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Edgar Allen “Pete” Goff, Jr. (December 12, 1896 – February 11, 1989) was an Air Force colonel and jet fighter pilot.[1] He was a member of the Early Birds of Aviation, an organization made up of pilots who flew before December 17, 1916. In service, Pete spent 13 years on active duty and 36 additional years as a reserve officer.

He was born on December 12, 1896 to Edgar Allen Goff, Sr. in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Pete built and flew his first glider in January, 1912 when he was in high school in Battle Creek, Michigan. With the Air Force, he progressed to a fully qualified jet fighter pilot, instrument card rated. He also received a license as a helicopter pilot.

He made his first recorded flight in June, 1915.

He joined the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps in January, 1917, and after receiving his ground and primary flight training, he took advanced training at Kelly Field and was commissioned a Second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps in May, 1919.

For several years Pete operated a sales, service, school and taxi business at Battle Creek, and was employed by Stinson and Verville Aircraft Company. He also flew for a few months as air mail pilot. From 1937 to 1942 he was employed by the Bureau of Air Commerce at Pittsburgh, leaving his position as Senior Aeronautical Inspector to return to active duty in the Air Force. He had a total of over 11,000 hours of civilian flying and 6,000 hours of recorded military flight.

On January 14, 1957 Pete’s fellow officers and many of his Early Bird friends honored him at a cocktail hour and dinner at the Officer’s Club at Wright-Patterson AFB where Pete was stationed. Guest speaker was Brigadier General Leslie Mulzer, and Pete’s flying career from pushers to jets was recalled in fond tribute to a man who has contributed greatly to the development of aviation.

After retirement, he was active with the Link Aviation of Binghamton, New York.

He retired from active military service on January 31, 1957.

He died on February 11, 1989 in Edgewater, Maryland of respiratory failure.[2]

“Edgar Allen “Pete” Goff, Jr.”. Early Aviators. Retrieved 2011-05-31. “Lt. Co. Edgar A. Goff, Jr., who made his first recorded flight in June, 1915 and who has flown continuously ever since, progressing from pushers to jets, retired from active military service on January 31, 1957. “Pete”, as he is known to his many friends, was the last member of the Early Birds still on active duty with the Air Force at the time of his retirement. Although he has retired from Uncles Sam’s forces, he will maintain his active interest in aviation. …”

“Edgar A. Goff, Jr.”. Washington Post. February 15, 1989. “Edgar A. Goff, Jr., 92 a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who also had owned and operated an advertising agency in Washington died of respiratory failure .”