CCT History 24 June 1961

TSgt. James A. Howell performed the first live supersonic ejection seat test on 24 June 1961. Two years later, he was the primary jumpmaster establishing the upper limits of special operations free-fall parachuting. He led a team of Air Force and Army special operators, exiting the aircraft at 43,000 feet Combat Controllers were instrumental in the development of parachuting tactics, techniques, procedures (TTP) and equipment. Pictured here with his son Billy Howell.