The Roswell Report: Case Closed

After MAN HIGH, and again in association with Stapp, Kittinger directed
Project EXCELSIOK,a study of human free-fall characteristics following aircraft
escape at extremely high altitudes. After extensive testing with anthropomorphic
dummies, Kittinger made three parachute jumps from high altitude balloons: 76,400
feet on November 16, 1959: 74,700 feet on December I I, 1959; and 102,800 feet
on August 16, 1960. For these courageous scientific achievements Kittinger was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Harmon Trophy by President
Eisenhower, the still-standing world records for highest parachute jump and length
of a free-fall--and the distinction of being the only living person to exceed the
speed of sound without an aircraft or spacecraft!
With the completion of EXCELSIOK.Kittinger became the pilot, project officer,
and project engineer for STARCALER,an astronomical observation experiment. This
was the third and final Air Force manned high altitude balloon project, Kittinger had
flown in all three.
In 1963, he was assigned to the Air Commandos (now Special Operations)
and flew two combat tours in Southeast Asia in B-26 and A-26 aircraft. After a
tour in Germany as a liaison officer with the U.S. Army Special Forces, Kittinger
returned to SoutheastAsia in 1971, flying F-4 aircraft and commanding the famous
555th ‘Triple Nickel” Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udom AB, Thailand. On March I,
1972 Kittinger engaged and destroyed B MiG-2 I over North Vietnam and is
credited with an aerial victory. On May I I, 1972, after 483 combat missions
and more than 1,000 combat flying hours, Kittinger was shot down over Hanoi
and spent I I months as a POW in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” When placed
with other POWs following solitary confinement and severe torture, Kittinger was
moved repeatedly by his North Vietnamese captors due to his effectiveness in
motivating other prisoners to maintain strong resistance postures.
Kittinger retired from the Air Force in 197X and became involved in both
sport aircraft flying and gas ballooning. He operated Rosie 0’ Grady’s Flying
Circus in his hometown of Orlando, Fla., performing skywriting, banner towing,
and hot air and helium balloon demonstrations at nearby Walt Disney World.
He also captured the coveted Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Championship an
unprecedented four times (three consecutive), entitling him to retire the trophy.
In September 1984, Kittinger made history again, when, in the tradition of
Lindbergh, he became the first person to make a solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean
by balloon.
Kittinger’s military decorations include the Silver Star with one oak leaf
cluster, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with
five oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with “v” device and two oak leaf clusters,
Air Medal with 23 oak leaf clusters, Purple Hezxt with one oak leaf cluster, POW
medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Kittinger’s indomitable spirit, personal courage and dedication to duty are
legendary. His ability to achieve seemingly unattainable objectives while earning
the respect and absolute loyalty of those who served with him defines this rare
breed of warrior-leader.
In October 1995, he received yet another honor and was named a recipient of
the prestigious “Elder Statesman of Aviation” award by the National Aeronautics
Association. This honor is bestowed upon an individual who over a period of years,
has made “significant contributions to aeronautics” and for “reflecting credit upon
himself and America.” Without a doubt, there are few that exemplify these virtues
more than this truly distinctive American, Joseph W. Kittinger, Jr.
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