Robert Michael White
USARobert Michael White
Early Life and Military ServiceRobert Michael White was born in New York City on July 6, 1924. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in November 1942 and became a second lieutenant in February 1944. During World War II, White served with the 355th Fighter Group in Europe, flying P-51 Mustangs from July 1944 to February 1945. He was shot down over Germany during his 52nd combat mission, captured, and held as a prisoner of war until April 1945.
After release, White resumed his military service, retiring to the Air Force Reserve in December 1945. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from New York University in 1951 and his Master of Business Administration from George Washington University in 1966.
Test Pilot
White returned to active duty during the Korean War in May 1951. After assignments with the 514th Air Defense Wing and the 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, he worked as a systems engineer at the Rome Air Development Center in August 1953.
In 1958, White was chosen as the primary test pilot for the X-15 experimental aircraft. He made his first flight on April 15, 1960, and reached an altitude of 136,000 feet four months later. Though briefly a candidate for the Man In Space Soonest program, White became the first pilot to exceed Mach 6 in February 1961. He continued to break the speed record, culminating in a flight at Mach 6.3 on November 9th. President Kennedy honored White and three other X-15 pilots with the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy.
On July 17, 1962, Major White became the first pilot to fly an X-15 above 50 miles, qualifying his flight as a suborbital spaceflight by Air Force standards.
Later Career
After his X-15 achievements, White served as a flight commander in Germany in October 1963, attended the Air War College in the United States in 1965, and oversaw the F-111 testing program in 1966-67.
During the Vietnam War, Colonel White became Deputy Commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing in May 1967. He flew 70 combat missions over North Vietnam, including the daring Hanoi Bridge strike on August 11, which earned him the Air Force Cross. He led air campaigns in South Vietnam before returning to the U.S. in June 1968.
White continued his distinguished career, testing the F-15 fighter and becoming the commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB in 1970. He held numerous leadership positions within the Air Force, including Chief of Staff of the Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force in March 1975 and his promotion to Major General on February 12, 1975.
Retirement and Legacy
White retired from the Air Force on February 1, 1981, after a brilliant and impactful career. His contributions to aeronautics and military aviation left a lasting legacy. His exceptional leadership, test flying skills, and commitment to innovation continue to inspire generations of aviators and aerospace engineers.
