In World War II, America established a military aviation army to aid the government in times of war. Pilots had the opportunity to try new aircraft and improve their flying skills during that period. They learned about flight safety as well as how to control an aircraft. They also contributed to the development and use of military aviation.
Some of the most famous military aviators of World War II were Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, Francis S. Gabreski, and "Hap" Arnold. They were all recognized as the greatest aces ever. They were all able to achieve multiple "kills," and became the most decorated heroes of the United States. These pilots also served high-ranking military positions, including in 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 the leader of research and development for the air force. Arnold was also the first four-star general in the United States. Later, he was promoted to five-star general.
Rickenbacker was one of the most decorated pilots in history, with 26 "kills" to his credit. 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 also joined the Tuskegee Army Airmen. He was also a member the Air Force's elite leadership group. He was part of the "ace-of-aces" team which destroyed 50 enemy planes.
Don S. Gentile was another USAF ace, and was also part of a 2-man fighter team. His two-man team destroyed 50 enemy aircraft during World War II. Gentile was also a successful test pilot for the P-80 and P-47. He was the Air Force's second highest scoring Air Force ace. He was also known by the nickname "Arizona balloon buster".
Bee R. Osborne, Jr., is another well-known military aviator. He was the first to test aircraft in France for the U.S. Army. He was also part of one the most important 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 also obtained a pilot license with the FAI (International Federation of Aeronautics), and was certified as a Reserve Military Aviator. 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 eldest of five children. His father, who was a religious man, was a constant tutor for his children. Kozhedub also received the Hero of the Soviet Union Award on February 4, 1944.