Billy Mitchell

:For the Twin Galaxies affiliated player see Billy Mitchell (Pac-Man).

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William L. (Billy) Mitchell (December 28, 1879–February 19, 1936) was an American general who is regarded as the father of the U.S. Air Force. He is arguably the most famous and most controversial figure in American airpower history.

Related Topics:
December 28 - 1879 - February 19 - 1936 - U.S. Air Force

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Born in Nice, France to John L. Mitchell, a wealthy Wisconsin senator and his wife, Mitchell enlisted as a Private at age 18 during the Spanish-American War. Quickly gaining a commission due to his father's intervention, he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He predicted as early as 1906 that future conflicts would take place in the air, not on the ground.

Related Topics:
Nice, France - John L. Mitchell - Wisconsin - Senator - Private - Spanish-American War - Commission - U.S. Army Signal Corps - 1906

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After tours in the Philippines and Alaska Territory, Mitchell was assigned to the General Staff—at the time, its youngest member at age 32. He became interested in aviation—then assigned to the Signal Corps—and in 1916 at age 38, took private flying lessons because the Army considered him too old and too high-ranking for flight training.

Related Topics:
Philippines - Alaska Territory

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