Vandenberg, Hoyt Sanford (1899-1954), a United States air force officer. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1923, joining the Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant. In World War II Vandenberg flew 20 missions in the invasion of North Africa and was chief of staff of the 12th Air Force, 1942-43. In 1944 he commanded the Ninth Air Force in France. He was promoted to general (four-star) in 1947, and was chief of staff of the Air Force, 1948-53.