Dale Snodgrass facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dale Snodgrass
Nickname(s)	"Snort"
Born	(1949-05-13)May 13, 1949 Long Island, New York, US
Died	July 24, 2021(2021-07-24) (aged 72) Lewiston, Idaho, US
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1973–1999
Rank	Captain
Commands held	Fighter Squadron 33 Fighter Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Battles/wars	Gulf War
Awards	Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal (2) Air Medal (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3) Others (see below)
Spouse(s)	Cynthia West
Children	2

Dale Snodgrass (May 13, 1949 – July 24, 2021) was a famous United States Navy pilot. Many people, including the Spokane Spokesman-Review, thought he was one of the greatest fighter pilots ever.

Snodgrass was known as "The Real Top Gun" or "Maverick." This was a nod to the character played by Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun. He flew the F-14 Tomcat jet more than anyone else. He spent over 4,800 hours flying it and made more than 1,200 landings on aircraft carriers.

Becoming a Pilot

Dale Snodgrass was born on Long Island, New York. His father was also a pilot, flying for the Marines in World War II. He later became a Grumman test pilot, trying out new aircraft.

Dale grew up with his three sisters. After high school, he went to the University of Minnesota. He studied biology and was also a great swimmer. He graduated in 1972.

Navy Flying Career

Snodgrass finished flight school in 1974. He was the first student chosen to fly the F-14 Tomcat right after flight school. His Navy nickname was "Snort."

In 1978, he went to the famous United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known as "TOPGUN." This is where the best Navy fighter pilots learn advanced flying skills. Later, he even became a TOPGUN instructor.

In 1985, the U.S. Navy named Snodgrass "Fighter Pilot of the Year." The next year, he helped with some of the flying in the movie Top Gun. Because he was the best F-14 pilot in 1986, Grumman Aerospace gave him the "Topcat of the Year" award. He then became a demonstration pilot, showing off planes for 10 years.

Famous Flybys

Snodgrass' famous "banana pass" over the USS America in 1988

Snodgrass was famous for flying very low and fast. In 1988, he did a special low-level "banana pass" or "knife-edge pass." This was during an air show for families on the USS America aircraft carrier.

A Navy photographer took a picture of this amazing pass. It shows Snodgrass' F-14 wings standing straight up, looking very close to the ship. This photo is now one of the most famous aviation pictures ever.

Leading Missions

During Operation Desert Storm, Snodgrass led Fighter Squadron 33. He flew 34 missions, leading other planes into battle. For his bravery and leadership, he received awards like the Bronze Star.

In September 1994, he became the commander of all U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcats for the Atlantic Fleet. He flew the Tomcat more than any other pilot, with over 4,800 hours in the F-14. He also had over 1,200 successful landings on aircraft carriers. He was the first Tomcat pilot to land on a carrier at night and during the day without prior fleet experience.

After the Navy

Snodgrass in his Korean War-era F-86 Sabre, 2004

Snodgrass retired from the Navy in June 1999 after 26 years of service.

After retiring, Snodgrass continued to fly in airshows. He performed in over 850 airshows during 20 years. He flew F-14 demos for 14 years. He also learned to fly many other old war planes. These included the F-86 Sabre, P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, T-6 Texan, MiG-17, MiG-21, A-4 Skyhawk, and F-5 Tiger. He was one of only ten pilots chosen for the USAF Heritage Flight team.

Snodgrass also worked as Chief Pilot for Draken International. He taught people how to fly in formation and do amazing aerobatic tricks. He also helped corporate pilots learn how to recover from dangerous situations in the air.

Personal Life and Legacy

Dale Snodgrass lived in St. Augustine, Florida. He was married to Cynthia. He had two daughters and four granddaughters from a previous marriage.

On July 24, 2021, Snodgrass died in a plane crash. His SIAI-Marchetti SM.1019 crashed while taking off in Lewiston, Idaho. He was the only person in the plane. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the crash likely happened because the pilot did not remove the flight control lock. This lock keeps the plane's controls steady when it's parked.

In June 2022, the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida honored Snodgrass. They dedicated a special display and exhibit to him.

Awards and Decorations

During his time in the military, Dale Snodgrass received many awards. These included the Bronze Star for his leadership and bravery.