The Daily Alaska empire., 1936-02-21
THE STORMY PETREL" PASSES BUT
 HIS ADVICE LIVES ON.

The sudden death of Brig Gen. William Mitchell in a New York hospital takes from the world of the outstanding aviation figures and through his air defense theories strong friend of Alaska General Mitchell convinced that Pacific Coast aerial de- fense should have one of its major components adequate air bases in Alaska. He believed sincerely next would be with powers from the west and steadfasty declared strong air forces in the Territory absolutely essential in defending only Alaska rich reserve but also the entire Pacific Coast Had he lived his influence undoubtedly would have been felt and in the plea for aerial bases the north. AS it is his suggestions and advice the matter likely will be put to good
 The stormy petre' of the the nickname attached to the General and if being fiery outspoken disciple of aviation the requirement. Mitchell fitted the cognomen He had absolute faith in the possi- bilities of flying He flying himself, and knew what he was talking about. During the World War Gen Mitchell commanded air forces and was the first American officer to fly the lines. He decorations galore for his ments Even with the primitive planes of those days Mitchell what fighting air craft could do and when he came back home after the Armistce, assistant chief of the air corps he began urge adequate air equipment. He made of the Navy chieftains and Admrals hostile by declaring he could sink the entire battle fleet with few well-equipped planes
 
 in first line of defense and it didn't sit well witt his superors the Army to suggest Uncle Sams fight. ing planes were out of date Most of them knew it but they didn't want subordinate to tell them SO The result was that Mitchell up for court mar tal for talking out of turn and forced to resign from the Army. He dropped more less from public life but continued his faith and his interest in aviation In 1884 when the air mail contracts were cancelled and the Army was put to carrying the mail, it was Billy Mitchell who rose from comparative obscurty to tell the world it was nothing short of to put the Army boys on the air mail routes He pointed out that they were not trained for it and the army equipment was not built for such service He praised the fighting Army brdmen for at heart he was still of them but he no uncertain terms about the general scheme.
 From that time on, Mitchell came back more and more into the public picture. bill is before the present session of Congress restore him to rank in the Army. President Roosevelt was personally fond of him, admiring his courage and his ability There was broad hint that the President was mulling over n his mind the possibility should the Generals rank be restored, of fitting him again into prominent place in aviation possibly chief of department of air. This rumor already had whipped up considerable controversy when the General went to rest" in a New York hospital
 Death makes the rest" permanent, but the sound advice he gave aviation and the he uttered in it's behalf will live and be of great value to those who come after. A courageous, colortul outspoken fighter and first rate flying lost in the pass ing of Billy" Mitchell Aviation may have many ex- ponents but it will never have a better friend