Jason Korman and Brig. Gen. John Teichert, USAF (Ret.)
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Ironically, his conviction grounded him on the 22nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight.
Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American. In his mind, airpower would be “the determining factor in international competitions, both military and civilian.” Thus, he knew that its promotion was vital to national security.
In preparing to publish “Mitchell’s Winged Defense: The Development and Possibilities of Modern Air Power, Economic and Military,” his publishers recommended that he back off from his more flamboyant claims and radical concepts. They feared it would hurt his book sales. Mitchell didn’t care, saying he wanted his writings to be read and relevant “a hundred years hence.” They are!
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