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. During that time, pilots were able to test new aircraft to improve their abilities. They gained knowledge about flight safety and learned how to control aircraft. These pilots also contributed to the development 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. All three men had numerous "kills", which allowed them to be the most decorated American heroes. These pilots also served in various high-level positions in the Air Force and Army.
Arnold was also a leader and architect of the Air Force’s initial operational fighter plane. The Mackay Trophy was presented to Arnold, which recognizes military aviators who have performed the most outstanding flight of the year. He was also the leader of research and development for the air force. Arnold was the United States's first four-star general. Later, Arnold was elevated to the rank of five-star general.
Rickenbacker was one of the most decorated pilots in history, with 26 "kills" to his credit. Rickenbacker is known for his achievements as a fighter-pilot and was also a strong advocate of aviation. He is considered America's greatest Hero. He also became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was also a member of the Air Force's elite leadership team. He was a member of the "ace of aces" team that destroyed 50 enemy 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 crew destroyed 50 enemy aircrafts 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 as the "Arizona Balloon Buster".
Bee R. Osborne, Jr., a famous military pilot, was also involved in the testing of aircraft for the U.S. Army. He was also a part of one of the most significant mass flights. This flight was the first flight in which a pilot successfully made a round-trip from the United States to France. He was also a Curtiss JN-4 test pilot (Jenny). He was also a test pilot for the Curtiss JN-4 (Jenny) and earned a pilot's license from FAI (International Federation of Aeronautics). He was also instrumental in the development of ground-based simulators that would train future military pilots.
Ivan Kozhedub, in addition to being a fighter-pilot, also served as an Air Force Technician, meaning that he was responsible the design and testing for aircraft. He was raised in poverty and became a pilot in World War II. He was the eldest of five children. His religious father was a tutor who was always there to help his children. Kozhedub was also honored with the Hero of the Soviet Union on the 4th of February 1944.