Jump from space joe kittinger biography

American military pilot (1928–2022)

Joseph William Kittinger II (July 27, 1928 – December 9, 2022) was an officer in the Banded together States Air Force (USAF) who served from 1950 to 1978, and earned Command Pilot significance before retiring with the person of colonel.

He held rank world record for the supreme extreme skydive—102,800 feet (31.3 km)—from 1960 on hold 2012.^[1][2]

He participated in the Appointment Manhigh and Project Excelsior high-level balloon flight projects from 1956 to 1960 and was significance first man to fully bystander the curvature of the Matteroffact.

A fighter pilot during greatness Vietnam War, Kittinger shot log a North Vietnamese MiG-21 aeroplane fighter. He was later discharge down as well, subsequently outlay 11 months as a jailbird of war in a Northward Vietnamese prison before he was repatriated in 1973.

In 1984, he became the first myself to make a solo hybridisation of the Atlantic Ocean turn a profit a gas balloon.

In 2012, Kittinger participated in the Wronged Bull Stratos project as pilule communicator at age 84, steering gear Felix Baumgartner on his 24-mile (39 km) freefall from Earth's stratosphere, which broke Kittinger's own 53-year-old record. Felix Baumgartner's record would be broken two years subsequent by Alan Eustace.^[3]

Early life folk tale military career

Born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Orlando, Florida, Kittinger was educated at Goodness Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, and the University of Florida.

He became fascinated with planes at a young age have a word with soloed in a Piper Lad by the time he was 17. After racing speedboats despite the fact that a teenager, he entered integrity U.S. Air Force as apartment building aviation cadet in March 1949. On completion of aviation trainee training in March 1950, significant received his pilot wings essential a commission as a alternate lieutenant.^[4] He was subsequently appointed to the 86th Fighter-Bomber Willpower based at Ramstein Air Mould in West Germany, flying representation F-84 Thunderjet and F-86 Sabre.^[5][6]

In 1954, Kittinger was transferred propose the Air Force Missile Expansion Center (AFMDC) at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

It was aside this assignment that he flew the observation/chase plane that monitored flight surgeon Colonel John Stapp's rocket sled run of 632 mph (1,017 km/h) in 1955. Kittinger was impressed by Stapp's dedication cope with leadership as a pioneer give it some thought aerospace medicine. Stapp, in orbit, was impressed with Kittinger's expert jet piloting, later recommending him for space-related aviation research weigh up.

Stapp was to foster significance high-altitude balloon tests that would later lead to Kittinger's record-setting leap from over 102,800 extremity (31,300 m). In 1957, as corrode of Project Manhigh, Kittinger non-negotiable an interim balloon altitude under wraps of 96,760 feet (29,490 m) dynasty Manhigh I, for which grace was awarded his first Notable Flying Cross.^[5][6]

Project Excelsior

Main article: Obligation Excelsior

Captain Kittinger was next fixed to the Aerospace Medical Check Laboratories at Wright-Patterson AFB domestic animals Dayton, Ohio.

For Project Excelsior (meaning "ever upward"), a fame given to the project give up Colonel Stapp as part grounding research into high-altitude bailouts,^[7] bankruptcy made a series of triad extreme altitude parachute jumps reject an open gondola carried heavenwards by large helium balloons. These jumps were made in keen "rocking-chair" position, descending on dominion back, rather than in description usual face-down position familiar with respect to skydivers.

This was because unwind was wearing a 60 lb (27 kg) "kit" on his behind, illustrious his pressure suit naturally clued-up a sitting shape when colour up rinse was inflated, a shape suitable for sitting in an aeroplane cockpit.^[7]

Excelsior I: Kittinger's first high-level jump, from about 76,400 rise up (23,300 m) on November 16, 1959, was a near-disaster when want equipment malfunction caused him survive lose consciousness.^[8] The automatic plunk opener in his equipment reclaimed his life.

He went fund a flat spin at unembellished rotational velocity of about Cardinal rpm, the g-forces at sovereignty extremities having been calculated deal with be over 22 times probity force of gravity, setting on the subject of record.^[9]

Excelsior II: On December 11, 1959, Kittinger jumped again implant about 74,700 feet (22,800 m).

Fetch this leap, he was awarded the A. Leo Stevens Plunk Medal.^[10]

Excelsior III: On August 16, 1960, Kittinger made the ending high-altitude jump at 102,800 rise up (31,300 m).^[8] Towing a small chute parachute for initial stabilization, type fell for 4 minutes have a word with 36 seconds, reaching a extreme speed of 614 miles filling hour (988 km/h)^[7][11] before opening king parachute at 18,000 feet (5,500 m).

Incurring yet another equipment fail, the pressurization for his pure glove malfunctioned during the ascendance and his right hand swell up to twice its normal size,^[12][13] but he rode the bloat up to 102,800 feet beforehand stepping off.^[14]

Snare the jumps from Excelsior, Kittinger said:^[16]

There's no way you buoy visualize the speed. There's fall to pieces you can see to gaze how fast you're going.

Give orders have no depth perception. Assuming you're in a car dynamic down the road and boss around close your eyes, you maintain no idea what your simple-minded is. It's the same rage if you're free falling space. There are no signposts. You know you are valediction breaking very fast, but you don't feel it. You don't maintain a 614-mph wind blowing partition you.

I could only hearken myself breathing in the helmet.

Kittinger set historical numbers for utmost balloon ascent, highest parachute spring, longest-duration drogue-fall (four minutes), skull fastest speed by a body being through the atmosphere.^[17] These were the USAF records, however were not submitted for aerospace world records to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).^[18] Kittinger's create for the highest ascent was broken in 1961 by Malcolm Ross and Victor Prather.

Rule records for highest parachute bound and fastest velocity stood cooperation 52 years, until they were broken in 2012 by Felix Baumgartner.

For this series commemorate jumps, Kittinger was profiled form Life magazine and the National Geographic Magazine, decorated with ingenious second Distinguished Flying Cross, other awarded the Harmon Trophy give up President Dwight D.

Eisenhower.^[19]

Kittinger exposed as himself on the Jan 7, 1963 episode of influence game show To Tell rendering Truth.

Nicolette collier account of michael

He received four votes.^[20]

Project Stargazer

Back at Holloman Bluster Force Base, Kittinger took terminate in Project Stargazer on Dec 13–14, 1962. He and excellence astronomer William C. White took a balloon packed with systematic equipment to an altitude slant about 82,200 feet (25,100 m), situation they spent over 18 high noon and performed a number large observations.^[21][22] After the first excursion, however, the project was canceled due to the NASA's late ability to send astronauts jounce space, and launch satellites cause somebody to Earth orbit.^[22]

Later USAF career

In 1965, after returning to the indispensable Air Force, Kittinger was approached by civilian amateur parachutist Notch Piantanida for assistance on Piantanida's Strato Jump project, an elbow grease to break the previous freefall records of both Kittinger forward Soviet Air Force officer Yevgeni Andreyev.

Kittinger refused to perform in the effort, believing Piantanida's approach to the project was too reckless. Piantanida died distort 1966 as the result raise a mishap suffered during authority Strato Jump III attempt.^[23]

Kittinger after served three combat tours cherished duty during the Vietnam Battle, flying a total of 483 combat missions.

During his premier two tours he flew whereas an aircraft commander in Politician A-26 Invaders and modified Measurement Mark EngineeringB-26K Counter-Invaders as most of it of Operations Farm Gate talented Big Eagle.

Following his precede two Vietnam tours, he common to the United States essential soon transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

Before a voluntary third tour tip off duty to Vietnam in 1971–72, he commanded the 555th Shrewd Fighter Squadron (555 TFS), decency noted "Triple Nickel" squadron, fugacious the F-4D Phantom II. Sooner than this period he was credited with shooting down a Northbound Vietnamese MiG-21 while flying rest F-4D, USAF Serial No.

66-7463, with his WSO, 1st Supporter Leigh Hodgdon.^[24]

Kittinger was shot etch on May 11, 1972, something remaining before the end of realm third tour of duty. From the past flying an F-4D, USAF Nonparallel No. 66-0230, with his weapons systems officer, 1st Lieutenant William J. Reich, Kittinger was important a flight of Phantoms more or less 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest scholarship Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam, what because they were engaged by swell flight of MiG-21 fighters.

Kittinger and his wingman were enchasing a MiG-21 when Kittinger's F-4 was hit by an air-to-air missile from another MiG-21 depart damaged the plane's starboard pinion arm and set the aircraft inhale fire. Kittinger and Reich ejected a few miles from Asian Nguyen and were soon captured and taken to the discard of Hanoi.

During the corresponding engagement, Kittinger's wingman, Captain Tough. E. Nichols, shot down birth MiG-21 they had been chasing.^[25]

Kittinger and Reich spent 11 months as prisoners of war (POWs) in the Hỏa Lò Clink, the so-called "Hanoi Hilton". Kittinger was put through rope torture^[26] soon after his arrival uncertain the POW compound and that made a lasting impression pile on him.

Kittinger was the older ranking officer (SRO) among dignity newer prisoners of war, i.e., those captured after 1969. Pull Kittinger's autobiography "Come Up arm Get Me" (by Kittinger delighted Craig Ryan), Kittinger emphasized procedure very serious about maintaining excellence military structure he considered requisite to survival.

Kittinger and Country were returned to American safe and sound during Operation Homecoming on Go on foot 28, 1973, and they drawn-out their Air Force careers, exchange of ideas Kittinger having been promoted put your name down full colonel while in imprisonment. Following his return, Colonel Kittinger attended and graduated from integrity Air War College at Mx AFB, Alabama and concurrently complete requirements for a bachelor's consequence via an extension center rigidity Tulane University.^[27]

Following completion of excellence Air War College, Kittinger became the vice commander of grandeur 48th Tactical Fighter Wing take care of RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, whither he again flew the F-4 Phantom II.

In 1977, smartness transferred to Headquarters, 12th Traveling fair Force, at Bergstrom AFB, Texas, retiring from the U.S. Gully Force in 1978.^[27][24]

Kittinger accumulated 7,679 flying hours in the U.S. Air Force, including 948 withstand flying hours during three socialize during the Vietnam War.

Jagged addition, he has flown pore over 9,100 hours in various nonbelligerent aircraft.^[28]

Military awards and decorations

Kittinger ordinary the following awards and fittings during his USAF career:^[29]

Award Citations

Silver Star citation (first award)

The Big cheese of the United States set in motion America, authorized by Act break into Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in production the Silver Star to Deputy Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Overestimate Force, for gallantry in end with military operations against differentiation opposing armed force as make illegal F-4D Aircraft Commander of integrity 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Siam, PACIFIC Air Force, in immediate over hostile territory in Southeast Asia, on 1 March 1972.

On that date, Colonel Kittinger led a flight of couple F-4D Tactical Fighters that assuming cover from hostile aircraft bring back bombing operations in support taste friendly forces. With complete cancel for his own personal safekeeping, Colonel Kittinger aggressively engaged a-ok superior number of hostile footing in aerial combat and with flying colours destroyed one enemy aircraft.

Descendant his gallantry and devotion drive duty, Lieutenant Colonel Kittinger has reflected great credit upon yourself and the United States Miffed Force.

Silver Star citation (second award)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Play of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure wear presenting a Bronze Oak Amble Cluster in lieu of boss Second Award of the Silvery Star to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), Pooled States Air Force, for bravery and intrepidity in action talk to connection with military operations despoil an opposing armed force meanwhile the period 11 May 1972 to 13 June 1972, ultimately a Prisoner of War ready money North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners lecture war, the enemy resorted stand your ground mental and physical cruelties grant obtain information, confessions, and brainwashing materials.

Colonel Kittinger resisted their demands by calling upon consummate deepest inner strengths in unmixed manner which reflected his enthusiasm to duty and great dirty upon himself and the Common States Air Force.

Legion of Meed citation (first award)

The President quite a few the United States of Land, authorized by Act of Coitus, 20 July 1942, takes happiness in presenting the Legion infer Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Carpenter William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, cherish exceptionally meritorious conduct in representation performance of outstanding services grant the Government of the Combined States as Air Operations Office-holder, Special Operations Center, Europe, J-3 Directorate, United States European Slow lane, from July 1968 to July 1970.

In this extremely in accord position, Colonel Kittinger's personal opening move, exceptional knowledge of unconventional battle and counter insurgency operations, joined with a keen appreciation warning sign the overall military and federal objectives of the United States in Europe and in rank North Atlantic Treaty Organization, unconstrained to decisions and programs make public broad significance to the Coalesced States, the Department of Bastion, and the United States Indweller Command.

Colonel Kittinger's professional competency, dedication, tenacity, and distinguished aid of duty reflect great tinge upon himself and the Mutual States Air Force.

Legion of Quality citation (second award)

The President be taken in by the United States of Earth, authorized by Act of Coition, 20 July 1942, takes clash in presenting a Bronze Tree Leaf Cluster in lieu weekend away a Second Award of description Legion of Merit to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Working, for exceptionally meritorious conduct down the performance of outstanding utility to the Government of high-mindedness United States as the Important, Ready Team Program Management, Vile, TWELFTH Air Force, Bergstrom Remains Force Base, Texas, from 11 April 1977 to 31 July 1978.

Under Colonel Kittinger's firstclass leadership, depth of knowledge settle down aggressive management ability, the change of the 49th Tactical Plane Wing from F-4 aircraft count up the F-15 was accomplished keep away from loss of combat effectiveness. Colonel Kittinger's direct personal contributions cause problems the management of the deliberation and execution of major degree unit conversions have contributed gravely to the overall combat eagerness of the Tactical Air Walk.

The singularly distinctive accomplishments commuter boat Colonel Kittinger culminate a famous career in the service depose his country and reflect soso credit upon himself and ethics United States Air Force.

Distinguished Quick Cross citation (first award)

The Chairman of the United States consume America, authorized by Act homework Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Momentous Flying Cross to Captain Patriarch William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, set out extraordinary achievement while participating put in aerial flight on 2 June 1957 in performing a alone flight to an altitude bring to an end 97,000 feet in a compartment suspended from a plastic be lated. Scientific measurements made by Main Kittinger constitute a valuable advanced contribution to our knowledge stir up extreme altitude flight.

Despite straitened due to communications malfunction near a minor oxygen failure as the flight, Captain Kittinger remained emotionally stable and outstandingly efficient in collecting and transmitting string, manipulating scientific instruments, taking movies under extremely difficult conditions increase in intensity relaying as much information primate possible by Morse code respecting ground recorders.

In preparation tail this, he underwent many months of preparatory training during which he participated in parachute jumps, altitude chamber tests and sterile balloon flights. The contributions revenue Captain Kittinger to the leading experimental flight of a anthropoid in the MAN-HIGH project return great credit upon himself contemporary the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (second award)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by True of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting simple Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster disintegration lieu of a Second Premium of the Distinguished Flying Mongrel to Captain Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for extraordinary attainment while participating in aerial flight path on 16 August 1960 not far off Holloman Air Force Base, Newborn Mexico. On that date, Skipper Kittinger made an open compartment balloon ascent to an alt of 102,800 feet, surpassing stand-up fight previous records.

From this commit to paper altitude, Captain Kittinger successfully proved an experimental stabilization parachute means, free-falling for four minutes gain thirty-eight seconds to an tallness apex of 17,500 feet where disposition of the recovery parachute occurred. By this historic achievement assault national and international significance, Coxswain Kittinger has made a decisive contribution to the advancement be unable to find aeronautical science.

The personal proliferate, outstanding airmanship and selfless devotedness to duty of Captain Kittinger reflect great credit upon person and the United States Outstretched Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (third award)

The President of the Merged States of America, authorized fail to see Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in delivery a Second Bronze Oak Leave Cluster in lieu of fastidious Third Award of the Festive Flying Cross to Major Carpenter William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, propound extraordinary achievement while participating pry open aerial flight as an Degree Commander over North Vietnam acquit 4 July 1966. On delay date, while engaged in dexterous night armed reconnaissance mission, Chief Kittinger accepted a diversionary castigation suppression mission against a enthusiastically defended target.

Disregarding his let pass personal safety, Major Kittinger beholden repeated flak suppression attacks current flare passes over heavily bristled targets. The professional competence, aery skill, and devotion to obligation displayed by Major Kittinger declare great credit upon himself take up the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (fourth award)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Come across of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting splendid Third Bronze Oak Leaf Chunk in lieu of a Rooms Award of the Distinguished Hurried Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Patriarch William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, put under somebody's nose extraordinary achievement while participating stop off aerial flight as an Level Commander over Southeast Asia take upon yourself 16 November 1966. On make certain date, Colonel Kittinger willingly out his life as he unwavering attacked hostile forces in honourableness face of intense anti-aircraft blaze.

With full realization of position extreme hazards involved, Colonel Kittinger attacked the target repeatedly depending on he had expended all suffer defeat his ordnance. This singular depress of heroism resulted in blue blood the gentry destruction of three active anti-aircraft positions, several fully loaded encouragement trucks and was credited process causing several hostile casualties.

Significance outstanding heroism and selfless devoutness to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit function himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross concern (fifth award)

The President of grandeur United States of America, sanctioned by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure satisfy presenting a Fourth Bronze Tree Leaf Cluster in lieu consume a Fifth Award of grandeur Distinguished Flying Cross to Proxy Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Deluge Force, for extraordinary achievement at long last participating in aerial flight introduction an F-4D Aircraft Commander have an effect hostile territory on 18 Apr 1972. On that date, Colonel Kittinger led a flight female two F-4D Tactical Fighters cruise struck a heavily defended wares park and storage area.

Notwithstanding marginal weather conditions and costly ground fire directed at aircraft, Colonel Kittinger's outstanding artistry and leadership were directly staunch for the destruction of picture target complex. The professional power, aerial skill, and devotion close to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon in the flesh and the United States Wretchedness Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (sixth award)

The President of the Mutual States of America, authorized close to Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in bestowal a Silver Oak Leaf Tuft in lieu of a Ordinal Award of the Distinguished Impermanent Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Patriarch William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, annoyed extraordinary achievement while participating confine aerial flight as an Bomb Commander near Hanoi, North Warfare, on 16 April 1972. Attain that date, Colonel Kittinger was flying an F-4D fighter bomb on a mission to equip protection from hostile interceptors misunderstand sixteen strike aircraft hitting targets in the Hanoi area.

Decide flying in extremely hazardous weather conditions conditions and taking ground blazing from heavy anti-aircraft guns become calm surface-to-air missiles, Colonel Kittinger victoriously chased off two flights good buy hostile aircraft. The protection landliving the strike force by Colonel Kittinger resulted in the loaded completion of a very hard mission.

The professional competence, aery skill, and devotion to labour displayed by Colonel Kittinger say great credit upon himself professor the United States Air Force.

Bronze Star citation (first award)

The Presidentship of the United States be more or less America, authorized by Executive Dictate 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Brick Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Operational, for meritorious service while plighted in ground operations against apartment house opposing armed force in Sou'-east Asia as Operations Officer, Element 1, 603d Air Commando Team, from 14 July 1966 unobtrusively 2 January 1967. During that period, Colonel Kittinger was accountable for effectively implementing all task requirements of project "Big Eagle," an extremely important test duct evaluation of A-26 aircraft lure the night combat environment be useful to Southeast Asia.

These responsibilities contained operational details involved in deploying the detachment from the Unified States to Southeast Asia, sanatorium operational needs and procedures honor initiating the test and estimate criteria necessary for the "Big Eagle" project, and supervision condemn all details concerned with assertion and armament, scheduling, and get out of bed of combat tactics and aloofness profiles to accomplish the reserve.

These responsibilities were completed confine a clearly superior manner. Representation exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, concentrate on devotion to duty displayed by means of Colonel Kittinger in this liable position reflect great credit summon himself and upheld the farthest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Bronze Star citation (second award)

The President of the Coalesced States of America, authorized contempt Executive Order 11046, 24 Grave 1962, takes pleasure in launch a Bronze Oak Leaf Tuft in lieu of a In a short while Award of the Bronze Practice Medal with Combat "V" keep Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Notion Force, for heroic achievement primate a Prisoner of War from the past engaged in operations against play down opposing armed force in Ad northerly Vietnam during the period 31 May 1972 to 28 Pace 1973. In an atmosphere devotee enemy harassment and brutal direction, he continued to establish take up maintain communications through unusual cranium ingenious methods, which resulted put into operation American and Allied prisoners visuals a posture of increased rebelliousness to the enemy’s wishes, take, at the same time, getting better prisoner morale.

By his undaunted endeavors and devotion to chore under adverse conditions of crown environment, he reflected great tinge upon himself and upheld ethics highest traditions of the In partnership States Air Force.

Bronze Star acknowledgment (third award)

The President of depiction United States of America, commissioned by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure play in presenting a Second Bronze Tree Leaf Cluster in lieu hill a Third Award of depiction Bronze Star Medal with Cope with "V" to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr.

(AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), Combined States Air Force, for valorous achievement while a Prisoner portend War in North Vietnam make the first move May 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to be the forerunner himself strictly in accord put up with the Code of Conduct avoid policies of the prisoner regulation in the difficult conditions break into a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of kingdom, and professionalism.

By his humanitarian dedication to duty, he imitate great credit upon himself instruct the United States Air Force.

Prisoner of War Medal citation

Colonel Patriarch William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner refreshing War in North Vietnam evade May 11, 1972 until fulfil release on March 28, 1973.^[30]

Later civilian career

Kittinger retired from decency Air Force as a colonel in 1978 and initially went to work for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) Corporation consider it Orlando, Florida.

He later became vice president of flight heart for Rosie O'Grady's Flying Circuit, part of the Rosie O'Grady's/Church Street Station entertainment complex focal Orlando, prior to the progenitor company's dissolution.

Still interested be bounded by ballooning, Kittinger set a earth distance record for the AA-06 size class of gas balloons of 3,221.23 kilometers (2,001.58 mi) weight 1983.^[31] The record has on account of been broken.

In 1984, perform completed the first solo become larger crossing of the Atlantic end in the 106,000-cubic-foot (3,000 m³) Balloon glimpse Peace, launched from Caribou, Maine, on September 14 and arrival on September 18. The air voyage was organized by the Scoot promoter Gaetan Croteau.^[32] An justifiable FAI world aerospace record, illustriousness 5,703.03-kilometer (3,543.70 mi) flight is description longest gas balloon flight amuse the AA-10 size category.^[31] Matter the second time in emperor life, he was the thesis of a story in Folk Geographic Magazine.

Kittinger participated play in the Gordon Bennett Cup shrub border ballooning in 1989 (ranked third) and 1994 (ranked 12th).

In the early 1990s, Kittinger helped NASA plan Charles "Nish" Bruce's project to break Kittinger's farthest parachute jump record.^[33] The enterprise was suspended in 1994.

Joining the Red Bull Stratos enterprise, Kittinger advised Felix Baumgartner inveigle Baumgartner's October 14, 2012, free-fall from 128,100 feet (39,000 m).^[13] Representation project collected leading experts sidewalk the fields of aeronautics, brake, and engineering to ensure sheltered success.

Kittinger served as CAPCOM (capsule communicator) for Baumgartner's bound, which broke Kittinger's altitude commit to paper set during Project Excelsior.^[34][35]

In 2013, Kittinger helped balloonist Jonathan Trappe as he attempted to hair the first to cross character Atlantic by cluster balloon.^[36]

Legacy

In 1997, Kittinger was inducted into high-mindedness National Aviation Hall of Label in Dayton, Ohio.^[37]

On January 23, 2007, the Civil Air Case honored Kittinger by renaming loftiness Texas CAP wing's TX-352 Patrol after him.

Texas Governor Wrick Perry cited Kittinger's work, though did the Texas state assembly with a special resolution debonair during the dedication ceremony accompanied by Kittinger and his old lady, Sherry. The Colonel Joseph Unshielded. Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron past it CAP's Texas Wing is homeproduced at the former Bergstrom AFB, the site of Kittinger's latest active duty assignment in position Air Force and which deterioration now the Austin-Bergstrom International Drome.

Kittinger was honored at clever 2009 ceremony in Caribou, Maine, the launch point for ruler 1984 solo trans-Atlantic balloon line. He also served as dignity guest of honor at depiction community's sesquicentennial celebration.^[38][39]

On February 20, 2013, Kittinger visited his alma mater, the University of Florida, and spoke to over Cardinal students and faculty about king role in the Red Bosh Stratos and Excelsior III.

Grandeur event took place during representation UF Engineers Week, and stuff was made possible due playact the efforts of the UF American Institute of Aeronautics charge Astronautics, UF's Air Force Corps Detachment 150, and the UF College of Engineering.^[40]

In November 2023, Kittinger was posthumously inducted inspire the Florida Veterans Hall invoke Fame in Tallahassee, Florida.^[41][42]

Colonel Joe Kittinger Park

In September 1992, Colonel Joe Kittinger Park^[43] in City, Florida, was completed by integrity Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) for the City of Metropolis.

Located on the southwest around of the Orlando Executive Field, at the corner of Goblet Lake Drive and South Thoroughfare, the park was named send Kittinger's honor, but was for the time being closed and partially demolished almost 2008–2011 in order to conceive a stormwater runoff retention existence to permit a highway enlargement project of the State Recognizable 408 East-West Expressway.

In Step 2011, the park was reopened at its previous location.^[44]

In arise 2014, the mayor of Orangeness County, the mayor of Metropolis, the GOAA Board, and added City of Orlando and GOAA officials approved the installation train in the park of a budding USAF F-4 Phantom II degree.

The National Museum of high-mindedness U.S. Air Force picked resolve F-4D previously on display comprise Corsicana, Texas (Air Force periodical no. 65-0747) to be touched to Orlando for display.^[45] Practiced was subsequently determined that Kittinger had flown this particular F-4D on several occasions when give birth to was assigned to his champion wing in Thailand during nobility Vietnam War, and later what because it was assigned to sovereignty fighter wing in Great Kingdom.

Disassembled in Texas and excited in two semi-trailers over some days, the aircraft arrived derive Orlando on July 22, 2014. It was restored by top-hole team of volunteers at Metropolis Executive Airport and painted plonk the colors and markings hook the squadron that Kittinger compulsory during the Vietnam War.

Prestige restored aircraft was mounted trade its pylon and formally besotted on December 14, 2014.^[46][47]

Personal move about and death

Kittinger died at say publicly age of 94 on Dec 9, 2022, from lung cancer,^[48][49][50] survived by his wife, glimmer sons, four grandchildren and commerce great-grandchildren.

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.^[51]

See also

References