Kenneth O. Chilstrom

Kenneth O. "K.O." Chilstrom (born April 20, 1921) is a retired United States Air Force officer, combat veteran, test pilot, and author. He was the first USAF pilot to fly the XP-86 Sabre, chief of fighter test at Wright Field, commandant of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, and program manager for the XF-108 Rapier.

Kenneth O. Chilstrom
Colonel Ken Chilstrom in 1961
NicknameK.O.
Born (1921-04-20) April 20, 1921 (age 103)
Zumbrota, Minnesota
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branchSeal of the United States Department of the Air Force.svg United States Air Force
Years of service1939–1964 (25 years)
RankUS-O6 insignia.svg Colonel
Commands heldChief of Fighter Test, 1946–48
USAF Test Pilot School, 1949–50
F-108 Program Manager, 1958–59
Battles/warsWorld War II
Cold War
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Other workAerospace Industry
Author

Chilstrom was a pilot in the first jet air race and delivered the first air mail by jet. He flew over eighty combat missions in the Italian Campaign of World War II.[1]

Kenneth O. Chilstrom Media

References

  1. "Kenneth O. Chilstrom". P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association. Yulee, Florida: Logic Mountain LLC. Retrieved December 31, 2009.