General William Billy Mitchell - Air Force Pioneer General William Billy Mitchell is one of the most vague heroes of the 20th century. Not many people know what he did for our country. Billy Mitchell is one of the reasons the United States has a superior military power as compared to any other country. Billy Mitchell is the Father of the United States Air Force. Without his influence in the further outlook of air force power, we might have never become the military country we are today. Billy Mitchell is one of the most famous and controversial person in the American air force. Some saw him as a far-sighted military leader, but others saw him as radical egotist who opposed anyone who did not agree on his advancement of the United States Air Force.Billy Mitchell was born in Nice, France, in 1879. He was the son of a rich Wisconsin Senator and grandson of a wealthy railroad owner; his life can be seen as an ironic one. Billy Mitchell grew up in Milwaukee, and was educated at Racine College and George Washington University. He dropped out of George Washington University at age 18, to enlist in the 1st Wisconsin Infantry for service in the Spanish-American war. Mitchell could have led a life of wealth and luxury, but instead he chose his own path and wanted to make a name for himself. He entered the army as a junior lieutenant and received a field commission to the Signals Corps in 1898; to which his father had influenced. He was an exceptional junior officer by showing his leadership and courage. After he was commissioned to the Signal Corps, he was transported to Cuba, the Philippines, and Alaska. During this time, Billy Mitchell demonstrated his awesome leadership and organizing skills. With a $5,000 budget to build a telegraph across Alaska, Mitchell convinced the government to spend $50,000. He became the youngest Captain at the age of 23. After service in the Mexican War, he was attached to the 1912 General staff. ...
