To support the government's war effort, the United States of America built a force of military aviators during World War II. Pilots had the opportunity to try new aircraft and improve their flying skills during that period. They gained knowledge about flight safety and learned how to control aircraft. These pilots also contributed to the development of military aviation.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was one of the most prominent military pilots of World War II. Francis S. Gabreski and "Hap Arnold" are another. All of these men were recognized as some of the greatest aces in history. They all had multiple "kills" during their careers and were able to become the most decorated heroes in the United States. These pilots also held high-ranking Air Force and Army positions.
Arnold was also a leader and architect of the Air Force’s initial operational 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 also led the air force's research and development. Arnold was also the first four-star general in the United States. Later, he was promoted as a five-star General.
Rickenbacker was one of the most decorated pilots in history, with 26 "kills" to his credit. Rickenbacker, in addition to his numerous successes as a fighter pilot was also an advocate of aviation and was considered America's greatest hero. He also joined the Tuskegee Aviation Men. He was also part of the elite leadership team for the Air Force. He was also a member the "ace of aces", a team that destroyed 50 aircraft.
Don S. Gentile also served as a USAF pilot and was a part of a team that flew two-man combat missions. His two-man squadron destroyed 50 enemy aircraft during World War II. Gentile was also a pilot who successfully tested the P-80, and P-47. He earned the distinction of being the second highest scoring ace in the Air Force. He was also known as "Arizona 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 flight in which a pilot successfully made a round-trip from the United States to France. He was also an instructor pilot for Curtiss JN-4, (Jenny). He was also awarded a pilot licence from the FAI and certified as a Reserve Military Airman. 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 raised in poverty and became a pilot in World War II. He was the youngest child of five. His father, a religious man, was a constant tutor to his children. Kozhedub was also awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union on February 4, 1944.