Yeager!

Response by HN Linnea Cavitt made Sep 22 at 2022 11:37 AM

2022-09-22T11:37:07-04:00

William Mitchell

Response by A1C Charles Callahan made Sep 22 at 2022 12:03 PM

2022-09-22T12:03:08-04:00

A lot of people come to mind but Chuck Yeager was always my favorite.

Response by CAPT Dennis Cravens made Sep 22 at 2022 12:32 PM

2022-09-22T12:32:57-04:00

Chuck Yeager... D day,, ace in a day, x1 to space, first to break sound barrier in level flight, trained astronauts

Response by Cpl Kane Tilander made Sep 22 at 2022 12:50 PM

2022-09-22T12:50:40-04:00

Manfred Von Richthofen aka The Red Baron

Response by CDR M T Martinez made Sep 22 at 2022 2:28 PM

2022-09-22T14:28:57-04:00

I would say Amelia Earhart was ahead of her times. She has demonstrated perseverance, determination, focused on the goal, to try and try until you succeed. She has proven the versatility of flight, the ability to fly short or long distances, regardless of young or old, of boy or girl. Aim high!

Response by PO1 Joseph Ferrerio made Sep 22 at 2022 2:31 PM

2022-09-22T14:31:21-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen

Response by MAJ Neal L made Sep 22 at 2022 2:43 PM

2022-09-22T14:43:54-04:00

Billy Mitchel!

Response by Sgt Chad Armstrong made Sep 22 at 2022 3:52 PM

2022-09-22T15:52:44-04:00

Duane D. Hackney

Response by LTC Mike Chandler made Sep 22 at 2022 4:06 PM

2022-09-22T16:06:31-04:00

Doolittle

Response by PO1 James Bullard made Sep 22 at 2022 5:37 PM

2022-09-22T17:37:02-04:00

Chuck Yeager. WWII Ace. Test Pilot and all round great American

Response by SSG Benjamin Prestbury made Sep 22 at 2022 5:40 PM

2022-09-22T17:40:12-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen who flew protection for American bombers who were hitting Germany heavily.

Response by SSgt James Woltal made Sep 22 at 2022 6:15 PM

2022-09-22T18:15:43-04:00

Jimmy Doolittle

Response by LTC Robert Martin made Sep 22 at 2022 6:34 PM

2022-09-22T18:34:58-04:00

General Jimmy Doolittle

Response by TSgt John Buzzard made Sep 22 at 2022 7:55 PM

2022-09-22T19:55:49-04:00

All these responses were great. My mind always goes to John Levitow, guess once enlisted always enlisted

Response by CPL Jason Moore made Sep 22 at 2022 8:25 PM

2022-09-22T20:25:11-04:00

Airman?

Response by PO3 David Boyd made Sep 22 at 2022 9:29 PM

2022-09-22T21:29:11-04:00

John Glenn I don’t think I should say anymore He was a Marine jet pilot Astronaut twice and didn’t serve his county enough he became a Senator Thank you John I think your the best

Response by CPL Michael Padavich made Sep 22 at 2022 9:47 PM

2022-09-22T21:47:43-04:00

Jimmy Dolittle?

Response by PO3 Tim Byrne made Sep 22 at 2022 9:48 PM

2022-09-22T21:48:10-04:00

Charles Lindberg (showed the possibility of aviation)

Response by GySgt Bronskin Gilman made Sep 23 at 2022 12:45 AM

2022-09-23T00:45:03-04:00

Wiley Hardeman Post

Response by SSG William Mauk made Sep 23 at 2022 6:00 AM

2022-09-23T06:00:40-04:00

General Curtis LeMay

Response by CPL Raleigh Boyd made Sep 23 at 2022 9:52 AM

2022-09-23T09:52:14-04:00

Tuskegee airmen

Response by CPL Johnathan Cook made Sep 23 at 2022 11:40 AM

2022-09-23T11:40:29-04:00

Charles Lindbergh

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2022 12:19 PM

2022-09-23T12:19:24-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen. In the face of discrimination and hate, they exemplified excellence. They went to school in Tuskegee AL at the same time the syphilis experiment was going on. I can't imagine the trauma they endured in order to demand such basic respect from their peers.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2022 12:22 PM

2022-09-23T12:22:48-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen. They went to tech school in Tuskegee AL around the same time as the syphilis experiment. I can't imagine the trauma they endured in order to push for such basic respect from their peers.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Sep 23 at 2022 12:40 PM

2022-09-23T12:40:34-04:00

The PILOTS who flew medivac flights trying to save the wounded.

Response by PVT Roger Vonah made Sep 23 at 2022 3:35 PM

2022-09-23T15:35:15-04:00

Very easily stated: Those who paid the ultimate price to insure our freedoms. They gave their all so we could enjoy the freedoms that we have today. God called them home on a wing & a prayer. God Bless

Response by SSG Archie Martinez made Sep 24 at 2022 3:18 PM

2022-09-24T15:18:45-04:00

The Tuskegee Airmen without a doubt we’re one if not the most influential of all-time. Not only did they break the racial barriers for all minorities their story of perseverance and bravery are unparalleled.

Response by TSgt Hubert Doucette Sr made Sep 24 at 2022 4:02 PM

2022-09-24T16:02:44-04:00

Audi Murphy

Response by Sgt Mitchell Newell made Sep 24 at 2022 9:48 PM

2022-09-24T21:48:02-04:00

John Chapman

Response by HN Amy Miles made Sep 26 at 2022 10:31 AM

2022-09-26T10:31:31-04:00

Flt Cdr Martha McSally

Response by 1stSgt John Naeger made Sep 26 at 2022 10:44 AM

2022-09-26T10:44:18-04:00

General James Doolittle

Response by CPL Cameron Riggins made Sep 26 at 2022 1:10 PM

2022-09-26T13:10:47-04:00

Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2022 1:59 PM

2022-09-26T13:59:07-04:00

Chief Aeronaut, Thaddeus Sobieski Constantine Lowe

Response by Amn Dale Preisach made Sep 26 at 2022 9:07 PM

2022-09-26T21:07:22-04:00

General LeMay

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 27 at 2022 2:27 PM

2022-09-27T14:27:00-04:00

That one is hard. Billy Mitchell for proving Air Power. Claire Chenault for developing the tactics for WWII fighter operations. Curtis LeMay for being the most out there Air Force General.

Response by Cpl James Miller made Sep 28 at 2022 7:47 PM

2022-09-28T19:47:01-04:00

Well I my book it's the men of the "Blacksheep." The were a bunch of misfits. Yes they were. The were also the best in the south Pacific. Yes they were. They had heart, dedication and a love for their job and country. Back in my time in the Marine Corps they were called shit birds. Because they didn't iron their cammies. But when all the higher ups wanted something done they asked the shit birds to do it. As a shit bird myself I got 2 meritorious mast's out of my tour of duty. So for all of those who have heart, dedication and a love for their job and country I salute you. This post is dedicated to the men from all the services that are at CTF. Birdman of CTF

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2022 8:14 AM

2022-09-29T08:14:39-04:00

General James Harold “Jimmy” Doolittle; he was a pioneering pilot, advancing safety of flight with numerous experimental aircraft and instruments, aeronautical engineer, combat leader and military strategist whose career stretched from World War I to the height of the Cold War. He is most famous for leading a daring bombing raid over Tokyo in 1942 during WWII.

Response by SSgt Robert Bedner made Sep 29 at 2022 3:28 PM

2022-09-29T15:28:54-04:00

William H Pitsenbarger USAF

Response by CA David Pace made Sep 30 at 2022 8:07 PM

2022-09-30T20:07:21-04:00

The Tuskegee Airman.

Response by CA David Pace made Sep 30 at 2022 8:17 PM

2022-09-30T20:17:26-04:00

Dick Best, Doolittle and McClustsky. 3 of the best who ever lived and flew.

Response by SFC Greg Ritzman made Oct 2 at 2022 3:12 PM

2022-10-02T15:12:18-04:00

George bush

Response by SSG Sean Baldwyn made Oct 4 at 2022 12:51 PM

2022-10-04T12:51:53-04:00

Amelia Earhart is my choice. Before the women's rights push and empowerment, this lady achieved more records before 40 than most aviators ever achieve. The first woman to fly alone being a pretty great indicator that she was special. The numerous other achievements speak for themselves but the fact that she was the first solo female in the sky is enough for me to validate her above the competition... Tom Cruise stole a plane in a movie but he had to have a copilot...

Response by RallyPoint News made Oct 4 at 2022 3:48 PM

2022-10-04T15:48:42-04:00

Congratulations to PV2 William Vanmeter, Sgt David Bahnsen, SGT Matthew LaFeir, 1stLt William Misner, and CWO2 Harry Craft. You've all won a $100 Amazon gift card! An e-gift card will be sent to the email address associated with your RallyPoint account.

Thanks to all who participated and shared!

Response by Sgt Joseph Tongel made Oct 10 at 2022 11:13 AM

2022-10-10T11:13:29-04:00

For me it was SSGT ST. Clair Short. 1988 Kunsan AB, ROK. He was our sector training NCO. He was prior Army, Ranger, Vietnam Veteran. He was an outstanding Air Base Ground Defense Trainer. His experience and leadership made C sector the model of success. He was a mentor and a friend to all.

Response by MAJ James Springer made Oct 20 at 2022 11:47 PM

2022-10-20T23:47:45-04:00

Eddy Rickenbacher

Response by PO1 Matthew Johnson made Nov 2 at 2022 5:41 PM

2022-11-02T17:41:39-04:00

Tuskegee Airmen

Response by Sgt Richard Moore made Dec 1 at 2022 7:15 AM

2022-12-01T07:15:19-05:00

Jimmy Doolittle is the first to come to mind for me. The Tokyo raid we one of the most daring events of WWII