Carl Overstreet, 1st #U2 pilot to overfly Eastern Europe, buried @ArlingtonNatl.
1.usa.gov/1UECX6S
Born in Bedford County, Virginia, in 1929, Carl earned a civil engineering degree from @virginia_tech & joined @usairforce in December 1949.
During #KoreanWar, Carl flew the F-80 Shooting Star in Japan, & later crossed both the Pacific & Atlantic oceans in a single-seat aircraft.
1954 & 1955: Carl & his fellow pilots--including Don Maggert, William McMurray & Gary Powers—came in 2nd at @usairforce gunnery competition.
1954: Carl was approached by his wing commanding officer & asked if he wanted to participate in a secret mission. He eagerly accepted.
JAN 1956: After many tests & still not knowing his mission, Carl arrived at #Area51 Nevada Test & Training Range.
1.usa.gov/1gelwxe
Carl thought #Area51 was perfect setting for a cowboy, He trained to fly the #U2 high-altitude surveillance plane.
In addition to flying the 1st #U2 operational flight over Eastern Europe, Carl flew over the Soviet Union & Suez Canal.
1957: Carl’s CIA contract ended & he returned to the @usairforce. In October 1962, he took some of the 1st pictures of Castro’s Cuba.
1964: Carl retired from the @usairforce as a Captain & was awarded: Soldier's Medal, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, & 3 Air Medals.
Carl Overstreet died on October 28, 2015 at the age of 86.
1.usa.gov/1UECX6S
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