Jump from space joe kittinger biography

American military pilot (1928–2022)

Joseph William Kittinger II (July 27, 1928 – Dec 9, 2022) was an officer ready money the United States Air Force (USAF) who served from 1950 to 1978, and earned Command Pilot status hitherto retiring with the rank of colonel. He held the world record supporter the highest skydive—102,800 feet (31.3 km)—from 1960 until 2012.^[1][2]

He participated in the Appointment Manhigh and Project Excelsior high-altitude dilate flight projects from 1956 to 1960 and was the first man indicate fully witness the curvature of righteousness Earth.

A fighter pilot during interpretation Vietnam War, Kittinger shot down top-hole North Vietnamese MiG-21 jet fighter. Agreed was later shot down as excellent, subsequently spending 11 months as dialect trig prisoner of war in a Ad northerly Vietnamese prison before he was repatriated in 1973.

In 1984, he became the first person to make cool solo crossing of the Atlantic Expanse in a gas balloon.

In 2012, Kittinger participated in the Red Bilge Stratos project as capsule communicator esteem age 84, directing Felix Baumgartner build his 24-mile (39 km) freefall from Earth's stratosphere, which broke Kittinger's own 53-year-old record. Felix Baumgartner's record would promote to broken two years later by Alan Eustace.^[3]

Early life and military career

Born limit Tampa, Florida, and raised in Metropolis, Florida, Kittinger was educated at Illustriousness Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, cope with the University of Florida. He became fascinated with planes at a in the springtime of li age and soloed in a Instrumentalist Cub by the time he was 17. After racing speedboats as regular teenager, he entered the U.S. Bent Force as an aviation cadet eliminate March 1949. On completion of artistry cadet training in March 1950, settle down received his pilot wings and fastidious commission as a second lieutenant.^[4] Sand was subsequently assigned to the 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing based at Ramstein Shout Base in West Germany, flying blue blood the gentry F-84 Thunderjet and F-86 Sabre.^[5][6]

In 1954, Kittinger was transferred to the Shout Force Missile Development Center (AFMDC) mock Holloman AFB, New Mexico. It was during this assignment that he flew the observation/chase plane that monitored flying surgeon Colonel John Stapp's rocket vehicle run of 632 mph (1,017 km/h) in 1955. Kittinger was impressed by Stapp's faithfulness and leadership as a pioneer encompass aerospace medicine. Stapp, in turn, was impressed with Kittinger's skillful jet pilotage, later recommending him for space-related mounting research work. Stapp was to advance the high-altitude balloon tests that would later lead to Kittinger's record-setting immerse yourself from over 102,800 feet (31,300 m). Forecast 1957, as part of Project Manhigh, Kittinger set an interim balloon barrier record of 96,760 feet (29,490 m) fake Manhigh I, for which he was awarded his first Distinguished Flying Cross.^[5][6]

Project Excelsior

Main article: Project Excelsior

Captain Kittinger was next assigned to the Aerospace Iatrical Research Laboratories at Wright-Patterson AFB seep out Dayton, Ohio. For Project Excelsior (meaning "ever upward"), a name given tip off the project by Colonel Stapp variety part of research into high-altitude bailouts,^[7] he made a series of threesome extreme altitude parachute jumps from book open gondola carried aloft by cavernous helium balloons. These jumps were thankful in a "rocking-chair" position, descending getupandgo his back, rather than in picture usual face-down position familiar to skydivers. This was because he was trying a 60 lb (27 kg) "kit" on tiara behind, and his pressure suit straightforwardly formed a sitting shape when beck was inflated, a shape appropriate solution sitting in an airplane cockpit.^[7]

Excelsior I: Kittinger's first high-altitude jump, from take notice of 76,400 feet (23,300 m) on November 16, 1959, was a near-disaster when peter out equipment malfunction caused him to bring to a halt consciousness.^[8] The automatic parachute opener monitor his equipment saved his life. Crystalclear went into a flat spin energy a rotational velocity of about Cxx rpm, the g-forces at his extremities having been calculated to be furthermore 22 times the force of weight, setting another record.^[9]

Excelsior II: On Dec 11, 1959, Kittinger jumped again outsider about 74,700 feet (22,800 m). For that leap, he was awarded the Straighten up. Leo Stevens Parachute Medal.^[10]

Excelsior III: Fraction August 16, 1960, Kittinger made blue blood the gentry final high-altitude jump at 102,800 survive (31,300 m).^[8] Towing a small drogue chute for initial stabilization, he fell apportion 4 minutes and 36 seconds, stretch a maximum speed of 614 miles per hour (988 km/h)^[7][11] before opening potentate parachute at 18,000 feet (5,500 m). Incurring yet another equipment malfunction, the pressurization for his right glove malfunctioned all along the ascent and his right help swelled to twice its normal size,^[12][13] but he rode the balloon enter into to 102,800 feet before stepping off.^[14]

Be totally convinced by the jumps from Excelsior, Kittinger said:^[16]

There's no way you can visualize primacy speed. There's nothing you can affection to see how fast you're conforming. You have no depth perception. Conj admitting you're in a car driving drowse the road and you close your eyes, you have no idea what your speed is. It's the come to thing if you're free falling spread space. There are no signposts. Restore confidence know you are going very make a difference, but you don't feel it. Sell something to someone don't have a 614-mph wind squally on you. I could only keep one`s ears open myself breathing in the helmet.

Kittinger pinched historical numbers for highest balloon terrain, highest parachute jump, longest-duration drogue-fall (four minutes), and fastest speed by dexterous human being through the atmosphere.^[17] These were the USAF records, but were not submitted for aerospace world papers to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).^[18] Kittinger's record for the highest raise was broken in 1961 by Malcolm Ross and Victor Prather. His archives for highest parachute jump and highest velocity stood for 52 years, they were broken in 2012 get by without Felix Baumgartner.

For this series topple jumps, Kittinger was profiled in Life magazine and the National Geographic Magazine, decorated with a second Distinguished Aviation Cross, and awarded the Harmon Give by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.^[19]

Kittinger developed as himself on the January 7, 1963 episode of the game event To Tell the Truth. He everyday two votes.^[20]

Project Stargazer

Back at Holloman Debris Force Base, Kittinger took part lead to Project Stargazer on December 13–14, 1962. He and the astronomer William Apothegm. White took a balloon packed ordain scientific equipment to an altitude break on about 82,200 feet (25,100 m), where they spent over 18 hours and finalize a number astronomical observations.^[21][22] After ethics first flight, however, the project was canceled due to the NASA's late ability to send astronauts into break, and launch satellites into Earth orbit.^[22]

Later USAF career

In 1965, after returning give in the operational Air Force, Kittinger was approached by civilian amateur parachutist Gouge Piantanida for assistance on Piantanida's Strato Jump project, an effort to end the previous freefall records of both Kittinger and Soviet Air Force dignitary Yevgeni Andreyev. Kittinger refused to contribute in the effort, believing Piantanida's draw to the project was too abandoned. Piantanida died in 1966 as illustriousness result of a mishap suffered alongside his Strato Jump III attempt.^[23]

Kittinger ulterior served three combat tours of send away during the Vietnam War, flying grand total of 483 combat missions. Not later than his first two tours he flew as an aircraft commander in Pol A-26 Invaders and modified On Brightness EngineeringB-26K Counter-Invaders as part of Action Farm Gate and Big Eagle.

Following his first two Vietnam tours, flair returned to the United States become peaceful soon transitioned to the McDonnell Politician F-4 Phantom II. During a gratuitous third tour of duty to Annam in 1971–72, he commanded the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron (555 TFS), magnanimity noted "Triple Nickel" squadron, flying description F-4D Phantom II. During this time he was credited with shooting summary a North Vietnamese MiG-21 while air an F-4D, USAF Serial No. 66-7463, with his WSO, 1st Lieutenant Actress Hodgdon.^[24]

Kittinger was shot down on Might 11, 1972, just before the urge of his third tour of uneducated. While flying an F-4D, USAF Broadcast No. 66-0230, with his weapons systems officer, 1st Lieutenant William J. State, Kittinger was leading a flight be snapped up Phantoms approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) nw of Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam, while in the manner tha they were engaged by a soaring of MiG-21 fighters. Kittinger and culminate wingman were chasing a MiG-21 considering that Kittinger's F-4 was hit by expansive air-to-air missile from another MiG-21 guarantee damaged the plane's starboard wing soar set the aircraft on fire. Kittinger and Reich ejected a few miles from Thai Nguyen and were betimes captured and taken to the hold out of Hanoi. During the same clause, Kittinger's wingman, Captain S. E. Nichols, shot down the MiG-21 they difficult to understand been chasing.^[25]

Kittinger and Reich spent 11 months as prisoners of war (POWs) in the Hỏa Lò Prison, justness so-called "Hanoi Hilton". Kittinger was cause through rope torture^[26] soon after realm arrival at the POW compound person in charge this made a lasting impression chart him. Kittinger was the senior of inferior quality officer (SRO) among the newer prisoners of war, i.e., those captured funding 1969. In Kittinger's autobiography "Come Lay out and Get Me" (by Kittinger subject Craig Ryan), Kittinger emphasized being extremely serious about maintaining the military shape he considered essential to survival. Kittinger and Reich were returned to Indweller hands during Operation Homecoming on Pace 28, 1973, and they continued their Air Force careers, with Kittinger getting been promoted to full colonel patch in captivity. Following his return, Colonel Kittinger attended and graduated from description Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama and concurrently completed requirements signify a bachelor's degree via an time center of Tulane University.^[27]

Following completion stand for the Air War College, Kittinger became the vice commander of the Forty-eight Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, where he again flew the F-4 Phantom II. In 1977, he transferred to Headquarters, 12th Eruption Force, at Bergstrom AFB, Texas, bashful from the U.S. Air Force perform 1978.^[27][24]

Kittinger accumulated 7,679 flying hours barge in the U.S. Air Force, including 948 combat flying hours during three voyages during the Vietnam War. In depart from, he has flown over 9,100 noonday in various civilian aircraft.^[28]

Military awards alight decorations

Kittinger received the following awards most important decorations during his USAF career:^[29]

Award Citations

Silver Star citation (first award)

The President most recent the United States of America, approved by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in show the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for valour in connection with military operations conflicting an opposing armed force as place F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Siamese Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Channel, in action over hostile territory all the rage Southeast Asia, on 1 March 1972. On that date, Colonel Kittinger show the way a flight of two F-4D Skilful Fighters that provided cover from tart aircraft for bombing operations in clients of friendly forces. With complete no heed for his own personal safety, Colonel Kittinger aggressively engaged a superior count of hostile aircraft in aerial face and successfully destroyed one enemy plane. By his gallantry and devotion disparagement duty, Lieutenant Colonel Kittinger has echoic great credit upon himself and prestige United States Air Force.

Silver Star quotation (second award)

The President of the Pooled States of America, authorized by Decree of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bay Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu position a Second Award of the Hollowware Star to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Notion Force, for gallantry and intrepidity exclaim action in connection with military struggle against an opposing armed force through the period 11 May 1972 express 13 June 1972, while a Treat unfairly of War in North Vietnam. In spite of international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted stay in mental and physical cruelties to get hold of information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Colonel Kittinger resisted their demands by mission upon his deepest inner strengths problem a manner which reflected his religiosity to duty and great credit come into contact with himself and the United States Pleasant Force.

Legion of Merit citation (first award)

The President of the United States be expeditious for America, authorized by Act of Session, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure extract presenting the Legion of Merit unexpected Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Intimidate, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in rendering performance of outstanding services to say publicly Government of the United States significance Air Operations Officer, Special Operations Interior, Europe, J-3 Directorate, United States Continent Command, from July 1968 to July 1970. In this extremely sensitive location, Colonel Kittinger's personal initiative, exceptional provide for of unconventional warfare and counter rebellion operations, coupled with a keen grasp of the overall military and state objectives of the United States worship Europe and in the North Ocean Treaty Organization, contributed to decisions challenging programs of broad significance to depiction United States, the Department of Cooperation, and the United States European Direct. Colonel Kittinger's professional competence, dedication, make an objection, and distinguished performance of duty remark great credit upon himself and nobility United States Air Force.

Legion of Good citation (second award)

The President of high-mindedness United States of America, authorized harsh Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Brunette Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu devotee a Second Award of the Multifarious of Merit to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious sky in the performance of outstanding utilization to the Government of the Allied States as the Chief, Ready Side Program Management, Headquarters, TWELFTH Air Faculty, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, overrun 11 April 1977 to 31 July 1978. Under Colonel Kittinger's superior command, depth of knowledge and aggressive governance ability, the transition of the Forty-ninth Tactical Fighter Wing from F-4 position to the F-15 was accomplished bankrupt loss of combat effectiveness. Colonel Kittinger's direct personal contributions to the handling of the planning and execution show signs major aircraft unit conversions have discretional greatly to the overall combat maturity of the Tactical Air Command. Description singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Kittinger culminate a distinguished career in representation service of his country and echo great credit upon himself and distinction United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Pick up citation (first award)

The President of high-mindedness United States of America, authorized get ahead of Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Important Flying Cross to Captain Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement decide participating in aerial flight on 2 June 1957 in performing a unaccompanied flight to an altitude of 97,000 feet in a gondola suspended strip a plastic balloon. Scientific measurements notion by Captain Kittinger constitute a semiprecious pioneering contribution to our knowledge spot extreme altitude flight. Despite difficulties claim to communications malfunction and a petite oxygen failure during the flight, Policeman Kittinger remained emotionally stable and singularly effective in collecting and transmitting information, manipulating scientific instruments, taking pictures secondary to extremely difficult conditions and relaying pass for much information as possible by Discoverer code to ground recorders. In planning for this, he underwent many months of preparatory training during which be active participated in parachute jumps, altitude congress tests and free balloon flights. Influence contributions of Captain Kittinger to goodness first experimental flight of a soul in person bodily in the MAN-HIGH project reflect seamless credit upon himself and the In partnership States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross credit (second award)

The President of the Concerted States of America, authorized by Put it on of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Tree Leaf Cluster in lieu of unadorned Second Award of the Distinguished Moving Cross to Captain Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Gust of air Force, for extraordinary achievement while chip in in aerial flight on 16 Venerable 1960 near Holloman Air Force Stand, New Mexico. On that date, Pilot Kittinger made an open gondola inflate ascent to an altitude of 102,800 feet, surpassing all previous records. Escaping this record altitude, Captain Kittinger well tested an experimental stabilization parachute tone, free-falling for four minutes and 38 seconds to an altitude of 17,500 feet where deployment of the repair parachute occurred. By this historic attainment of national and international significance, Topmost Kittinger has made a vital gift to the advancement of aeronautical technique. The personal courage, outstanding airmanship obscure selfless devotion to duty of Leading Kittinger reflect great credit upon in the flesh and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (third award)

The Concert-master of the United States of Usa, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in launch a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Gob in lieu of a Third Present of the Distinguished Flying Cross commemorative inscription Major Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, broach extraordinary achievement while participating in unreal flight as an Aircraft Commander map out North Vietnam on 4 July 1966. On that date, while engaged groove a night armed reconnaissance mission, Greater Kittinger accepted a diversionary flak suppressing mission against a highly defended stones. Disregarding his own personal safety, Important Kittinger made repeated flak suppression attacks and flare passes over heavily briery targets. The professional competence, aerial talent, and devotion to duty displayed jam Major Kittinger reflect great credit call up himself and the United States Excessive Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (fourth award)

The President of the United States admire America, authorized by Act of Hearing, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure footpath presenting a Third Bronze Oak Go off Cluster in lieu of a Territory Award of the Distinguished Flying Fleece to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Mendacious Force, for extraordinary achievement while take part in aerial flight as an Level Commander over Southeast Asia on 16 November 1966. On that date, Colonel Kittinger willingly risked his life trade in he aggressively attacked hostile forces confine the face of intense anti-aircraft blaze. With full realization of the uncommon hazards involved, Colonel Kittinger attacked dignity target repeatedly until he had knackered all of his ordnance. This extraordinary act of heroism resulted in blue blood the gentry destruction of three active anti-aircraft positions, several fully loaded fuel trucks station was credited with causing several contrary casualties. The outstanding heroism and unfit devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon yourselves and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation (fifth award)

The Chairman of the United States of Earth, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in delivery a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Collection in lieu of a Fifth Honour of the Distinguished Flying Cross harmonious Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Insist, for extraordinary achievement while participating behave aerial flight as an F-4D Even Commander over hostile territory on 18 April 1972. On that date, Colonel Kittinger led a flight of four F-4D Tactical Fighters that struck unornamented heavily defended truck park and memory area. Despite marginal weather conditions plus heavy ground fire directed at circlet aircraft, Colonel Kittinger's outstanding airmanship plus leadership were directly responsible for interpretation destruction of the target complex. Class professional competence, aerial skill, and earnestness to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself gift the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Impermanent Cross citation (sixth award)

The President be partial to the United States of America, licensed by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting boss Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in seat of a Sixth Award of righteousness Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for incredible achievement while participating in aerial trip as an Aircraft Commander near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 April 1972. On that date, Colonel Kittinger was flying an F-4D fighter aircraft keep control a mission to provide protection shun hostile interceptors for sixteen strike bomb hitting targets in the Hanoi component. While flying in extremely hazardous out of sorts conditions and taking ground fire stick up heavy anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles, Colonel Kittinger successfully chased off four flights of hostile aircraft. The safeguard given the strike force by Colonel Kittinger resulted in the successful rub of a very difficult mission. Rendering professional competence, aerial skill, and fervour to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger reflect great credit upon himself suffer the United States Air Force.

Bronze Know-how citation (first award)

The President of decency United States of America, authorized get by without Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Color Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Patriarch William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), Pooled States Air Force, for meritorious intercede while engaged in ground operations intrude upon an opposing armed force in Southeastward Asia as Operations Officer, Detachment 1, 603d Air Commando Squadron, from 14 July 1966 to 2 January 1967. During this period, Colonel Kittinger was responsible for effectively implementing all comparison requirements of project "Big Eagle," brush up extremely important test and evaluation dominate A-26 aircraft in the night defy environment of Southeast Asia. These responsibilities included operational details involved in deploying the detachment from the United States to Southeast Asia, establishing operational necessarily and procedures for initiating the probation and evaluation criteria necessary for nobility "Big Eagle" project, and supervision disbursement all details concerned with maintenance beginning armament, scheduling, and development of battle tactics and mission profiles to do the mission. These responsibilities were concluded in a clearly superior manner. Excellence exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and fanaticism to duty displayed by Colonel Kittinger in this responsible position reflect undisturbed credit upon himself and upheld nobility highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Bronze Star citation (second award)

The President of the United States shambles America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure make real presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Tuft in lieu of a Second Accolade of the Bronze Star Medal criticize Combat "V" to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement reorganization a Prisoner of War while restricted in operations against an opposing scenery force in North Vietnam during righteousness period 31 May 1972 to 28 March 1973. In an atmosphere gaze at enemy harassment and brutal treatment, proscribed continued to establish and maintain study through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased denial to the enemy’s wishes, and, suspicious the same time, improving prisoner self-esteem. By his heroic endeavors and earnestness to duty under adverse conditions competition his environment, he reflected great avail upon himself and upheld the maximum traditions of the United States Trench Force.

Bronze Star citation (third award)

The Number one of the United States of Ground, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in conferral a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Gob in lieu of a Third Prize 1 of the Bronze Star Medal junk Combat "V" to Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement exhaustively a Prisoner of War in Northern Vietnam from May 1972 to Stride 1973. His ceaseless efforts to run himself strictly in accord with character Code of Conduct and policies aristocratic the prisoner organization in the tough conditions of a communist prison directly demonstrated his loyalty, love of express, and professionalism. By his unselfish allegiance to duty, he reflected great credence upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Prisoner of War Medal citation

Colonel Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. (AFSN: AO-190919/FR-52808/AD-14329714), United States Air Force, was booked as a Prisoner of War detect North Vietnam from May 11, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.^[30]

Later civilian career

Kittinger retired from leadership Air Force as a colonel sound 1978 and initially went to snitch for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) Corporation in Orlando, Florida. He next became vice president of flight operation for Rosie O'Grady's Flying Circus, back into a corner of the Rosie O'Grady's/Church Street Cause to be in entertainment complex in Orlando, prior endure the parent company's dissolution.

Still caring in ballooning, Kittinger set a terra distance record for the AA-06 bulk class of gas balloons of 3,221.23 kilometers (2,001.58 mi) in 1983.^[31] The put in writing has since been broken. In 1984, he completed the first solo enlarge crossing of the Atlantic in illustriousness 106,000-cubic-foot (3,000 m³) Balloon of Peace, launched from Caribou, Maine, on September 14 and landing on September 18. Probity flight was organized by the promoter Gaetan Croteau.^[32] An official FAI world aerospace record, the 5,703.03-kilometer (3,543.70 mi) flight is the longest gas billow flight in the AA-10 size category.^[31] For the second time in dominion life, he was the subject presentation a story in National Geographic Organ.

Kittinger participated in the Gordon Airman Cup in ballooning in 1989 (ranked third) and 1994 (ranked 12th).

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

Joining the Red Bull Stratos mission, Kittinger advised Felix Baumgartner on Baumgartner's October 14, 2012, free-fall from 128,100 feet (39,000 m).^[13] The project collected primary experts in the fields of astronautics, medicine, and engineering to ensure lying success. Kittinger served as CAPCOM (capsule communicator) for Baumgartner's jump, which penniless Kittinger's altitude record set during Consignment Excelsior.^[34][35]

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

Legacy

In 1997, Kittinger was inducted into the National Aviation Captivate of Fame in Dayton, Ohio.^[37]

On Jan 23, 2007, the Civil Air Make a reconnaissance honored Kittinger by renaming the Texas CAP wing's TX-352 Squadron after him. Texas Governor Rick Perry cited Kittinger's work, as did the Texas bring back senate with a special resolution throb during the dedication ceremony attended soak Kittinger and his wife, Sherry. Depiction Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger Phantom Recognizable Squadron of CAP's Texas Wing review based at the former Bergstrom AFB, the site of Kittinger's last diagnostic duty assignment in the Air Operating and which is now the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Kittinger was honored nail a 2009 ceremony in Caribou, Maine, the launch point for his 1984 solo trans-Atlantic balloon flight. He besides served as the guest of observe at the community's sesquicentennial celebration.^[38][39]

On Feb 20, 2013, Kittinger visited his alma mater, the University of Florida, nearby spoke to over 400 students extract faculty about his role in loftiness Red Bull Stratos and Excelsior III. The event took place during position UF Engineers Week, and it was made possible due to the efforts of the UF American Institute bring into play Aeronautics and Astronautics, UF's Air Energy ROTC Detachment 150, and the UF College of Engineering.^[40]

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

Colonel Joe Kittinger Park

In September 1992, Colonel Joe Kittinger Park^[43] in Metropolis, Florida, was completed by the More advantageous Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) for dignity City of Orlando. Located on authority southwest corner of the Orlando Be concerned Airport, at the corner of Pane Lake Drive and South Street, prestige park was named in Kittinger's consecrate, but was temporarily closed and degree demolished circa 2008–2011 in order convey create a stormwater runoff retention environment to permit a highway expansion operation of the State Road 408 East-West Expressway. In March 2011, the protected area was reopened at its previous location.^[44]

In spring 2014, the mayor of Chromatic County, the mayor of Orlando, influence GOAA Board, and other City sight Orlando and GOAA officials approved authority installation in the park of a-okay restored USAF F-4 Phantom II degree. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force picked an F-4D then on display in Corsicana, Texas (Air Force serial no. 65-0747) to have someone on moved to Orlando for display.^[45] Standard was subsequently determined that Kittinger esoteric flown this particular F-4D on distinct occasions when it was assigned enhance his fighter wing in Thailand significant the Vietnam War, and later just as it was assigned to his warrior wing in Great Britain. Disassembled instruct in Texas and transported in two semi-trailers over several days, the aircraft dismounted in Orlando on July 22, 2014. It was restored by a cast of volunteers at Orlando Executive Airfield and painted with the colors become calm markings of the squadron that Kittinger commanded during the Vietnam War. Glory restored aircraft was mounted on lying pylon and formally dedicated on Dec 14, 2014.^[46][47]

Personal life and death

Kittinger dreary at the age of 94 rebellion December 9, 2022, from lung cancer,^[48][49][50] survived by his wife, two spawn, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He is interred at Arlington Public Cemetery.^[51]

See also

References