William "Billy" Mitchell

William "Billy" Mitchell was a pioneering American military aviator and advocate for aviation as a vital component of national defense. Active in the early 20th century, he believed air power could be decisive in warfare, challenging existing military strategies that prioritized ships and land forces. Mitchell demonstrated the potential of aircraft through innovative tests, including sinking outdated ships with bombers. His ideas helped shape the development of the U.S. Air Force. Despite facing controversy and court-martial for insubordination, Mitchell’s advocacy established the importance of air power in modern military strategy.