Another Legend Gone West; Col. Joe Kittinger

[Dan McEntee]

   Just saw on my phone that Col. Joe Kittinger has passed away at the age of 94. Joe definitely fit the term "Bad Ass!"  Google him and read about his exploits and accomplishments. He is mainly known for holding the record for free fall parachute jump of over 19 miles above the earth, that stood until Felix Baumgartner broke the record in 2012 with Kittinger acting as his advisor and crew chief. Joe made three jumps over a 10 month period as part of a research project seeking data on ejection from aircraft at high altitude and speed. The first jump had some problems that cause him to lose consciousness, and he had to rely on his auto-chute function to save him. But his lore as a genuine Bad Ass was cemented when he went right back up for another jump a month later!! I know I remember seeing a movie on TV about this as a kid but can not think of a title. He set the record on the third and final jump.
   If that wasn't enough, he stayed in the Air Force and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam, and getting shot down, captured and held prisoner in Hanoi for 11 months. They just don't make men like this any more!!
   Stand Down and Rest in Peace Col. Kittinger,
    Dan McEntee

[Richard Fleming]

He was a legend down here in Florida. Years back at a Fun N Sun airshow, my son Landon (his first flight) and I caught a ride in a New Standard biplane. Mr. Kittinger was the pilot, it was so cool.

[Joe Gilbert]

I have been very fortunate to be astound Joe several times at the biplane fly-in and hear at Riverside airport he was a class act from the git go. Great guy ,good stick and a tru hero of America. Fair winds Joe Kittinger!

Joe Gilbert

[kenneth cook]

             He broke the speed of sound without a aircraft. The brutal rocket sled tests he endured were amazing. It's quite amazing he lived through that.

[dale gleason]

USAF Col. Stapp rocket on tracks around 1954?

dg