LTC Robert Willis, USA
Class of 1908
He was the 1st graduate to serve in what later became the USAF and flew the 1st combat recon missions ever flown (over Mexico in 1916). He was handpicked by Gen Jack Pershing to be the 1st officer to lead the newly formed branch of service named the Army Air Service (later, a position known as USAF Chief of Staff) but was killed while serving on the front lines in WW1 just before leaving for his new assignment.