Joseph F. Cotton

Joseph Frederick Cotton (January 21, 1922 – May 5, 2016) was an American military test pilot.

Early life Cotton was born in Rushville, Indiana, on January 21, 1922, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Cotton. Cotton was a graduate of Manilla High School where he was a member of the basketball team and a 4H club member. He lived in Rush County and helped his father with work on the family farm until he reached the age of 20. to become a flight instructor.

He later attended the Empire Test Pilot School, and eventually was the chief test pilot for the Air Force. He was head of the B-58 Hustler and XB-70 test programs, and was flying in the ill-fated formation flight that resulted in the loss of XB-70 A/V2 on June 8, 1966.

Awards and decorations

U.S. Air Force Command Pilot BadgePersonal decorationsLegion of MeritAir Medal - for his actions during an emergency with the XB-70 when he extended the jammed nose gear by use of a legal-style paper clip.Air Force Commendation MedalAmerican Campaign MedalEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal World War II Victory MedalNational Defense Service Medal with starAir Force Longevity Service Ribbon

Other achievements

Post-military career Cotton was hired as an engineering flight test pilot for United after his military retirement. In total, he flew more than 16,000 flight hours in 80 different military bombers, fighters, transports, and civilian aircraft.

Cotton died on May 5, 2016, survived by his wife Rema, and three children.