Dear ACA Members, The ACA would like to share Colonel Kittinger's obituary and details for a Celebration of Life to be held this 28 January. The following is a brief overview of his outstanding career and accomplishments. For the complete obituary please visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/altamonte-springs-fl/joseph-kittinger-11070429 ... During his 29-year USAF career, Colonel Kittinger accumulated 7,679 flying hours, including over 948 combat flying hours from his three tours during the Vietnam War. In addition, he flew over 9,100 hours in various civilian aircraft. He received several military awards, including two Silver Stars; two Legions of Merit; six Distinguished Flying Crosses (one each for Projects Man High and Excelsior); two Bronze Stars; 24 Air Medals; two Purple Hearts; and a POW Medal. During his lifetime, he also received various civilian awards and honors, including the Harmon International Trophy (Aeronaut) for outstanding accomplishments in aeronautics, given personally by President Eisenhower in 1960. Additionally, he received the Aeronaut Leo Stevens Parachute Medal; a John Jeffries Award for outstanding contributions to medical research; an Aerospace Primus Award; a National Aeronautic Association Elder Statesman of Aviation Award; an Order of Daedalians Distinguished Achievement Award; a Barnstormer of the Year Award; and an FAI Montgolfier Diploma. Colonel Kittinger was also inducted into the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Hall of Fame. He was also inducted as a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and in the Royal Aeronautical Society. In 1997, he was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. He is also enshrined in the Living Legends of Aviation; the International Skydiving Hall of Fame; the Balloon Pilots Hall of Fame; the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and as a Medalist in the Explorers Club. In 2008, he was awarded the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, he was awarded the National Training & Simulation Association Lifetime Achievement.... |
