015 - Civil and Commercial Aviation

William (Billy) Mitchell was a visionary U.S. Army officer who commanded all American air operations in France during World War I. A staunch advocate for the power of air warfare, he foresaw a future where bombers would be the pivotal weapon in conflicts. Following the war, Mitchell fervently campaigned for the establishment of a robust U.S. Air Force as an independent military entity, while simultaneously challenging the excessive funding of battleships in the Navy, convinced that they would be easily overpowered by enemy aircraft. His relentless pursuit of reform led to a significant clash with military leadership, resulting in his court-martial and separation from service in 1925. The dramatic saga of Mitchells battle against the War Department was immortalized in the 1955 film The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell, featuring Gary Cooper. In his influential 1921 book, Our Air Force The Keystone of National Defense, Mitchell presented his compelling arguments to the American public. - Summary by Ted Lienhart