He flew four times, logging more than 688 hours in space. He left the Air Force as a colonel and joined the NASA astronaut class in 1979 as a mission specialist. After the war he continued his schooling, earning a Master of Science degree (aerospace engineering) in 1974 and a PhD (major: aerospace engineering, minor: laser physics) in 1978 from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He flew 144 combat missions in Vietnam, as well as serving as an instructor pilot and on staff positions, and has logged more than 5,200 hours of flight time. He attended pilot training and received his wings in 1966. Born in Philadelphia, he received a Bachelor of Science degree (aerospace engineering) from Pennsylvania State University in 1964. Guion Stewart “Guy” Bluford, Jr. (1942-) was the first black astronaut to fly in space. And while there are too many to name* them all, below is a list of fifty names, along with three short standout bios, of famous Airmen. They deserve to be recognized, not just for their fame, but for their service to this country. While much is lost over time, and some names have become nearly obscure, each in their own way made a contribution to the rank and file. And others became notable after.Įven though many were among the Army Air Force before the Air Force became its own branch on September 18, 1947, the Air Force’s notables strove to follow their current recruiting slogan, “Aim High.” Some began to distinguish themselves during their service. Written by Jenifer Chrisman on July 25, 2016.įrom astronauts to politicians, activists to actors, inventors to business leaders, they all had one thing in common…at one point or another in their lives they were United States Airmen.