# Joseph Kittinger

> American military pilot (1928–2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q342862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q342862)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Kittinger)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joseph-kittinger

## Summary
Joseph Kittinger was an American military pilot (1928–2022) known for his record-breaking high-altitude balloon flight and military service, including combat in the Vietnam War. He earned prestigious awards such as the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Distinguished Flying Cross for his daring feats and leadership.

## Biography
- Born: July 27, 1928
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Florida (Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, 1950)
- Known for: Setting the world record for the highest parachute jump (102,800 feet) and serving as a fighter pilot and balloonist in the U.S. military
- Employer(s): U.S. Air Force
- Field(s): Military aviation, aerospace engineering

## Contributions
- Set the world record for the highest parachute jump (102,800 feet) in 1960, demonstrating human survival at extreme altitudes.
- Served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, earning multiple military decorations.
- Received the Harmon Trophy in 1961 for his record-breaking flight.
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1962.
- Awarded the Michael Collins Trophy in 1985 for his contributions to aviation.

## FAQs
**What was Joseph Kittinger's most famous achievement?**
Kittinger set the world record for the highest parachute jump in 1960, ascending to 102,800 feet and safely descending via parachute. This feat demonstrated human survival at extreme altitudes and earned him the Harmon Trophy.

**Which military awards did Joseph Kittinger receive?**
He earned the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, among others.

**Where did Joseph Kittinger serve in the military?**
He served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War and later as a balloonist, conducting high-altitude experiments.

**What is Joseph Kittinger's connection to the Vietnam War?**
He served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War and received the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal for his service.

**How did Joseph Kittinger contribute to aviation history?**
He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and awarded the Michael Collins Trophy for his pioneering work in high-altitude flight and parachute technology.

## Why They Matter
Joseph Kittinger's record-breaking parachute jump in 1960 revolutionized aerospace engineering and military preparedness. His feat validated human survival at extreme altitudes, influencing parachute design and high-altitude research. As a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, he demonstrated courage under combat conditions, earning multiple decorations. His work remains a benchmark for extreme-environment survival and military aviation.

## Notable For
- World record holder for the highest parachute jump (102,800 feet, 1960).
- Harmon Trophy winner (1961) for his record-breaking flight.
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962).
- Recipient of the Michael Collins Trophy (1985) for aviation contributions.
- Served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, earning the Silver Star and Legion of Merit.
- Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal for military service.
- Received the Gallantry Cross and Vietnam Campaign Medal for combat achievements.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Joseph William Kittinger Jr. was born on July 27, 1928. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Florida in 1950.

### Military Career
Kittinger served in the U.S. Air Force, specializing as a fighter pilot. He later transitioned to ballooning, conducting high-altitude experiments.

### Record-Breaking Flight
In 1960, Kittinger ascended to 102,800 feet in a helium balloon, setting the world record for the highest parachute jump. His successful descent validated human survival at extreme altitudes and earned him the Harmon Trophy.

### Vietnam War Service
During the Vietnam War, Kittinger served as a fighter pilot, earning the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and other military decorations. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

### Aviation Recognition
Kittinger was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1962 and awarded the Michael Collins Trophy in 1985 for his contributions to aviation.

### Later Life and Legacy
Kittinger passed away on December 9, 2022. His record-breaking jump and military service remain influential in aerospace and military history.

## References

1. [Joseph Kittinger, a Record-Setter High in the Skies, Dies at 94. 2022](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/us/joseph-kittinger-dead.html)
2. [Joseph Kittinger Obituary - Altamonte Springs, FL. Dignity Memorial](https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/altamonte-springs-fl/joseph-kittinger-11070429)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [History of Bolles - The Bolles School](https://www.bolles.org/about-us/bulldogproud/history-of-bolles)
6. [Joltin' Joe Kittinger. 2012](https://unfspinnaker.com/19252/sports/joltin-joe-kittinger/)
7. [Veteran Tributes](http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=93)
8. [Source](http://joekittinger.com/recordsawards.html)
9. [Source](http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=93)
10. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1960/07/03/archives/2-air-force-pilots-win-harmon-prizes.html)
11. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/joseph-w-nkittinger/)
12. [Kittinger Inducted Into Space Hall of Fame. Florida Today. 1989](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29990259/florida_today/)
13. [Joseph “Joe” William Kittinger, Jr. | National Aviation Hall of Fame](https://nationalaviation.org/enshrinee/jr-joseph-joe-william-kittinger/)
14. [Source](https://airandspace.si.edu/michael-collins-trophy)
15. [Joseph Kittinger, who set longtime parachute record, dies. 2022](https://apnews.com/article/florida-us-air-force-john-mica-11aee045f4b5d354d3435a3c800d3006)
16. [Joseph Kittinger: highest skydiver for 52 years dies aged 94en](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/10/joseph-kittinger-highest-skydiver-for-52-years-dies-aged-94)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [Kittinger](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/kittinger/)
19. [Joseph Kittinger - Recipient](https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24461)
20. Quora