In World War II, the United States of America formed an army of military aviators in order to assist the government during times of war. Pilots were also able to test new planes to improve their flying skills. They were also able to learn about flight safety, and they became experts in aircraft control. These pilots also contributed significantly to the development in military aviation.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker (left), Francis S. Gabreski (right), and "Hap Arnold" were three of the most well-known military aviators in World War II. These men were known as some the greatest aces in American history. All of them had many "kills" and were able become some of the most decorated heroes in America. These pilots served in various high-ranking positions in both the Air Force, and Army.
Arnold was also a leader of Air Force and an architect for the Air Force’s first operational combat fighter plane. He received the Mackay Trophy. This award is given to the military pilot who performs the highest flight of the calendar year. He was also responsible for the research and development of the air force. Arnold was also the United States’s first four star general. He was eventually promoted to a five star general.
Rickenbacker became one of the most decorated aviators in history and was able to achieve 26 "kills". Rickenbacker is known for his achievements as a fighter-pilot and was also a strong advocate of aviation. He is considered America's greatest Hero. He was also a Tuskegee Airman. He was also part the Air Force's elite Leadership Team. He was a member in the "ace team of aces", which destroyed 50 enemy aircraft.
Another USAF ace was Don S. Gentile, who was also part of a two-man fighter team. His two-man crew destroyed 50 enemy aircrafts during World War II. Gentile was also a highly successful pilot test pilot for both the P-80 & P-47. He earned the distinction of being the second highest scoring ace in the Air Force. He was also known for being "Arizona's balloon buster".
Another famous military aviator was Bee R. Osborne, Jr., who was one of the first pilots to test aircraft for the U.S. Army in France. He also took part in one of history's most historic mass flight. This flight was the first to successfully fly round-trip from France to the United States. He also served as a Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) test pilot. He was also a test pilot for the Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) and earned a pilot's license from FAI (International Federation of Aeronautics). He also helped to develop ground-based simulators to train future military aviators.
Ivan Kozhedub is a fighter pilot. However, he also served as an aircraft force technician. This meant that he was responsible to design and test the aircraft. He was born in a poor rural family in 1920 and became a fighter ace during World War II. He was the youngest among five children. His father, a religious man, was a constant tutor to his children. Kozhedub also received the Hero of the Soviet Union Award on February 4, 1944.