During World War II, the United States of America created an army of military aviators to help the government's efforts in a time of war. Pilots had the opportunity to try new aircraft and improve their flying skills during that period. They learned about safety and were able to master the art of aircraft control. They also contributed to the development and use of military aviation.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and Francis S. Gabreski were some of the most prominent military aviators during World War II. These men were known as some the greatest aces in American history. They all had multiple "kills" during their careers and were able to become the most decorated heroes in the United States. These pilots served in various high-ranking positions in both the Air Force, and Army.
Arnold was also a leader and architect of the Air Force’s initial operational fighter plane. He was awarded the Mackay Trophy, which is awarded to the military aviator who performs the best flight of the year. He also led the air force's research and development. Arnold also served as the United States' first four-star general. Later, he was promoted to five-star general.
Rickenbacker, who was able to obtain 26 "kills", became one of history's most decorated aviators. Rickenbacker was not only a successful fighter pilot but was also a staunch advocate for aviation. He was widely regarded as one of America’s greatest heroes. He was also a Tuskegee Airman. He was also an elite leader of the Air Force. He was also a member the "ace of aces", a team that destroyed 50 aircraft.
Don S. Gentile, another USAF ace and part of a two man fighter team was also a member. His two-man team decimated 50 enemy aircraft in World War II. Gentile was also a pilot who successfully tested the P-80, and P-47. He was also the Air Force's highest scoring ace. He was also known to be "Arizona the balloon buster".
Bee R. Osborne, Jr., an equally famous military pilot, was also a pioneer in testing aircraft for U.S. Army France. He also participated in one of the most historic mass flights. This was the first round-trip flight by a pilot from the United States to France. He also served as a Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) test pilot. He was also certified as a Reserve Military Pilot and received a pilot license through the FAI (International Federation of Aeronautics). He also assisted in developing ground-based simulators, which will be used to train future military aviation pilots.
In addition to being a fighter pilot, Ivan Kozhedub also served as an air force technician, which means that he was responsible for the design and testing of aircraft. He was born in a poor rural family in 1920 and became a fighter ace during World War II. He was the youngest child of five. His father, a religious man of the faith, was a tutor for his children. Kozhedub received the Hero of the Soviet Union award on February 4, 1944.