Caleb V. Haynes
Caleb Vance Haynes (March 15, 1895 – April 5, 1966) was a United States Air Force (USAF) major general. The grandson of Chang Bunker, a famous Siamese Twin, he served in the Air Force as an organizer, able to create air units from scratch. He commanded a large number of groups, squadrons and task forces before, during and after World War II.
Caleb V. Haynes | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Caleb Vance Haynes |
| Born | March 15, 1895 Dobson, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | April 5, 1966 (aged 71) Carmel, California, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army Air Service United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1917–1953 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | 116th Observation Squadron, 41st Division Aviation 37th Pursuit Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Mackay Trophy Order of the Merit of Chile Distinguished Service Medal Air Medal (2) Commendation Medal Silver Star (2) |
In the 1930s, Haynes, a rated command pilot, led experimental long-range over-water interception flights that were key to the development of U.S. air defense doctrine. Haynes demonstrated by piloting one of the bombers that intercepted the Italian liner SS Rex that enemy ships could be located and sunk by American aircraft. As well, Haynes helped promote air power by flying long range missions to various countries in South America.
Described as "a big, hulking mountaineer", Haynes was a "pilot's pilot", the kind of air officer who led from the front. Fighting in China in 1942, Haynes commanded a small force of bombers under Claire Chennault, and was known for his expert flying ability and his daring. Chennault said that "Haynes looked like a gorilla and flew like an angel."