Billy Mitchell

War Hero

Birthday December 29, 1879

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Nice, France

DEATH DATE Feb 19, 1936 (56)

#36395 Most Popular

About

U.S. Army general who directed all American air combat in France during World War I.

Before Fame

He graduated from George Washington University and began serving in the Spanish American War at age eighteen. He grew up in Wisconsin, and enlisted in the Army in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. 

Trivia

He is considered the father and founder of the U.S. Air Force. In 1913, he was promoted to captain and became the youngest officers to serve on the general staff.

Family Life

He was the French-born son of a Wisconsin Senator, John Mitchell. He was the eldest of 10 children. 

Associated With

He was posthumously awarded the rank of Major General by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.