Albert Hickman (pilot)
Encyclopedia
Ensign
Albert Joe Hickman was a pilot at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California
, USA.
On Friday, December 4, 1959 he was flying a F3H Demon
that suddenly stalled. He could have ejected and saved his life. However, below him was a school with hundreds of children. He then chose to stay in the cockpit and navigate the aircraft away from the school. Thereby he potentially saved hundreds of children's lives. However, after he had navigated the aircraft away from the school he was too close to ground to be able to eject. He died in the crash.
Ensign
An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...
Albert Joe Hickman was a pilot at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, USA.
On Friday, December 4, 1959 he was flying a F3H Demon
F3H Demon
The McDonnell F3H Demon was a subsonic swept-wing United States Navy carrier-based jet fighter aircraft. After severe problems with Westinghouse J40 engine that was ultimately abandoned, the successor to the McDonnell F2H Banshee served starting in 1956 redesigned with the J71 engine...
that suddenly stalled. He could have ejected and saved his life. However, below him was a school with hundreds of children. He then chose to stay in the cockpit and navigate the aircraft away from the school. Thereby he potentially saved hundreds of children's lives. However, after he had navigated the aircraft away from the school he was too close to ground to be able to eject. He died in the crash.
Recognitions
- American Legion Post, #460 in the Department of CaliforniaDepartment of CaliforniaThe Department of California was one of two Army Departments created September 13, 1858, replacing the original Department of the Pacific and was composed of the territory of the United States lying west of the Rocky Mountains and south of Oregon and Washington territories, except the Rogue River...
is dedicated to his honor. - Hickman Elementary School in Mira Mesa, California is named in his honor.
- Navy and Marine Corps MedalNavy and Marine Corps MedalThe Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal awarded by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps...
(posthumous)