Eagle's Lair
Members Roster

March 31, 2008

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Long time friend of the North American Eagle™ Col. Joe Kittinger will receive the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Trophy for 2008 later this week. 

On April 3rd, Col. Joe will receive the Lifetime Achievement Trophy.  He is arguably the most important balloonist active since 1945. While participating in U.S. Air Force high-altitude balloon research programs in the 1960s, he parachuted from 102,800 feet. This world record for the highest parachute jump and longest free fall still stands today.

The National Air and Space Museum Trophy is awarded annually for outstanding achievements in the fields and history of aerospace science and technology. Established in 1985, the award recognizes outstanding achievement in scientific and technological endeavors relating to air and space technology and exploration.

Photo by Carolyn Russo/NASM, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

Col. Joe will now be included with previous winners such as Neil Armstrong, Senator John Glenn and former 56-0763 pilot Scott Crossfield.  Neil Armstrong is a close friend of Col Joe’s and was present when he received the John Young Award from Florida Historical Society a couple years ago.

Col. Joe was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1997 and past recipient of the Harmon Trophy in 1959.

More information about the National Air and Space Museum Trophy & a complete list of past winners is available here.

We invite you to add a comment, or remark, about our program or the site.

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