iversity. He dropped out of George Washington University at age 18, to enlist in the 1st Wisconsin Infantry for service in the Spanish-American war (Burlingame 30).Mitchell could have led a life of wealth and luxury, but instead he chose his own path and wanted to make a name for himself. He entered the army as a junior lieutenant and received a field commission to the Signals Corps in 1898; to which his father had influenced. He was an exceptional junior officer by showing his leadership and courage. After he was commissioned to the Signal Corps, he was transported to Cuba, the Philippines, and Alaska. During this time, Billy Mitchell demonstrated his awesome leadership and organizing skills. With a $5,000 budget to build a telegraph across Alaska, Mitchell convinced the government to spend $50,000. He became the youngest Captain at the age of 23 (Hurley 16).After service in the Mexican War, he was attached to the 1912 General staff. He was their youngest member, and in 1915 was assigned Deputy Chief to the aviation section of the Signal Corps, with the rank of Major. During this time Billy Mitchells interest in aviation grew, he saw the potential an air force could have. He learned how to fly in four days at the Curtiss Flying School. Many people thought that Mitchell was not cut out to be a regular army flyer because he had no military training. However, Lt. Lester J. Maitland stated that not only could he fly anything with wings, but fly it well (Hurley 33). In 1917, Billy Mitchell traveled to France as a military observer. The month after he arrived in France, the U.S. declared war on Germany. This prompted Mitchell to establish himself as U.S. aviation officer in France. He was then promoted to Lt. Colonel in May and the Colonel in August. Billy Mitchell was fluent in French, unlike most of the other officers. This advantage gave him the chance to see how air power could win the war. He had begun corresponding with commander Trenc...
