To support the government's war effort, the United States of America built a force of military aviators during World War II. 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.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was one of the most prominent military pilots of World War II. Francis S. Gabreski and "Hap Arnold" are another. These men were all considered to be some of the greatest aces of history. They were all able to achieve multiple "kills," and became the most decorated heroes of the United States. These pilots served in various high-ranking positions in both 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 was awarded the Mackay Trophy, which is awarded to the military aviator who performs the best flight of the year. He was also responsible for the research and development of the air force. Arnold was also the United States’s first four star general. He was eventually promoted to a five star general.
Rickenbacker, who was able to obtain 26 "kills", became one of history's most decorated aviators. Rickenbacker, in addition to his numerous successes as a fighter pilot was also an advocate of aviation and was considered America's greatest hero. 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.
Another USAF ace was Don S. Gentile, who was also part of a two-man fighter team. His two-man team decimated 50 enemy aircraft in World War II. Gentile was also an excellent test pilot for the P-80 as well as P-47. He is the Air Force's second-highest scoring ace. He was also known for being "Arizona's balloon buster".
Bee R. Osborne, Jr., an equally famous military pilot, was also a pioneer in testing aircraft for U.S. Army France. He also participated in one of the most historic mass flights. This was the first round-trip flight by a pilot from the United States to France. He was also a Curtiss JN-4 pilot (Jenny). He also obtained a pilot license with the FAI (International Federation of Aeronautics), and was certified as a Reserve Military Aviator. He was also instrumental in the development of ground-based simulators that would train future military pilots.
Ivan Kozhedub was a fighter pilot and also an air force technician. This means that he was responsible in designing and testing 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 was also awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union on February 4, 1944.