U.S. Department of Defense
09/20/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/21/2024 18:13
Flights, Jumps and Records: A Life to Remember
On a beautiful late summer day, Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger Jr. was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, surrounded by family and friends.
Honors Rendered
Airmen from the Air Force Honor Guard and the Air Force Ceremonial Brass conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger, Jr. in Section 36 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 9, 2024.
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Military Escort
Airmen from the Air Force Honor Guard and the Air Force Ceremonial Brass conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger, Jr. in Section 36 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 9, 2024.
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The Air Force Honor Guard and Ceremonial Brass held military funeral honors with funeral escort for Kittinger. As the honor guard carried his urn to Section 36A, a lone airman held a POW/MIA flag high, honoring Kittinger's 11 months in a North Vietnamese prison camp.
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Kittinger enlisted in the Air Force in 1949. During his 29-year career, he participated in several pre-space race projects, even setting a record for highest parachute jump in 1960, and was part of hundreds of Vietnam War flight missions.
Highest Step
A profile photo of Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger prior to the famous "Highest Step in the World."
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Giant Leap
An automatic camera captured Capt. (later Col.) Joseph Kittinger just as he stepped from the balloon-supported Excelsior Gondola on Aug. 16, 1960, at an altitude of 102,800 feet.
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Kittinger retired from the Air Force in 1982. Six years later, he became the first person to complete a solo balloon flight across the Atlantic.
During his exemplary military career, Kittinger received the Silver Star Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal among other decorations.
Flag Folding
Airmen conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger, Jr. in Section 36 of Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Sept. 9, 2024.
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Flag Presentation
Airmen conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Air Force Col. Joseph Kittinger Jr. in Section 36 of Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Sept. 9, 2024.
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Airmen presented the American flag to his wife, Sherry Kittinger, during the service.
Spotlight:National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Experience:These Heroes Are Not Forgotten
Spotlight:Until They Are Home