This distinguished war hero, airline pilot, role model and veteran of 44 years of military service is a native of Pennsylvania. His aviation career began at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Alabama. He flew wartime bombing missions against Japan. He participated in the last World War II mission as a B-29 aircraft commander. Following the end of hostilities, he became a heavy bomber test pilot. After being refused overseas duty as a reserve officer during the war in Viet Nam he resigned from the U.S.A.F. and joined the U.S. Army to qualify for combat duty as an army aviator. He instructed in helicopters at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Michael Novosel served two combat tours in Viet Nam as a medical evacuation pilot. He personally rescued more than 5500 wounded soldiers. At age 49, he earned America's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor.