Joe Kittinger

Joseph William Kittinger, Jr. moved to Orlando when he was a young child. 

His aviation career began with his acceptance into the United States Air Force in 1949.  He holds several world records including the Highest Parachute Jump (102,800 feet), the Longest Parachute Freefall (4 minutes and 36 seconds), and was the first man to ever exceed the speed of sound without an aircraft or space veihicle (714 mph during freefall). 

Kittinger served in Viet Nam, where he was a prisoner of war in the "Hanoi Hilton" for 11 months.  He retired from the Air Force in 1978, and began ballooning around the country.  What started out as a hobby became a way of life for Kittinger as he began entering ballooning competitions.   

In September 1984, Kittinger launched from Caribou, Maine, in a 3,000 cubic meter balloon and landed 86 hours later near Montenotte, Italy.  Having covered 3,543 miles, he established a new world record and became the first, and only, person to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a balloon solo. 

Kittinger's many accomplishments in aeronautics include the Harmon International Trophy, Two Montgolfier Diplomas, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and two Oak Leaf Clusters.  In 1997, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

In addition to his long list of awards, the 2nd Annual John Young History Maker Award was bestowed on Kittinger during a celebration at the Orange County Regional History Center on May 25, 2006.  

On May 23, 2006, Mayor Richard Crotty and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners recognized Kittinger for his achievements, leadership, and commitment and extended to him the highest regards of the citizens of this community and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.