Who is often referred to as the Father of the USAF?

The title "Father of the USAF" is commonly attributed to William "Billy" Mitchell due to his significant advocacy for air power during the early 20th century. Mitchell was a visionary aviator and military officer who strongly believed in the potential of air combat and the strategic importance of aviation in modern warfare. His campaigns for the establishment of an independent air force directly influenced the formation of the United States Air Force as a separate branch of the military in 1947.

Mitchell's efforts included pioneering public demonstrations of air power, such as the famous bombing of the captured German battleship Ostfriesland in 1921, which showcased the effectiveness of air strikes. His arguments and foresight about the future of warfare contributed to the eventual recognition of air power as a critical element of national defense, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Air Force.

Other figures presented, such as Jimmy Doolittle, known for his leadership during World War II and the Doolittle Raid, or Jacqueline Cochran, a pivotal figure in women's roles in aviation, made profound contributions but did not have the same foundational impact on the establishment of the USAF as Mitchell. John L. Levitow, while notable for his heroics and later contributions,