William Mitchell enlisted as a volunteer at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898 and received a field commision that same year. He distinguished himself in 1901 and 1902 when, 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 a Military Aviator in 1916. After America's entry into World War I in 1917, he went to France to establish and head the United States Air Service. He became the first American to fly over enemy lines in combat. In 1918 he was appointed Commander of all Allied Air Services. After the war, this much decorated hero vigorously advocated the predominance 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 effectiveness of air bombardment in defense of the United States. His militant attacks on complacent politicians and senior old-line Army and Navy officers resulted in his court-marshal, and subsequent resignation from the service, in 1925. 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.
Inducted in 1970.
Portrait Location: World War I Gallery