In recognition of his outstanding pioneer service and foresight in the field of the American military aviation, the President of the United States awarded posthumously in the name of Congress, A Medal of Honor to the late William Mitchell, formerly a colonel, United States Army. Twice during his military career he held the rank of temporary brigadier general and on July 18, 1947 a special bill of Congress promoted him to major general, retroactive to the date of his death. General Mitchell died Feb. 19, 1936.