Air Power Advocate – Father of the U.S. Air Force – The Billy Mitchell Story – Part 4

By Marty Maisel

USAF


The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell

The court-martial procedures began in Washington on October 28, 1925. Twelve generals (two were later dismissed) and a colonel were appointed to sit in judgment, comprising the highest-ranking court ever convened to try an officer. None of them was a flier. Mitchell’s friend, General Douglas MacArthur, was a member of the Court-Martial Board.

Mitchell’s chief counsel Illinois Congressman Frank R. Reid called many war heroes and celebrities to testify on behalf of Billy Mitchell. His supporters included Major Hap Arnold, Admiral Richard Byrd, Eddie Rickenbacker, Congressman La Guardia and Margaret Ross Landsdowne, widow of LCDR Landsdowne.

The court-martial dragged on for seven weeks. When it was over, the board deliberated for about half an hour and rendered its verdict – GUILTY.

Billy Mitchell (standing) during his 1925 courtmartial.
Chief Counsel Frank Reid is seated to his
right. (U.S. Army photo is in the public domain)


The sentence was suspension from rank, command and duty with forfeiture of pay and allowances for five years.

Mitchell resigned effective February 1, 1926 and immediately embarked on a coast-to-coast lecture tour showing films of the ship bombings and continually expressing the need for military preparedness in the air. He called attention to the rapid strides being made in aviation in Europe and Asia and warned of Japanese plans to seize Hawaii, the Philippines and Alaska. His sweeping charges appeared in major American magazines and aviation journals but eventually
the public’s interest in Mitchell waned and his influence diminished.

Mitchell speaking tour advertisement (Wisconsin
Aviation Hall of Fame)


William “Billy” Mitchell died on February 19, 1936 of complications of influenza. He was fifty-six years old.

Perhaps the most significant contribution of Billy Mitchell was simply his steadfast and outspoken advocacy of the development of strong, capable and safe military aviation assets – at a time that his commanders clearly did not share, nor welcome, his ideas.

By the mid-1930s U.S. Military leadership recognized the importance of air power and began to acquire advanced fighters and bombers that would help the Allies win the Second World War.