Used as a target ship for bombing attacks near Cape Henry, Va., the Ostfriesland was sunk by bombs July 21, 1921. Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, an outspoken supporter of air power, waged a war throughout his career against his superiors who believed that the airplane was better suited for observation. As head of aviation in the Army Signal Corps during World War I, Mitchell felt otherwise--he knew the power of aviation for the military. Finally, in 1921, he persuaded the Army and the Navy to allow him to demonstrate the capabilities of the airplane by attempting to sink captured German warships. (U.S. Air Force photo)
