 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2008) |
Benjamin W. Chidlaw | |
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| Born | December 18, 1900 Cleves, Ohio |
| Died | February 21, 1977 (aged 76) Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Service (1922–26) United States Army Air Corps (1926–42) United States Army Air Force (1942–47) United States Air Force (1947–55) |
| Years of service | 1922–1955 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Continental Air Defense Command Air Defense Command Air Materiel Command Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force XXII Tactical Air Command |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Air Medal[1] |
General Benjamin Wiley Chidlaw (December 18, 1900[2] – February 21, 1977) was an officer in the United States Air Force.[3] He directed the development of the United States' original jet engine and jet aircraft. He joined the United States Army Air Service, at the time a precursor to the United States Air Force (USAF), in 1922 and for several years served in training and engineering positions. By 1940 he was chief of the Experimental Engineering Branch and involved with the development of jet engines. During World War II he was deputy commander of 12th Tactical Air Command and later organised the establishment of the 22nd Tactical Air Command in the European Theater of Operations. After the war he remained in senior command positions and finished his career with the USAF in 1955 as commander in chief of the Continental Air Defense Command with the rank of general. He died in 1977 at the age of 76.
- ^ "Air Medal Decoration". U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. Army Air Forces. May 21, 1945. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Fogerty, Robert P. (1953). "Biographical Data on Air Force General Officers, 1917-1952, Volume 1 – A thru L" (PDF). Air Force Historical Research Agency. pp. 358–360. USAF historical studies: no. 91. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ "Biography of Benjamin W. Chidlaw". Air Force Historical Research Agency. October 31, 1951. Retrieved October 20, 2021.