William E. Mitchell

	WILLIAM E MITCHELL Major General U.S. Air Service Proponent of Air Power
	Born 29 December 1879, Nice, France. Became a professional soldier in the Spanish American War. Volunteered for flying duty 1916, earned his wings at the Glenn Curtiss School. As head of Army Aviation, prepared U.S. military avaition for World War I during which he was the first U.S. Air Service pilot to fly a combat mission. Commander of all Allied air activities on the Western Front. Having learned well the lessons of war, he took up the cause of air power and an independent air force, proving the thesis by sinking captured naval vessels during a special test in 1921. A complaisant Congress, hostile old line Army and Navy, and his refusal to be silenced, caused his court martial and resignation from the service. He continued to champion the cause of adequate defense and air power until his death in 1936. World War II saw the prophet vindicated, and a grateful country posthumously promoted him to Major General and bestowed on him the Medal of Honor.
	Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1970