Just read about Joe Kittner at centenialofflight.gov. Stumbled on the site reading about the Red Bull Stratos challenge. Joe Kittner is fearless and heroic. A living challenge to all to do more and to do better in all that they do in life.

Claim to Fame: Jumping out of a hot air balloon at 102,000 ft

A little summary:

Born July 27, 1928

Solo flight in a piper cub at the age of 17

Joined Airforce in 1949 as a test pilot

1960 in his Man-High II balloon Joe floated to 102,800 feet. Jumped out and reached speeds of 614 mph. Read more about the details here.

Kittinger volunteered for three combat tours in Vietnam, flying 483 missions. On May 11, 1972, he was shot down and spent 11 months in captivity as a prisoner of war

In November 1983, he established a new world record by flying a 1,000 cubic-meter (1,308-cubic-yard) helium balloon from Las Vegas, Nevada, to New York, covering 2,001 miles (3,220 kilometers) in 72 hours.

He has piloted 78 different types of aircraft over the years and received numerous military and civilian awards and decorations