Edward Feightner

Rear Adm. Edward L. Feightner, a Navy air ace of World War II who shot down nine Japanese planes while flying propeller-driven fighters, then played a prominent role in the testing and development of postwar Navy jets. He became the head of the Navy's fighter design program and was twice awarded the Legion of Merit for his testing and administrative activities. He received four Distinguished Flying Crosses for his combat exploits. In the early 1950s, Admiral Feightner was a member of the Navy's Blue Angels, whose close-formation flying and acrobatics thrilled crowds at air shows.