AF pioneer visits Holloman, shares experiences

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Phil Ventura
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (ACCNS) --  An Air Force pioneer, instrumental in the development of the modern parachute system and high-altitude testing, spoke to Airmen here May 11, providing a glimpse into our service's heritage. 

Retired Col. Joe Kittinger told stories about his involvement in projects Man High and Excelsior during the late 1950s and 1960s, as well as his experiences as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton during Vietnam. 

"It was the golden age of our Air Force," Colonel Kittinger said, "We had a lot more fun than you do today." 

While serving at Holloman, the colonel became a nationally known figure after completing three jumps from a helium balloon. The third, from more than 100,000 feet over the Tularosa Basin, set a world record. 

This feat not only landed him on the cover of Life Magazine, it proved that pilots could safely operate and eject in that type of environment. It also led to the development and widespread use of the stabilization parachute, which prevents ejecting pilots from spiraling uncontrollably. 

For Col. Dave Harris, 46th Test Group commander, these stories re-enforced the important role test and evaluation continues to play in today's Air Force. 

"What was a test in 1959 is in cockpits today," Colonel Harris said, "Just like what we do here today will be in air and spacecrafts 20 to 30 years from now." 

After his work in testing, Colonel Kittinger continued his career as an aviator and was commander of the 555th, "Triple Nickel," Fighter Squadron during the Vietnam War. 

"There is nothing like leading a fighter squadron into battle," the colonel said. 

His highlights of command included mentoring the Air Force's first non-pilot to achieve "Ace" status, Capt. Charles Debellevue, and shooting down a MiG. But the colonel was also shot down. 

"It was May 11, 1972, 35 years ago today, that I was shot down by the world's greatest fighter pilot on the other side," he said. 

Colonel Kittinger spent 11 months as a prisoner of war. 

But the experience did not temper his love of flight. He has logged a total of 16,400 flight hours in more than 60 different types of aircraft and continues to add to those totals today. 

"This was a great opportunity to hear about where we came from as an Air Force," said Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "A chance to talk with a real American hero."