Joseph Kittinger

Joseph William Kittinger II (July 27, 1928 – December 9, 2022) was an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF) who served from 1950 to 1978, and earned Command Pilot status before retiring with the rank of colonel.During his first two tours he flew as an aircraft commander in Douglas A-26 Invaders and modified On Mark Engineering B-26K Counter-Invaders as part of Operations Farm Gate and Big Eagle.Following his return, Colonel Kittinger attended and graduated from the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and concurrently completed requirements for a bachelor's degree via an extension center of Tulane University.[27] Following completion of the Air War College, Kittinger became the vice commander of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, where he again flew the F-4 Phantom II.[28] Kittinger received the following awards and decorations during his USAF career:[29] The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action over hostile territory in Southeast Asia, on 1 March 1972.On that date, Colonel Kittinger led a flight of two F-4D Tactical Fighters that provided cover from hostile aircraft for bombing operations in support of friendly forces.By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Kittinger has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 11 May 1972 to 13 June 1972, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam.Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials.Under Colonel Kittinger's superior leadership, depth of knowledge and aggressive management ability, the transition of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing from F-4 aircraft to the F-15 was accomplished without loss of combat effectiveness.Despite difficulties due to communications malfunction and a minor oxygen failure during the flight, Captain Kittinger remained emotionally stable and outstandingly effective in collecting and transmitting data, manipulating scientific instruments, taking pictures under extremely difficult conditions and relaying as much information as possible by Morse code to ground recorders.Disregarding his own personal safety, Major Kittinger made repeated flak suppression attacks and flare passes over heavily armed targets.The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 16 November 1966.This singular act of heroism resulted in the destruction of three active anti-aircraft positions, several fully loaded fuel trucks and was credited with causing several hostile casualties.The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 18 April 1972.The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 April 1972.While flying in extremely hazardous weather conditions and taking ground fire from heavy anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles, Colonel Kittinger successfully chased off two flights of hostile aircraft.The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for meritorious service while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia as Operations Officer, Detachment 1, 603d Air Commando Squadron, from 14 July 1966 to 2 January 1967.During this period, Colonel Kittinger was responsible for effectively implementing all mission requirements of project "Big Eagle," an extremely important test and evaluation of A-26 aircraft in the night combat environment of Southeast Asia.The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period 31 May 1972 to 28 March 1973.[38][39] On February 20, 2013, Kittinger visited his alma mater, the University of Florida, and spoke to over 400 students and faculty about his role in the Red Bull Stratos and Excelsior III.