Who is the most iconic military aviator?

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:09:00 -0500

My Choice: Robin Olds. A triple ace with 16 air victories in WWII & Vietnam. Owning the skies with the P-51 Mustang, P-38, and F-4, he was heralded as the best Wing Commander and aviator in Vietnam due to his combat leadership and ruthless flying reputation. Plus, anyone who can solidify an entire Wikipedia section for their mustache is an ace in my book.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 18 at 2014 11:22 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:22:54 -0500

That is a mustache for the ages! Impressive. We are all a bit better for having been in its prescence.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Feb 18 at 2014 11:23 AM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:23:35 -0500

Thankyou Capt. Charters, I now have mustache envy...........

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 12:12 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 00:12:08 -0500

Had a chance to visit Davis-Monthan last week refueling some
fighters and was able to visit the Pima Air Museum while there. One
plane in particular, a P-51 with an American "kill," changed my choice to
Lt Louis Edward Curdes. Incredible story shooting out the engines of a C-47 with his
girlfriend on board to save it from landing on an enemy island. Check out the story if you get a chance!<br><br>http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?topic=318273.0

Response by LTC Paul Mullins made Mar 12 at 2014 10:30 PM

LTC Paul Mullins — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 22:30:29 -0400

I have to go with Bruce Crandall, having 7-9 aircraft shot out from beneath you in one battle is pretty impressive (or terribly unlucky).  The following short excerpt is from his Wikipedia entry:<div><br></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army" title="United States Army" style="color: rgb(11, 0, 128); background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">U.S. Army</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;"> officer who received the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor" title="Medal of Honor" style="color: rgb(11, 0, 128); background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">Medal of Honor</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;"> for his actions during the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ia_Drang" title="Battle of Ia Drang" style="color: rgb(11, 0, 128); background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">Battle of Ia Drang</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">. During the battle he flew 22 missions(in one of the aircraft, then flew 6-8 different aircraft for a true mission total of 70-80 missions) in an unarmed helicopter into enemy fire to bring ammunition and supplies and evacuate the wounded. By the end of the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War" title="Vietnam War" style="color: rgb(11, 0, 128); background-image: none; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">Vietnam War</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;">, he had flown over 900 combat missions.</span><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;"><br></span></div><div><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/BruceCrandall.jpg/180px-BruceCrandall.jpg" alt=" A black and white image of Bruce Crandall in his military dress uniform. He is facing the camera and turned slightly to the left">          <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_Medal_of_Honor%2C_Maj._Bruce_Crandall.jpg/220px-Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_Medal_of_Honor%2C_Maj._Bruce_Crandall.jpg" alt="A color picture if Bruce Campbell in his dress military uniform and cavalry hat. He is smiling and President Bush can be seen putting the Medal of Honor around his neck."><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19 [login to see] 39453px;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div>And no super cool mustache!</div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_Medal_of_Honor,_Maj._Bruce_Crandall.jpg/220px-Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_Medal_of_Honor,_Maj._Bruce_Crandall.jpg"></a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">É7áSZgµËIäUC;{ã.M*×Õ¦{@âKmI«©ÏXCS^Dá]v÷D¹C»[äe éò¯Fp_¦§ha[× çä¸urô¡ôª$#Rc(ôNôZ0¢S ³|qñT´ÿ ¨þ:´´4ô¥â¨E1SµPEd]Þº»½ ¨¦ÔOZQ:
EºÒ©ðÑ1¤îdDÎ|©Zâ³éÒ±Á¡ûaâ.là|3ç8ì+Ë1É©Î.½kÝvêFlåG...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/50px-Question_book-new.svg.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ia_Drang">Battle of Ia Drang - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between regulars of the United States Army and regulars of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN / NVA) of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The two-...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 10:35 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 22:35:28 -0400

Sir, the MOST bit makes it tough.  It ain't combat, but I'd like to submit for honorable mention the early astronauts who flew more than one type of spacecraft e.g. Grissom, Schirra, Shepard, Young, etc.  And the X-series pilots like Yeager and an engineering geek named Armstrong (he fits both of my categories).  However, I do dig that 'stache.<br>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 1:17 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 01:17:35 -0400

<div>Capt Charters,</div><div><br></div><div>While my favorite male military aviator was Major Charles L Kelley, founder of Vietnam DUSTOFF / CASEVAC / MEDEVAC helicopter ambulance service, that proved air evac to treatment within the golden hour after wounding provided the best opportunity for full recovery, predecessor to today's helicopter air evac services, I am also very partial to the pioneering iconic figures of women flying WWII fighters and bombers.</div><div><br></div><div>The <span style="font-size: 13px;">Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), were active from 1943 to 1944, numbered 1,074 female pilots, considered civil service during war, and freed male pilots for combat.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px;">38 active duty WASPs were killed.</span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">WASP records were classified, sealed, and hidden away from public knowledge for 35 years. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Deceased WASPs were ferried home at family cost, no military honors, and no flag draped coffin.</span></div><div><div><br></div><div>In 1977, the WASP records were unsealed after USAF erroneously claimed it was training the very first women to fly military aircraft.  <span style="font-size: 13px;">In 1977, Jimmy Carter granted the WASP full military status for their service. In 1984, the WASPs were awarded the World War II Victory Medal. WASPs who served for more than one year were also awarded American Theater Ribbon/American Campaign Medal.  </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">In 2010, the 300 surviving WASPs traveled to Washington DC to accept the Congressional Gold Medal.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px;">Warmest Regards, Sandy</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br></span></div>

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 8:03 PM

SPC Michael Hunt — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 20:03:25 -0400

President George H. W. Bush for his contributions in and out of the cock-pit. Hope I'm able to sky-dive on my 80th birthday.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 24 at 2014 4:00 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:00:59 -0400

Commander Frank "Spig" Wead. Was a pilot in the navy during the biplane was still in use. When air races were popular he was highly proficient in this endeavor. He re-entered the Navy after a successful career in both movies and as a play write. His life was documented in the movie "The Wings of Eagles" where he was played by John Wayne. His aviation career was cut short by a broken neck but he was used in planning and development for the Navy where he came up with the idea of Jeep or escort carriers for resupplying aircraft to the major aircraft carriers.

First picture is of the man himself.
Second picture is of the man who portrayed him in "The Wings of Eagles"

The link is to Frank Weads bio on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Wead

Frank Wead - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Frank Wilbur "Spig" Wead (pronounced "weed") (His middle name sometimes appears as "Wilber.") (born 24 October 1895 – died 15 November 1947) was a U.S. Navy aviator who helped promote United States Naval aviation from its inception through World War II. Commander Wead was a recognized authority on early aviation. Following a crippling spinal injury in 1926, Wead was placed on the retired list. In the 1930s, he became a screenwriter, becoming...

Response by SSG William Patton made Apr 12 at 2014 8:23 PM

SSG William Patton — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 20:23:21 -0400

I am the name sake of the most iconic aviator, in my opinion. He was my uncle, my dad's oldest brother, and the person I am named after, William W. Patton, Jr. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1933, after graduating from high school at age 16. He hitch hiked and rode freight trains from Joplin, Mo to Randolph Field in Schertz, TX, where his first cousin, a SSG was stationed. He was promoted to SSG by the time WWII began and was at Hickham Field in Hawaii when the Japanese attacked. He was awarded a Bronze Star w/V for shooting down 2 Zeros during the attack. He was stationed on Midway when the Japanese attacked and was awarded 2 more Bronze Stars w/V for shooting down 4 more Zeros on 2 different days and a 4th Bronze Star w/V for shooting down his 7th Zero as a tail gunner on a B-17. Later in 1942 he entered flight school at Santa Rosa, CA and after completing basic pilot training was sent to Hobbs Air Field in New Mexico for training on the B-17. From late 1943 through early 1944 he flew 24 missions over Europe before becoming ill with the mumps and having to be hospitalized, when his plane and crew were lost on what would have been his/their 25th mission. He transferred to fighters, but before doing so, volunteered for the top secret mission, know as Aprohidite. My uncle did not receive the same publicity or acclaim that the pilot of mission 5, Joseph Kennedy, received, but he flew mission 8 and successfully armed and got the plane headed to its destination. He was awarded the DFC with Oak Leaf Cluster for this mission. He was finally assigned to the 3rd Scouting Force, 8th AF and was on his 5th recon mission when he was listed as MIA. He was eventually awarded the Purple Heart, but was MIA for 56 years until his body was found, still strapped in the cockpit of his P-51 Mustang on the border of France and Belgium. He was found and excavated by the Army in Feb. 2001 and laid to rest with full military honors on Veteran's Day 2001 at the National Cemetary in Springfield, Mo. This soldier was my hero for all my life and a reason I joined the military. To me, he is my most iconic aviator.

Response by PFC Peter Bohnhof made Apr 13 at 2014 3:45 PM

PFC Peter Bohnhof — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:45:25 -0400

Eddie Rickenbacker, MoH awardee, prolific WWI ace, captain of industry, race car driver. 

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:50 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:50:42 -0400

<p><b>Capt Charters got it right with Brigadier General Robin Olds!  </b>He's as iconic as it gets in the fighter business...a fighter pilot's "fighter pilot."<br></p><p><br></p><p>He came and spoke at our base the day prior to an Air Show, about ten years ago.  he told some very heavy stories about combat kills and near misses.  The stories were more for the O-Club, more than an all ranks speaking event, but he brought the war to you, and if you had any doubt at all about what our business is before you got there, you had no doubt when you left.  After he got off the stage, one of junior officers brought him another glass of bourbon (always with the bottle), and said, "Sir, do you know Jesus Christ?"  Robin Olds replied loudly, "I don't know, what's he fly?"</p><p><br></p><p>And this guy was was one of the founders of MUSTstache March!  <br></p>

Response by SGT David Dodge made Apr 19 at 2014 4:41 AM

SGT David Dodge — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 04:41:04 -0400

Chuck Yeager has to be hands down the definition of Iconic.

Response by Lt Col Skip Fleshman made Apr 19 at 2014 3:18 PM

Lt Col Skip Fleshman — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 15:18:10 -0400

Totally Robin Olds!

But the best I flew with was Deane "DDawg" Pennington.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 24 at 2014 1:36 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 13:36:37 -0400

I couldn't figure out why my dad would sing this ditty, ...we are poor little lambs, who have lost our way...bah, bah, bah. Until recently. We were 7 kids, mom with dad driving in the family station wagon, going to the drive in movie, singing God Bless America, Marine Corps hymns, cuz there are more than one verse, then dad's own...plus this now known as a Black Sheep ditty..1966. Catholic school, patriotic songs, and the discipline practices of that time.

Marines are a unique breed, 24/7 scrappers; if they weren't fighting the air, they would be fighting on the ground, singing patriotic songs and playing rough with their kids; sometimes way too rough...lol. Dad was a SGT., and a tanker in Charlie Co, 1st Tanks, 1st Marines Korea; Marines with like minds in the same combat theater. Holy cow!!!

My choice is Marine aviator Colonel Donald Conroy...The Great Santini!!!

Both are gone now but if Heaven is at war, I know which side I want to be on.

Response by TSgt Thomas Jones made May 9 at 2014 11:30 AM

TSgt Thomas Jones — Fri, 09 May 2014 11:30:29 -0400

When I was at the NCO Academy in Germany, one of my papers was on Robin Olds and Operation Bolo. Would have loved to have a Commander like him...

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 9 at 2014 11:46 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Fri, 09 May 2014 11:46:21 -0400

Lt. A.A. Cunningham - the first Marine Corps aviator

Alan Shepard - First Navy pilot into space, and a nice Jewish boy...

Response by 1SG Mike Case made May 9 at 2014 12:12 PM

1SG Mike Case — Fri, 09 May 2014 12:12:00 -0400

Michael J. Novosel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_J._Novosel

Michael J. Novosel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Michael J. Novosel, Sr. (September 3, 1922 – April 2, 2006) of Enterprise, Alabama served in the United States military in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He flew the B-29 Superfortress bomber in World War II. In order to serve in the Vietnam War, he gave up the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve to become a chief warrant officer in the Army. For his bravery in conducting a medical evacuation...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 2:46 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:46:47 -0400

General Frank P. Lahm isn't the most Iconic, in fact, many do not know who he is. If it were not for the history that he has in Mansfield Ohio, I may not either. But after reading into it, it's quite impressive. The man is directly responsible for Military interest in Aviation. His father taught him to fly in a balloon. He was raised around the Wright Brothers and was the first in uniform to fly with them. He holds aviation license number 2. Today, his name (Mansfield Lahm Airport)and a bronze bust of him remain at the 179th Airlift Wing, a unit that has a very proud heritage. This artwork hangs honoring unit heritage of The 164th Squadron of this unit can tie its heritage to Chuck Yeager and Bud Anderson of the expeditionary 363rd Fighter Squadron. Both of whom I would easily put into the Iconic status they deserve. Very interesting background at this unit!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2014 11:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 23:18:32 -0400

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_P._Crandall

Bruce P. Crandall - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bruce Perry Crandall (born February 17, 1933)[1] is a retired U.S. Army officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang. During the battle, he flew 22 missions (in one of the aircraft, then flew 6-8 different aircraft for a true mission total of 70-80 missions) in an unarmed helicopter into enemy fire to bring ammunition and supplies and evacuate the wounded. By the end of the Vietnam War, he had flown...

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 19 at 2014 10:38 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:38:54 -0400

Since you left this open to all military aviators I have to go with Erich Hartmann aka "The Black Devil". While he was a Nazi he was the top ace of World War II with 352 kills. Hartmann was never downed by enemy fire and never had a wingman killed. This guy would make you sh@t your flight suit. Continued to fly into the mid '80's.

A little trivia: The term ace is attributed to the French pilot Adolphe Pegoud as he was described as l'as or "the ace" after he shot down his 5th plane

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 5 at 2014 11:26 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:26:52 -0400

My vote goes to Brigadier General (Major General Posthumous) William "Billy" Mitchell. He is commonly referred to as the "Father of the Air Force." He supported the growth of air power and demonstrated the voracity of aerial bombing on captured German ships. For his efforts and outspoken nature, he was courts martialed. Posthumously, President Franklin Roosevelt promoted him to Major General and the venerable B 25 "Mitchell" bomber was named after him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Mitchell

My Uncle, MSgt Daniel C. Lacey, USAF (Ret) would be my first vote, but I would have issue quantifying my choice. He is the most interesting person I ever knew. He was drafted into the US Navy in World War II and after the war discharged joining the Army. In 1947, when the US Air Force was created, he joined the Air Force serving in Korea and Viet Nam before retiring. He was a communications specialist on B 52 bombers for SAC towards the end of his career.

SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)

Billy Mitchell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William "Billy" Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army general who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.[1]

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 31 at 2014 6:42 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:42:46 -0400

Pappy Boyington Colonel United States Marine Corps is among those hero's....During WW2 he shot down 28 japanese planes and was a P.O.W for 15 months after being shot down............PAPPY WAS AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR upon his release at the end of WW2...............

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 8:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 20:21:57 -0500

Since nobody has mentioned him yet: Dick Bong. Yes I'm partial as he was from rural northern WI, like myself, but this thread has been around a while for no one to have mentioned WWII's top American Ace. Just looked it up, not just top WWII ace, but top American Ace. 40 victories in a P-38.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 27 at 2015 4:45 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:45:37 -0400

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Bill_(G.I._Joe)

Wild Bill (G.I. Joe) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wild Bill is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's helicopter pilot and debuted in 1983.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 27 at 2015 8:08 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 27 May 2015 20:08:34 -0400

Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. Lol jk

I'm going to have to go with Chuck Yeager.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made May 27 at 2015 10:19 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:19:19 -0400

Joe Foss: Highest scoring Marine Corps ace of WW2; Medal of Honor recipient; governor of South Dakota; and president of the NRA, among other things.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 16 at 2015 6:59 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 06:59:49 -0400

I'm going to go with Richard A. Cody, but there are many more unsung heroes in modern Army aviation. Throw a rock in the 160th and you'll hit one.

Richard A. Cody fired the first shot of Desert Storm, and broke new ground with the AH-64 Apache to accomplish the mission.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_A._Cody

Richard A. Cody - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richard "Dick" A. Cody (born August 2, 1950) is a retired United States Army general who served as the 31st Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army from June 24, 2004 to July 31, 2008. He retired from the Army on August 1, 2008.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 20 at 2015 7:05 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 19:05:04 -0400

I'm still going to have to go with Lindbergh. He began flying before there were pilot's licenses, and when most thought flying the Atlantic was suicide. He chose a single-engine airplane, because it had only half the odds of an engine failure, and, although the Orteig Contest did not require it, he chose to fly the mission solo. That, my friends, is BIG cajones. Most people forget he was an Army Aviator. (Drat! I wish he were Navy!)

Response by CPL Richard Flagg made Jun 20 at 2015 7:17 PM

CPL Richard Flagg — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 19:17:20 -0400

I remember watching that show "Dogfights" on the History Channel; and they had an episode on Olds depicting his aerial leadership and skills in both WW2 and during the Vietnam War. Would so like that show to still be on the air; are there any more episodes than the 2 seasons they had on the History Channel?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 7:19 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 19:19:46 -0400

Neil Armstrong was a naval aviator, and obviously we all know him quite well for his later exploits. So he's right there. As for guys known for what they did in the wars, I'd go with Boyington.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 20 at 2015 8:36 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 20:36:19 -0400

I'm not sure that modern generations know how really prolific Jimmy Doolittle was. He was the first man to fly coast to coast across the United States. Between the wars, while either an employee or military rep to Sperry, I think it was, he as the first person EVER to take off and land with only instrument references. That was HUGE at the time, and paved the way to all weather flight operations, although not necessarily combat operations. Then, in his best know achievement, he was one of the only silver wing boys to ever take off from an aircraft carrier, and the only one to lead an Army strike from a flight deck, for which he was awarded the MOH. Later, but not much, Major General, then Lt. General Doolittle, commanded 3 US Army Air Forces, the 12th, the 15th, and, finally, the 8th.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 21 at 2015 2:45 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 14:45:54 -0400

While Robin Olds was a badass, he is not well known outside of fighter pilot circles. For me that discounts him as "iconic". For me, Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Pappy Boyington are "iconic." EVERYONE knows who they are, even non-military/non-aviation buffs. Some who are also pretty famous (but not quite iconic) would be guys like Claire Chennault, Butch O'Hara, Paul Tibbets, George Gay.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jun 27 at 2015 3:50 PM

SGT William Howell — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:50:24 -0400

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was one of the hardest drinking, hardest fighting, and hardest flying pilots that ever flew.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pappy_Boyington

Pappy Boyington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gregory "Pappy" Boyington (December 4, 1912– January 11, 1988) was a highly decorated American combat pilot who was a United States Marine Corps fighter ace during World War II. He received both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 29 at 2015 9:19 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:19:48 -0400

Chuck Yeager.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Sep 18 at 2015 6:07 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 18:07:59 -0400

I am biased. Being from South Dakota, I vote Joe Foss.

Response by SPC Terry Page made Apr 1 at 2021 1:52 PM

SPC Terry Page — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 13:52:20 -0400

Three I’d add are:
Brigadier General Chuck Yeager - AAF/USAF
Colonel John R. Boyd - USAF (Forty Second Boyd; The Mad Major; The Ghetto Colonel)
Colonel Paul Irvin "Pappy" Gunn – USN/AAF
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Yeager
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Boyd_(military_strategist)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gunn

Chuck_Yeager