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

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

COL Randall C. — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:31:19 -0400

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

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:33:55 -0400

Thanks for sharing

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

Maj Robert Thornton — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:45:01 -0400

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

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:47:28 -0400

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

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:31:44 -0400

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

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:44:04 -0400

General Chappy James.

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

SFC Terry Wilcox — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:21:20 -0400

Doolittle

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

MSG Thomas Currie — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:37:16 -0400

Beyond a doubt William Lendrum Mitchell

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

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:44:11 -0400

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

1SG Steven Imerman — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:26:00 -0400

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

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:39:31 -0400

Lt > General James Doolittle

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

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:39:52 -0400

Lt. General James Doolittle

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

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:55:29 -0400

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

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 22:41:01 -0400

Gen. Jimmy Stewart.

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

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:44:10 -0400

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

CMSgt Caryn Chipman — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 20:32:40 -0400

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

PVT Mark Whitcomb — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:29:25 -0400

As a history buff I would say Doolittle

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

1LT Ralph Mccormick — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:44:27 -0400

Jimmy Stewart

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

SPC Jeremy Belanger — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:50:07 -0400

Colonel Bud Day

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

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:50:43 -0400

Eddie Rickenbacker

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

PV2 William Vanmeter — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:59:44 -0400

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

LCDR Quentin Burns — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:05:11 -0400

General Billy Mitchell

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

Capt Bill Chada — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:11:54 -0400

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

SGT John D Crytser — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:14:58 -0400

Major Kong. From the movie DR. Strangelove.

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

SGM Larry Stegall — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:25:56 -0400

General Jimmy Doolittle

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

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:26:20 -0400

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

CPO Craig Gilchrist — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:31:45 -0400

Pappy Boyington - USMC

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

SrA Chris Venters — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:37:41 -0400

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

LTC Joseph Keary — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:49:35 -0400

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

SPC Bret Miller — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:56:13 -0400

Richard Bong.

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

SrA Candy Vela — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:58:09 -0400

Daniel “Chappie” James

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

SPC Randy Lewen — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:02:01 -0400

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

SSgt Dale Wurm — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:02:33 -0400

James H. Doolittle

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

SP5 Ernest Thompson — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:07:22 -0400

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

LTC William Bridgeman — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:07:40 -0400

Billy Mitchell

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

CN Robert Campbell — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:10:30 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

PO2 Dan Sherman — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:12:29 -0400

Gen. Curtis Lemay

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

MAJ Terry Jessup — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:23:10 -0400

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

SSgt Mack Neelands — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:24:22 -0400

General Curtis LeMay

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

Sgt David Bahnsen — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:24:55 -0400

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

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

PO2 Allen Bergseth — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:26:34 -0400

Charles Lindbergh

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

PFC Carl Wolfe — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:30:41 -0400

Jimmy Stewart

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

SPC Scott Case — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:33:09 -0400

Emilia Airhart

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

SGT Erick Holmes — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:34:47 -0400

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

PVT Rex Adkins — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:40:37 -0400

Charles Chuck Yeager

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

MSG Janice Knippel — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:48:47 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

TSgt David Campbell — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 19:51:05 -0400

James Doolittle no question about it!

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

Col Ronald Torgerson — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:01:24 -0400

Billy Mitchell

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

Col Ronald Torgerson — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:03:07 -0400

Billy Mittchell

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

TSgt Robert Hull — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:03:40 -0400

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

LCpl John Leddy — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:15:18 -0400

Jimmy Doolittle

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

PFC Vince Ortiz — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:24:58 -0400

Eddie Rickenbacker

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

PO2 John Breaux — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:52:45 -0400

Bessie Coleman

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

Lt Col Robert Marshak — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:56:28 -0400

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

SrA Laralee Totty — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:02:41 -0400

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

PO2 Richard Gleason — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:07:54 -0400

Jimmy Doolittle

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

ENS Dennis McGuire — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:12:51 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

SP5 George Butts — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:14:31 -0400

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

PO2 Robert Pohl — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:23:56 -0400

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

SSG Ted Seal — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:34:18 -0400

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

Terry More — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:00:54 -0400

I believe it would have to be Howard Hughes

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

Sgt Joel Pedaline — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:02:38 -0400

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

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

MSgt Alvin Collins — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:02:45 -0400

Billy Mitchell

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

Capt Marc Paquette — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:15:09 -0400

Billy Mitchell

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

Rapunzel Clements — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:21:51 -0400

Charles CQ Brown and Charles McGee

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

Capt John Burke — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:27:19 -0400

Gen Chappie James

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

CPL Jason Blackwood — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:32:21 -0400

Amelia Earhart

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

SP5 Ronald Johnson — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:33:05 -0400

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

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

PO1 Robert Jones — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:45:01 -0400

Amelia Earhart

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

CPL Anthony Randle Sr — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:52:18 -0400

George Herbert Walker Bush

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

SGT Matthew LaFeir — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:56:23 -0400

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

PVT William Major — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 22:58:53 -0400

Wright Brothers

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

CPL Canya Jones — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:01:00 -0400

Wright Brothers

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

Lt Col Jim Bullard — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:05:47 -0400

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

PV2 Terry Simmons — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:10:02 -0400

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

SGT J V — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:11:19 -0400

Billy Mitchell

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

Capt Barry O'Rourke — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:22:41 -0400

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

PO2 Mindy Cunningham — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:39:17 -0400

Tuskegee Airmen!

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

PO2 George Njirich — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:44:52 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

PO2 Howard Carrell — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:52:39 -0400

Doolittle

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

SrA Greg Clack — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:53:02 -0400

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

AB Blake Bowers — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:17:02 -0400

General Ciurtis LeMay

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

AB Blake Bowers — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:17:40 -0400

Gemera; Cirtos LeMay
General Hap Arnold

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

1stLt William Misner — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:20:46 -0400

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

PO2 Ronald Lomers — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:37:32 -0400

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

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

PO2 Ronald Lomers — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:39:31 -0400

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

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:46:43 -0400

Daniel James

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

Capt Sylvia DeBorger — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:01:38 -0400

BGen Chuck Yeager

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

Pvt Francis Creamer — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:05:09 -0400

General Curtis LeMay

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

Pvt Francis Creamer — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:08:04 -0400

General Curtis LeMay

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

Cpl Robert Sutton — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:14:00 -0400

Wade McClusky

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

Capt Carlton Dewberry — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:41:11 -0400

General Chappy James

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

SrA John James — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:46:05 -0400

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

CW3 Nicholas Tomson — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:10:42 -0400

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

PO1 Roge Hadaway — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:24:53 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

SSG Joe Portali — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:15:35 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

CPL John Trudell — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:16:31 -0400

Tuskegee Airmen

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

SSgt Thomas Lackey — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:43:25 -0400

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

PVT Joksan Morgan — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:59:54 -0400

Tuskegee Airmen

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

SFC Mac McGill — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:10:29 -0400

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

Cpl Robert Sutton — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:49:13 -0400

Wade McClusky

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

Cpl Robert Sutton — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:00:42 -0400

Wade McClusky

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

PO3 Richard Pearce — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:43:23 -0400

The Tuskegee Airmen.

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

PFC Michael Richardson — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:57:29 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

PFC Michael Richardson — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:58:00 -0400

Chuck Yeager

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

PO3 Donald Coles — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:03:20 -0400

Wright Brothers

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

A1C Nicholas Lamb — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:46:36 -0400

The Tuskegee Airmen

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

Cpl Jon Brooks — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:02:25 -0400

Howard Hughes

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

Sgt Stephen Harvey — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:03:41 -0400

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

Cpl Ralph Murray — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:21:18 -0400

Daniel "Chappie" James Jr.

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

SN Dave Oliver — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:21:22 -0400

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

MSgt Richard McCleary — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:29:13 -0400

Jimmy Doolittle

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

LCDR Raymond Cook — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:30:29 -0400

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

PO1 John Buchanan — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:42:23 -0400

Richard Bong

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

Sgt Gerald Tompkins — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:44:10 -0400

General Curtis LeMay... without a doubt!

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

SN John Renda — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:55:59 -0400

Brigadier General Robin Olds

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

SP5 Clarence Hodges — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:08:37 -0400

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

PO2 Larry Annen — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:10:53 -0400

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

CSM John Cartwright — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:13:37 -0400

Curtis LeMay

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

CPT Johnathan Osbone — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:15:42 -0400

Snoopy because of his heroic dogfights with the Red Baron.

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

CWO2 Harry Craft — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:23:12 -0400

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

Jennifer Cutberth — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:34:37 -0400

Chuck Yeager!

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

HN Linnea Cavitt — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:37:07 -0400

William Mitchell

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

A1C Charles Callahan — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:03:08 -0400

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

CAPT Dennis Cravens — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:32:57 -0400

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

Cpl Kane Tilander — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:50:40 -0400

Manfred Von Richthofen aka The Red Baron

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

CDR M T Martinez — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:28:57 -0400

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

PO1 Joseph Ferrerio — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:31:21 -0400

Tuskegee Airmen

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

MAJ Neal L — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:43:54 -0400

Billy Mitchel!

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

Sgt Chad Armstrong — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:52:44 -0400

Duane D. Hackney

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

LTC Mike Chandler — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:06:31 -0400

Doolittle

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

PO1 James Bullard — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:37:02 -0400

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

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

SSG Benjamin Prestbury — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:40:12 -0400

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

SSgt James Woltal — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:15:43 -0400

Jimmy Doolittle

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

LTC Robert Martin — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:34:58 -0400

General Jimmy Doolittle

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

TSgt John Buzzard — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 19:55:49 -0400

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

CPL Jason Moore — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 20:25:11 -0400

Airman?

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

PO3 David Boyd — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:29:11 -0400

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

CPL Michael Padavich — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:47:43 -0400

Jimmy Dolittle?

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

PO3 Tim Byrne — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:48:10 -0400

Charles Lindberg (showed the possibility of aviation)

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

GySgt Bronskin Gilman — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:45:03 -0400

Wiley Hardeman Post

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

SSG William Mauk — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:00:40 -0400

General Curtis LeMay

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

CPL Raleigh Boyd — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:52:14 -0400

Tuskegee airmen

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

CPL Johnathan Cook — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:40:29 -0400

Charles Lindbergh

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

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:19:24 -0400

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

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:22:48 -0400

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

SPC Matt Ovaska — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:40:34 -0400

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

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

PVT Roger Vonah — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:35:15 -0400

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

SSG Archie Martinez — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 15:18:45 -0400

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

TSgt Hubert Doucette Sr — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 16:02:44 -0400

Audi Murphy

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

Sgt Mitchell Newell — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 21:48:02 -0400

John Chapman

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

HN Amy Miles — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:31:31 -0400

Flt Cdr Martha McSally

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

1stSgt John Naeger — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:44:18 -0400

General James Doolittle

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

CPL Cameron Riggins — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:10:47 -0400

Brigadier General Charles Elwood Yeager

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

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:59:07 -0400

Chief Aeronaut, Thaddeus Sobieski Constantine Lowe

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

Amn Dale Preisach — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:07:22 -0400

General LeMay

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

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 14:27:00 -0400

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

Cpl James Miller — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 19:47:01 -0400

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

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:14:39 -0400

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

SSgt Robert Bedner — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 15:28:54 -0400

William H Pitsenbarger USAF

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

CA David Pace — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 20:07:21 -0400

The Tuskegee Airman.

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

CA David Pace — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 20:17:26 -0400

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

SFC Greg Ritzman — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 15:12:18 -0400

George bush

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

SSG Sean Baldwyn — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:51:53 -0400

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

RallyPoint News — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:48:42 -0400

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

Sgt Joseph Tongel — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:13:29 -0400

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

MAJ James Springer — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 23:47:45 -0400

Eddy Rickenbacher

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

PO1 Matthew Johnson — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:41:39 -0400

Tuskegee Airmen

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

Sgt Richard Moore — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 07:15:19 -0500

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