Hoyt Vandenberg

War Hero

Birthday January 24, 1899

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Milwaukee, WI

DEATH DATE Apr 2, 1954 (55)

#248,158 Most Popular

About

Air Force Chief of Staff during the Cold War era who was instrumental in the formation of a Strategic Air Command.

Before Fame

He graduated from West Point in 1923 and quickly distinguished himself as a pilot. During World War II, he commanded the Ninth Air Force, which was the largest tactical air group in history.

Trivia

His top military aviation post and his boyishly handsome looks earned him a spot on the covers of both Time and Life magazines.

Family Life

His wife, Gladys Rose Vandenberg, established the Arlington Ladies Association. The members of this group attended the Arlington Cemetery burials of fallen soldiers.

Associated With

His predecessor, Carl Spaatz, was the first ever Chief of Staff of the Air Force.