Mitchell, John W., 1915-1995

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Usage: 1915 - 1995

Biographical Note

John William Mitchell (June 14, 1915 – November 15, 1995) was an officer of the United States Air Force, a flying ace, and the leader of Operation Vengeance, the mission to shoot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. He served in World War II and the Korean War.

John W. Mitchell was born on June 14, 1915 in Mississippi to Noah Boothe and Lillian Dickinson Mitchell. In 1934 he graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Economics. On April 9, 1934, Mitchell enlisted in the United States Army and after completing basic trainingentered training in the Aviation Cadet Program on November 10, 1939, receiving his commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps and his pilot wings on July 26, 1940.

During World War II, Mitchell served as pilot with the 55th Fighter Squadron, 70th Pursuit Squadron, and 70th Fighter Squadron. He attained ace status with 11 confirmed aerial victories during World War II. In April 1943, while stationed in Guadacanal, Mitchell was made the leader of Operation Vengeance, the American military operation to kill Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Mitchell married Anne Lee Miller (-2008) in 1939/1940 (dates uncertain). Mitchell died on November 15, 1995 in San Anselmo, California

Source:

Collection materials and various online resources.

Citation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_W._Mitchell_(United_States_Air_Force)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

John W. Mitchell Fighter Ace Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2002-02-13-384

Content s of the Collection The collection relates to the military career of United States Army Air Force fighter pilot and ace John W. Mitchell, who served during World War II and the Korean War. Materials pertain largely to World War II, although there are some post-war items as well. It includes photographs and a photograph album with images depicting assorted military personnel, including Mitchell; activities, including reunions; and aircraft, including the P-38, P-59, and F-86. Other images depict post-war scenes...

Dates: 1941-1995

Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives

Archives at The Museum of Flight