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Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

Dear Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame Elector,

Thank you for your interest in the election of the 2019 Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF) enshrinees. You are receiving this ballot because you are a member of the Air Zoo and/or: have been enshrined in the MAHOF, have been selected by the MAHOF Advisory Panel as an appointed elector, or are a member of the MAHOF Advisory Panel.

The next enshrinement ceremony will take place at the Air Zoo’s Science Innovation Hall of Fame Awards Gala on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Please read the following very carefully before you cast your votes:

Candidates are divided into two groups. Group I candidates are deceased. Group II candidates are living. To help you cast your votes, brief biographies of the nominees in each group follow the lists of names.

Once your decisions are made, please cast your votes for the MAHOF enshrinees by following the submission instructions at the bottom of the ballot on the next page.

Because the number of First-, Second-, and Third-place votes is often needed to break ties in ballot counting, it is critical that you vote for three candidates in each group. Ballots without three votes per group will not be counted.

For questions, contact the Hall of Fame Advisory Panel via email at [email protected].

Ballots must be received by January 26, 2019.

Thank you very much for your participation in this process! Through the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, you help preserve this state’s rich aviation and space history.

Sincerely,

Troy A. Thrash President & CEO Air Zoo Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

2019 Official Ballot – Due January 26, 2019 (Enshrinement ceremony to take place Saturday, April 13, 2019)

Air Zoo Member Name: ______(Required)

Air Zoo Member Email: ______(Required)

Air Zoo Membership #: ______(Required, found on membership card)

Nominee names and biographies are located on the pages following this ballot. Please review them and make your selections below.

Because the number of First-, Second-, and Third-place votes is often needed to break ties in ballot counting, it is critical that you vote for three candidates in each group. Ballots without three votes per group will not be counted.

Group I (Deceased Candidates)

1.______

2.______

3.______

Group II (Living Candidates)

1.______

2.______

3.______

To submit your ballot, save a copy to your computer and complete your ballot with three names per candidate group. Save again and attach your completed ballot to an email to [email protected]. Printed ballots (just the ballot page need be returned) can be dropped off at or mailed to: Air Zoo, ATTN: Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 by January 26, 2019. Only one ballot per elector per enshrinement year will be tabulated. Any questions please contact Nate Melvin, Air Zoo director of engagement, at 269.350.2812 or [email protected]. Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

OFFICIAL 2019 CANDIDATE LIST Group I - Deceased

1. Dr. Peter Altman - Aeronautical Engineer 2. Kelvin W.A. Bailey - Military and Corporate Pilot 3. Arthur W. Barber - Pilot and Researcher 4. Richard D. Brooks - WWII Naval Pilot 5. Prof. Harm Buning – Professor of Aerospace Engineering 6. Katherine L. Chamberlain – Pilot 7. Calhoun C. Collier - Educator at MSU and CMU 8. William F. Dean - Airline, UN and Air Transport Command Pilot 9. Lionel H. DeRemer - Pioneer Aviator 10. 1Lt. James P. Dibble, USAAF – WWII Pilot 11. Capt. Ralph H. Fletcher, USN, Ret. – Navy Pilot, Federal Aviation Administration 12. Dorothy LeCureux Francis - Pilot and FBO Operator 13. David Grant - Engineer 14. Dorothy Berz-Haven - Pilot and Operator 15. Arthur R. Heald - Pilot 16. Harold D. Hoekstra - Pilot and Ford Aircraft Engineer 17. Brig. Gen. Thomas B. Hoxie, USAF Ret. - Military Pilot and Administrator 18. Alfred Jackson – Manufacturing 19. Richard E. James – Flight Instructor, Aviation Educator 20. Gregory Bruce Jarvis - Engineer and Astronaut 21. Ralph E. "Bud" Kauffman Jr. - Pilot and Manager 22. Richard S. Kettles - Aircraft Manufacturer and Pilot 23. Dr. Richard Kik Jr. – Fighter Pilot and Flight Instructor 24. John "Jack" Laister Jr. - Glider Pilot and Engineer 25. John J. Latessa - Military Pilot and Scientist 26. Arthur N. Lessel – Military and Ford Motor Co. Pilot 27. William Maher – Flight Instructor and Pilot Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

28. Anna Main - Pilot and Airport Administrator 29. Loma May - WWII Training Specialist 30. Eino W. Nikkila - Pilot 28. Ila Faye Overcashier - Licensed pilot at age 17 29. Ned Thomas Patterson - Manager and Inventor 30. Charles S. Pearson Jr. – WWII Fighter Pilot 31. Cdr. Joseph M. Pietro, USN, Ret. - Military and Civilian Pilot 32. Duane E. Pulsipher - Aerial Gunner, World War II 33. Russell Purchase - Flight Instructor 34. Mabel V. Rawlinson - Pilot 35. Marie Michell Robinson - Women Airforce Service Pilot 36. Dominick Sano - Dauntless and Helldiver Gunner 37. Maj. Henry Schmaltz, USAF – Military Pilot, POW, Air Sea Rescue Commander 38. Capt. Arthur J. Schultz Jr., USN, Ret. - Military Pilot, Naval Air Station Commander 39. Martin F. Schultz Jr. - Aviation Executive and Technician 40. George W. Sherwood - Pilot, Engineer, Inventor and Administrator 41. Joseph F. Slavik - Pilot 42. Andrew J. Smith - Military Pilot, Engineer and Soaring Champion 43. Charles Spicer Jr. - Pilot, FBO and Aviation Advocate 44. Rhoda E. Starr – Pilot 45. Col. Stanley R. Stewart, USAF, Ret. - Military Pilot, Research & Development, Engineer 46. Richard I. “Dick” Ward – Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic, Flight Instructor, Maintenance Inspector 47. Darlyle M. Watters - Glider Pilot 48. Robert C. & Carol J. Welch - Airline Founders and Aviation Advocates 49. Osbert E. Williams - Aviation Pioneer, Pilot, Engineer and Inventor 50. Capt. Clinton F. Woolsey, USAAC - Military Pilot 51. Lt. Col. Gilbert O. Wymond Jr., USAF – 3 victories, 153 missions in WWII 52. Friedrich W. Zinn - Combat Photographer

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

Biographies of Candidates – 2019 Group I (Deceased)

DR. PETER ALTMAN - Aeronautical Engineer - University of : Altman was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1902. During his 15 years as the director of the Aeronautics Department at the University of Detroit (now Wayne State University), and later as a special engineering consultant for Continental Motors (where he eventually made vice-president), he designed the University’s wind tunnels. While at Consolidated Vultee (later Convair), he assisted in the development of many aircraft including the Powell Racer, Stinson Biplane and Verville Trainer. He held 30 patents in three countries.

KELVIN W. A. BAILEY - Military and Corporate Pilot - Dearborn Resident: Bailey was born in Canora, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1920, and eventually moved to East Dearborn, Michigan where he graduated from Dearborn High School in 1941. His first flight took place in 1939. He received his Naval Aviator Wings in October 1943 and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He flew 116 combat missions as an SBD pilot in the Pacific Theater, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals. He was awarded two battle stars after deploying to Korea and was eventually selected as a staff pilot for recipient Maj. Gen. Schilt, Commander Pacific Area Aviation. After military service, he was personally selected by Walt Disney to serve as his chief pilot and flew for Walt Disney Productions for 13 years. Bailey flew 32,000 accident-free hours in 33 types of aircraft. He passed away in 2004.

ARTHUR W. BARBER - Pilot and Researcher - Born in Evert: Barber earned his pilot's license in 1930 in Battle Creek. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft's experimental department and helped develop the P- 38 as well as other aircraft. While with Lockheed, Barber was part of Operation Deepfreeze on Antarctica and helped prove that a C-130 with skis was the best aircraft for the region. He was on the crew of the first Super to over the South Pole. After Lockheed, Barber worked for the U.S. Navy on anti-submarine aircraft.

RICHARD D. BROOKS - WWII Naval Pilot - Born in Rockford: Brooks graduated from Northwestern University and Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he earned his wings. He was assigned to a VP-33 in Panama (Canal Zone) as a PBY pilot patrolling for submarines. Brooks then transferred to Fleet Air Wing 3 as a personal pilot for the commander of the Southeast Pacific Fleet. He test-flew all planes at Coco Solo Naval Air Station and oversaw maintenance. Assigned to VPB 28 in the Philippines, he flew bombing missions against Japanese vessels in the PBM Martin Mariner. He participated in the battles of Gulf, Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa, conducted multiple air searchand-rescue missions in the Pacific and was eventually assigned to Anacostia, to serve as a pilot for the Secretary of the Navy. Brooks was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, six Air Medals and two Presidential Unit Citations. Mr. Brooks passed away in 2009.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

PROF. HARM BUNING - Professor of Aerospace Engineering, : Harm Buning was born in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1922. He came to the in 1945, sponsored by physicist and teacher George Uhlenbeck, his uncle. He received his BS and MS degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1949 and 1951. He taught at Oregon State University from 1954-1956, then returned to the University of Michigan as an assistant professor. He became a full professor in 1963 and stayed at U of M until he retired. He became an expert in astrodynamics and mission analysis, and developed a national reputation in spacecraft design. During his almost 40 years at U of M, Professor Buning taught almost all of the 2,600 Michigan graduates in Aerospace Engineering, including: Gemini IV astronauts, Jim McDivitt and Ed White; Apollo 15 astronauts Dave Scott, Jim Irwin and Al Worden; and Skylab 2 astronaut Jack Lousma. Astronaut Ed White arranged an invitation for Professor Buning to teach orbital mechanics to the initial two groups of astronauts at the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center in , TX. He made many trips to Houston to develop the astronauts’ expertise in orbital rendezvous and docking. His Houston students included Neil Armstrong, Aldrin, Wally Schirra, Frank Borman, and Tom Stafford. Professor Buning spent summers and sabbaticals working at , Lockheed, and other aerospace companies to remain current and made many visits to the Aerospace Engineering departments of other universities. Professor Buning retired in 1992 and passed away in 2006. The Harm Buning Teaching Award and Scholarship Fund recognize outstanding educational contributions by instructional aids, tutors, and mentors at U of M.

KATHERINE L. CHAMBERLAIN - Pilot - Born in Clare: Chamberlain was born in 1923 and was one of the most prominent woman pilots in Michigan. She received her pilot's license in 1970 and had more than 2,000 hours of flying time. She participated in a powder puff derby race, twelve Michigan air races and five Illinois air races. She was the first woman appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, where she served two terms and was chairman twice. She was an FAA safety counselor and received three certificates from the State of Michigan for her contributions to aviation. Ms. Chamberlain passed away in 2009.

CALHOUN C. COLLIER - Taught at MSU and CMU: Born in Tennessee in 1916, Collier directed aerospace education summer workshops, in cooperation with the Civil Air Patrol and NASA, at Michigan State University for elementary and middle school teachers for 20 years. Approximately 600 teachers participated in these workshops over the years. For five years, he also directed similar workshops at Central Michigan University for 135 teachers. Collier was chairman of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission's Aerospace Committee.

WILLIAM F. DEAN - Airline, UN and Air Transport Command Pilot - Born in Benton Harbor: Dean took his first flying instruction in Niles and attained his private, commercial, instructor and instrument licenses by age 20. He was employed by the Spartan School of Aeronautics to instruct British cadets, flying the Vultee BT-13, WACO UPF-7 and North American AT-6. Dean was hired by as an airline and flew as the Boeing 247 co-pilot until he turned 21. It was likely that he was the youngest captain for any airline. In 1942, he became a contract pilot with USAA Air Transport Command and flew C-47s and DC-3s throughout Northwestern Canada, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. After WWII, he was posted in Seattle, flying Western routes. In 1945, he was posted by NWA to Tokyo to open new routes to Seoul, Pyongyang, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. At the onset of the , NWA contracted with the UN to provide a DC-3 with crews. Because of his Korean experience, Dean was selected as chief pilot of UN99—the first official UN aircraft. At the end of the war, he resumed his career with NWA in Minneapolis. Dean retired at the age of 60, having completed 30,470 accident-free pilot hours—5,890 as a captain.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

LIONEL H. DeREMER - Pioneer Aviator - Born in Harrison: DeRemer attended school in Bay City, Michigan. He saw Wright pilot Howard Gill fly in Saginaw in 1911 and became determined to fly himself. He took flight training at the Beatty School on Long Island in a Beatty Wright Aircraft. He received Pilot License No. 115 in 1912. DeRemer purchased a Wright Model B aircraft from the Wright Brothers, who offered him a position as an instructor, but he declined. He flew exhibitions throughout the Midwest and was the star attraction at the Michigan State Fair. He became chief instructor of the Mills School of Aviation in Corpus Christi, Texas, flying his Wright on floats over the Gulf of . He carried the first woman to fly in Texas in a hydro-airplane. He then returned to Bay City and flew exhibitions. He formed Northern Aviation Co., a school and passenger service, in Bay City. In 1914, he gave up flying when his plane was destroyed by fire. He passed away in 1962. His widow was presented with a 50th Year Early Bird Plaque at the Smithsonian that same year.

1LT. JAMES P. DIBBLE, USAAF – P-38 Pilot – Born in Grand Rapids: James Dibble graduated from Hastings High School in 1939. He enlisted in the Air Program in April 1942, and completed Primary, Basic, and Advanced training. He completed pursuit training in the P-38 Lightning and was assigned to the 329th Fighter Group, 4th Air Force, flying patrols over coastal . In March 1943, Lt. Dibble was transferred to Algeria and assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, the squadron commanded by Eddie Rickenbacker in . Rickenbacker visited the squadron and presented pilots a silver “Hat in the Ring” pin commemorating the squadron’s history. In May 1943, Lt. Dibble began flying combat missions of bomber escort, ground strafing, fighter sweeps, and escort for General Dwight Eisenhower. Dibble shot down two Me 109s in August 1943. On September 9, 1943, Lt. Dibble led his 49th mission of twelve P-38s flying cover for the invasion of Italy. His aircraft was disabled by anti-aircraft fire and crash landed. He was injured, left the aircraft, and was shot by a German soldier. Lt. Dibble ’s remains were returned to the U.S. in December 1948, and interred in Mt. Hope cemetery, Middleville, Michigan. Near the town of Padula, Italy, a local monument has been erected with a plaque to honor him.

CAPT. RALPH H. FLETCHER, USN, RET. – WWII Navy Pilot, FAA – Born in Portage: Born in 1911, Ralph Fletcher grew up in Portage, MI, and attended Western State Teachers College (now WMU) in Kalamazoo. Eventually graduating in 1932 from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with BS degree in electrical engineering, Fletcher joined the in 1937, earned his wings in December of 1938, and served as a carrier pilot assigned to patrol the Pacific Ocean aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga from 1938-39. Reassigned to Scouting Squadron 72 flying from the U.S.S. Wasp, he participated in Atlantic operations until January 1942. At the onset of WWII, then-Lieutenant Fletcher was reassigned to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Miami, FL as a fighter and dive-bomber instructor, and later served as the Commanding Officer of the Air Station’s Night Flying Division. Deployed to the Pacific in 1944 as the Aviation Officer for Amphibious Group 12 (and later the 5th Amphibious Force), Fletcher saw combat throughout the Central and Western Pacific and over . Retiring from active duty in 1946, he served in the Naval Reserves until 1951, and retired at the rank of Captain. As a civilian, Ralph Fletcher briefly served as Senior Test Engineer for the Sikorsky Division of the United Aircraft Corporation, and was then employed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (now the Federal Aviation Administration), Washington, DC, in multiple capacities from 1946 to 1972, where he eventually retired as Chief, Designation & Documentation of the Airspace Utilization Division, Air Traffic Service.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

DOROTHY LeCUREUX FRANCIS - Pilot and FBO Operator - Born in Detroit: Francis was born in 1920 and was the first woman to receive a pilot’s license in Flint. She was the general manager of Francis Aviation for 33 years, and was also a flight instructor for the Civilian Pilot Training Program during WWII. Ms. Francis passed away in 2004

DAVID GRANT - Engineer - Born in Detroit: Grant was born in Detroit in 1917 and graduated from the University of Michigan. He became an expert in hydraulics as a civilian employee of the Air Force during WWII. He was employed by Hughes Aircraft and TRW for 35 years. Most of the early drafts of hydraulic system specifications and standards that he prepared are still in use today. Among the air and space craft featuring his designs were the XH-17 helicopter, the moon-landing Surveyor and the Atlas launch vehicle. Grant retired from Hughes in 1981 and died in 2001 at the age of 84.

DOROTHY BERZ-HAVEN - Pilot and Airport Operator - Born in Highland Park: In 1926, she married Milton Berz and took up his hobby of flying. In 1946, the couple opened Berz Airport in Troy. As a pilot, she was known for putting spectators on edge by performing low-flying rolls and other aerobatics.

ARTHUR R. HEALD - Pilot - Born in South Haven: Heald was born on June 26, 1907. He started a flying school in the early 1930s and founded South Haven Regional Airport in 1940. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Civil Air Patrol. He was killed in a car accident in 1943 before he could volunteer to transport Canadian military aircraft to to support the war effort.

HAROLD D. HOEKSTRA - Pilot and Ford Aircraft Engineer – University of Michigan Graduate: Hoekstra's long career in aviation began at the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1929. He was chief engineer at Crosley Aircraft Co. in Cincinnati, working on the design of the Ford Tri-Motor and the Ford Model 14A at Ford Motor Aircraft Co. He designed early military planes at the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Co. Hoekstra joined the U.S. Bureau of Air Commerce (later the FAA) as an engineer for airworthiness where he was responsible for the flight certification for civil transport aircraft, including the Hughes Flying Boat and a supersonic transport. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 103.

BRIG. GEN. THOMAS B. HOXIE, USAF, RET. - Military Pilot and Administrator - Born in Grand Rapids: Hoxie was born in 1920 and graduated from West Point in 1944. He flew B-24s and B-29s before becoming commander of the 75h Air Service Corp. in 1946. He served in the 1600th Maintenance and Supply Group, the 325th Bombardment Group's 57th Air Division, and the 11th and 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Wings before joining Air Force Headquarters in 1957. Hoxie moved to the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense in 1958. After attending the Air War College, he served in 5th Air Force Operations, and then transferred back to Air Force HQ. There he served as chief of Combat Forces Branch, deputy chief of Programs Division and deputy director of Manpower and Organization. Before he retired in 1974, Hoxie was deputy chief of staff for personnel at the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.

ALFRED JACKSON - Manufacturing - Resident of Detroit: Jackson was born in Old Forge, PA in 1906. He was the founder, president and general manager of Aeronautical Products Inc., which was the first company to design and produce a helicopter in Michigan—the NX-1270, which made its initial flight on July 17, 1944.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

RICHARD E. JAMES – Flight Instructor, Aviation Educator – Born in Marcellus: Developing an early interest in aviation, James became a certified flight instructor after graduating from Western Michigan University. He served as a mathematics instructor at Dowagiac Union High and Southwestern Michigan College where he is credited with developing one of the nation’s first aviation-focused high school education programs. Maintaining the program from 1969 to 1994, most of his students became qualified to pass FAA written examinations, and many earned their pilot’s license and/or progressed on to careers involving aviation or aerospace. The recognized James with the United States Air Force Recruiting Service Certificate of Appreciation, and he was one of only 20 instructors nationwide invited to San Antonio to share his teaching practices in introducing young students to aviation, the data of which was utilized by the Air Force in their own training programs. While many of his students achieved success in aviation and aerospace, standouts include Wallace Rule, who became Crew Chief of Air Force One; and aviation artist Rick Herter, whose large-scale painting at the Air Zoo formerly held the Guinness World Record for largest hand-painted indoor mural. Richard James passed away on July 2, 2017.

GREGORY BRUCE JARVIS - Engineer and Astronaut - Born in Detroit: Jarvis was a member of the Challenger crew killed when their craft exploded on January 28, 1986 shortly after launch. Prior to his selection as NASA payload specialist, he was a captain in the U.S. Air Force and involved in the design of several strategic missiles and communications satellites while later employed at Raytheon and Hughes Communications. He was born in 1944.

RALPH E. "BUD" KAUFFMAN JR. - Pilot and Manager - Born in Lansing: Kauffman was born in 1916 in Lansing. He graduated from Old Central High School and Michigan State University. He served in the Air Force during WWII and the Korean Conflict. In 1953, he joined Abrams Aerial Survey Corp. as a pilot and worked his way up to president and CEO. Under his leadership, Abrams Aerial Survey Corp. moved to state-of-the-art equipment that is used to this day. After retiring, Kauffman worked for General Aviation, selling WACO airplanes. He died on May 12, 2002.

RICHARD S. KETTLES - Aircraft Manufacturer and Pilot – Led Company in Lansing: Kettles and two partners formed General Aviation Inc. in Lansing in 1962, offering flight training charter services, maintenance and fuel sales. The next year it received the franchise to sell Beechcraft airplanes. In 1977, the company received a Cessna franchise and was one of the company's top-selling outlets in the U.S. In 1983, Kettles and Mike Dow formed Classic Aircraft Corp. and built a three-seat, open cockpit biplane, which it designed, built, tested and flew in an industry-record 18 months. He became sole owner of the WACO Company in 1994 and sold it in 1997. Mr. Kettles passed away in 2015.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

DR. RICHARD KIK JR. – WWII Fighter Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Foundinged the WMU Sky Broncos: Richard Kik was born in Grand Rapids and moved to Kalamazoo as a child. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1941 and enrolled at Western Michigan University. After , he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and completed training as a fighter pilot. He was assigned to the 395th Fighter Squadron “Panzer Dusters”, 368th Fighter Group, which deployed to USAAF Station Chilbolton, England, in March 1944, flying P-47 Thunderbolts. He moved with his squadron to and Belgium after D-Day. In November 1944, he returned to the United States and was promoted to Captain. Captain Kik flew 120 combat missions in and was awarded the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and fourteen Air Medals. In the U.S., he was assigned as an Instructor Pilot in fighters until the end of the war when he left active duty but remained in the Air Force Reserve flying out of Selfridge Air Force Base in Mount Clemens until 1955. He returned to Western Michigan University where he helped start the Sky Broncos flying club in 1946. He graduated from WMU in 1949 and earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Midwestern University/ College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1953. Dr. Kik was a Family Practice Physician for 48 years, 44 of them in Richland. He served as a Deputy Medical Examiner for Kalamazoo County for 36 years. Dr. Kik died in 2005.

JOHN "JACK" LAISTER JR. - Glider Pilot and Engineer - Resident of Wyandotte: Laister designed and built the "Yankee Doodle" sailplane that was selected to represent the U.S. at the 1939 Air Show. He designed the CG-10 Trojan Horse, a glider designed to carry troops and heavy equipment during the planned U.S. invasion of Japan during WWII. The Trojan Horse design is still the standard for military airlift applications. He was a co-designer of the award-winning Nugget LP-15 sailplane and a member of the National Soaring Hall of Fame.

JOHN J. LATESSA - Military Pilot and Scientist - Resident of St. Clair Shores: Latessa made parts for the aiming device used on the Enola Gay over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Prior to that, he flew search-and- rescue and delivery missions between 1941 and 1943. He was a charter member of the Civil Air Patrol.

ARTHUR N. LESSEL - Military and Ford Motor Co. Pilot - Born in Detroit: Born on December 28, 1919, Lessel joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and graduated from the Aviation Cadet Program. Between 1942 and 1945 he was an instructor on DC-2s and DC-3s, and was a C-46 and 0-47 demonstration pilot in the art of CG-4 heavy glider snatch and tow. In 1946, he helped reorganize the Michigan , and served in the Fifth Air Force both at Luke AFB and in Japan before returning to Michigan. His post-military career saw pilot service with , Ford Motor Co. and E.F. MacDonald Co. From 1985 until his retirement at age 80, he was chief pilot of the William Clay Ford family's Falcon 900. Throughout his time in the air, Lessel flew 35,000 hours (21,000 in jets) in 25 different aircraft and earned many NBAA safety awards, the latest in 1996. Arthur Lessel passed away August 1, 2017.

WILLIAM MAHER – Flight Instructor and Pilot - Born in Jackson: Maher flew with the China National Aviation Corp. in China and India during WWII. He was a flight instructor for the U.S. Navy, corporate pilot for Midway Supply Group, made the first auto freight trip for Zantop Airways and served as chairman of the advisory committee for the aviation flight program at Jackson Community College. He was born in 1919 and passed away in 2011.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

ANNA MAIN - Pilot and Airport Administrator - Born in Detroit: Main was born in 1917. She operated Big Beaver Airport in Troy for more than 50 years. Her flight school operated for the same length of time with no injuries to either students or instructors. She also distinguished herself as a pilot during her life. She died in 1996.

LOMA MAY - WWII Training Specialist - Born in Howard City: May was one of 11 people selected from the entire country to work on training devices for pilots during WWII. She joined the Jim Handy Corp., helping develop the Jim Handy Trainer. She had a 30-year career with the company, eventually becoming vice president of Training Research. She was born in 1906.

EINO W. NIKKILA - Pilot - Born in Cass City: Nikkila was born in 1920 and served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII as a flight engineer with the 45th Bomber Group in Europe. During that time, he was shot down over Austria. He worked as an aircraft mechanic for Eastern Airlines for over 30 years. Mr. Nikkila passed away in 2009.

ILA FAYE OVERCASHIER- Licensed Female Pilot at Age 17 - Born in Highland Park: Ila Overcashier, member of a family of aviators, demonstrated her natural flying ability when she was awarded her pilot’s license at age seventeen. She was progressing towards advanced licenses and was anticipated to achieve a significant aviation career. Sadly, she was killed in a traffic accident at age nineteen.

NED THOMAS PATTERSON - Manager, Inventor and Researcher - Born in Lansing: Patterson was born on August 14, 1920. He began his aviation career in 1939 and joined the Michigan Department of Aeronautics the next year. He resumed his Michigan aviation career after WWII as chief of aircraft maintenance, assistant director of the Division and manager of the Research and Development Division. He developed plastic cones for marking turf runways, springmounted distance-to- go markers, a statewide painting program and a statewide runway sealing program. Patterson holds patents for an IFR flight hood and a runway stripper. He retired with 40 years of service in 1986.

CHARLES S. “CHUCK” PEARSON JR. – WWII Fighter Pilot - Born in Kalamazoo: Charles Pearson Jr. was born on Christmas Day 1922. He attended Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan College (now WMU) until he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to train as a fighter pilot in June 1941. He was stationed in England and flew 50 missions with the RCAF before transferring to the Air Corps in 1943. He then flew 80 missions in his P-51B Mustang, The Kalamazoo Kid. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and a medal from the Soviet Union, all three of which are part of a display at the Air Zoo. Following his military service, Pearson attended Michigan State University and worked for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services his entire career. Charles Pearson Jr. passed away May 24, 2016.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

CDR. JOSEPH M. PIETRO, USN, RET. - Military and Civilian Pilot - Born in Negaunee: Pietro was born on March 30, 1924 and raised in the Upper Peninsula. He graduated from National Mine School. His interest in aviation began as a child when he built models and it continued when he joined the Navy at Naval Training Station. He enlisted as WWII approached and continued flying during the Korean Conflict and during the War. He received many medals and honors and retired as a commander. When his military career was over, he joined . He logged more than 33,000 hours with North Central and Republic Airlines. He was appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission by Gov. John Engler in 1992 and served seven years, including one as chairman. He continued his advocacy of aviation as a board member of the Sawyer Aviation Museum. Commander Pietro passed away November 26, 2016.

DUANE E. PULSIPHER - World War II Aerial Gunner - Born in Muskegon: Pulsipher served as an aerial gunner in the , USAAF, during WWII. He flew 25 missions in the B-17 “Passaic Warrior”. After the war, he worked at Continental Motors in Muskegon on aircraft and tank engines. He died in 1993.

RUSSELL PURCHASE - Flight Instructor - Born in Saginaw: Purchase founded the Purchase Flying School at Saginaw Municipal Airport in 1940. During WWII he was a flight examiner for the Civilian Pilot Training Program and later became a civilian flight instructor for the military. He logged 27,000 hours of flight time and certified over 4,000 pilots. Mr. Purchase passed away in 1998.

MABEL V. RAWLINSON – Women Air Force Service Pilot - Resident of Kalamazoo: Rawlinson was born in Delaware in 1917 and graduated from Western State Teachers College (now Western Michigan University) in 1939. She learned to fly in Kalamazoo and left in 1942 to join the WASPs in Houston, TX. She was killed in 1943 while flying an A-24 Douglas dive bomber that was reportedly hit while towing a target.

MARIE MITCHELL ROBINSON - Women Airforce Service Pilot - Born in Detroit: Robinson graduated from National Park Junior College where she learned to fly in 1942. She became a certified instructor to earn money for flight time. She was accepted for training by the WASP program and graduated in March 1944 with Class 44-2 at in Sweetwater, Texas. Robinson was stationed at Love Field, Dallas, with the 5th Ferrying Group, and then assigned to the bombardier training program, , Victorville, California. On October 2, 1944, she was co- piloting a B-25 Mitchell bomber that crashed and burned in the Mohave Desert. Robinson was killed, along with the pilot and crew-chief. She had only been married for two weeks, and was buried in a family plot in Troy, Michigan. Sixty years later, the crash site was excavated. Her found artifacts are on display at the Women’s Memorial Museum in Arlington, Virginia. WASP Elizabeth Magid wrote the poem Celestial Flight in her honor. It is now read at the funeral of each WASP buried at Arlington.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

DOMINICK SANO - Dauntless and Helldiver Gunner - Resident of Lewiston: Sano moved to Michigan in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944. He served aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, surviving five attacks and a torpedo strike. On April 7, 1945, he and his Curtiss SB2C Helldiver pilot dropped bombs on the Japanese battleship Yamato, contributing to sinking the largest ship in the Imperial Japanese fleet. Sano was stationed in Port Lyautey, French Morocco, from 19461949 and later served on the U.S.S. Coral Sea from 1949-1950. He ranked Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, USN Good Conduct Medal, and Occupation Service Medal. He was discharged in February 1950 when he and his wife, Elva Mae, moved from to Michigan to raise a family. Sano worked in a Cadillac plant in southwest Detroit before switching gears into the construction business. He worked for 37 years doing sheet metal and welding for Cooney Engineering in Oak Park. Dominick Sano passed away on February 4, 2018.

MAJ. HENRY SCHMALTZ, USAF - WWII Combat Pilot, Prisoner of War, Air Sea Rescue Commander – Served at Selfridge Air Force Base: Born in Chicago in 1919, Major Schmaltz enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and trained as a B-17 pilot. Flying for the Fifteenth Air Force out of North Africa and Italy during WWII, he was shot down on his thirty-first mission over the Ploiesti oil fields of Romania. Captured and held as a prisoner of war, he was eventually liberated in a daring U.S. rescue mission. After the war, Major Schmaltz trained in air sea rescue and was assigned to the Fifth Air Rescue Squadron, Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, where he commanded the search for Northwest Airlines Flight 2501 when it disappeared over Lake Michigan in 1950. His next assignment took him to Wiesbaden, Germany, where he eventually commanded the U.S. rescue operations in the Netherlands during the great flood of February 1953. His last post was as Chief Engineering Officer for the Military Air Transport Service. Major Schmaltz passed away in 1958. The Major Henry Schmaltz, USAF Endowed Scholarship for Aviation Sciences is available to Aviation Flight Science or Aircraft Maintenance program students enrolling in the Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

CAPT. ARTHUR J. SCHULTZ JR., USN, RET. - Military Pilot, Naval Air Station Commander – Born in Detroit: A native of the Detroit area, Arthur Schultz took his air training at Grosse Ile Naval Air Station. In May 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Schultz, piloting a dive-bomber off the USS Lexington, dropped a 500-pound bomb onto the deck of the Japanese Shōhō, helping to sink it. When he landed on the Lexington following the attack he found that all but one strand of his ailerons had been shot off by enemy fire. He was awarded Navy Cross for his bravery. When he retired from the Navy as a captain he returned to Grosse Ile and finished his military career as commanding officer of the Naval Air Station where he had started his career. In November 1963, Mayor Jerome Cavanagh appointed Captain Schultz to run Detroit City Airport. Schultz also served as deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC. He died January 23, 2003.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

MARTIN F. SCHULTZ JR. - Aviation Executive and Technician – Employed in Michigan: Martin Schultz was born in Chicago in 1927. He trained at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hired by the State of Michigan Department of Aeronautics in 1947, he served as an aircraft mechanic and radio technician from 1947 to 1959. Schultz founded and managed the Electronics Facilities section for the State Department of Aeronautics from 1959 to 1976, and designed, installed and maintained the first state-owned-and-operated VHF Omnirange Station in Escanaba in 1959. He developed the Michigan Non- Precision and Precision Instrument Approach Master Plans. During 1977 and 1978, he served as head of State Electronics Facility and Acting Director of Bureau of Aeronautics Safety and Services Division. He served as administrator of that same division from 1977 until 1984. Schultz testified before the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979 on “Proposals to Increase the Amount of Controlled Air Space.” He participated in the 1979 Commemorative Michigan Air Tour flying the state’s Piper Aztec in No. 2 position in the first fleet. Schultz was instrumental in developing the Microwave Landing System, which is used on aircraft carriers and for landing space shuttles, and established the United States’ first system for public use in Cadillac, Michigan, in 1982. He helped establish the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 1987, and, upon retirement, founded MFS Enterprises, an aviation consulting firm that operated until 1991. Martin F. Schultz Jr. passed away in 2012.

GEORGE W. SHERWOOD - Pilot, Engineer, Inventor and Administrator - Resident of Grosse Pointe Park: Born in in 1912, Sherwood was a barnstormer in the 1930s, chief pilot for Bishop Flying Service in Flint between 1939 and 1942, and flew approximately 1,000 test flights of B-24, B-32, P-51, P-38, PBY and RY3 aircraft without incident during WWII. After the war, he was chief pilot for Michigan Central Airlines. In 1956, he was given a Pilot Safety Award for flying more than one million perfectly safe miles. In 1954, he founded Aero Quality Sales at Detroit City Airport, which conducted tests and received FAA approval for using nickel-cadmium batteries for aircraft. In 1979, he sold the company and retired.

JOSEPH F. SLAVIK - Pilot - Born in Detroit: Slavik was born in 1917. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps and completed officer candidate school before applying for pilot training, which he completed with distinction. He was assigned to the 381st Bomb Group, Ridgewell England, and completed 35 bombing missions over Germany. After his honorable discharge in 1945 he formed the Slavik Organization, but continued as an active licensed commercial and instrument pilot. His devotion to the was proven in 1986 when he helped the museum purchase the last flyable Boeing B-l7G in North America and subsequently assisted in securing parts for the aircraft. His honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as the Air Medal with five bronze oak leaf clusters.

ANDREW J. SMITH - Military Pilot, Engineer and Soaring Champion - Born in Tecumseh: Smith was born in 1924. He was the world soaring champion in 1968 and U.S. soaring champion four times. He won EAA's Oshkosh 500 six consecutive years in a ship he designed and built. He was a steward of low- speed, flight-efficient, laminar flow aircraft and sailplane aerodynamics. At age 18, he was selected over many competing applicants to work in the wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the precursor to NASA) at Langley Field, VA. The direct result of his work has improved production aircraft performance and inspired designers and students to set higher standards for aircraft flight efficiency.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

CHARLES SPICER JR. - Pilot, FBO and Aviation Advocate - Resident of Detroit: Spicer was born on July 16, 1920 in Bryan, Ohio. He soloed in 1939 and flew a Ford Tri-Motor, a Ryan and a Fairchild among other planes. Spicer was a key figure in passing the Michigan Tall Structures Act, which later became a federal law. He helped to pass a property tax law exempting landing areas from property taxes, preserving private air fields. He worked with the Michigan Department of Aeronautics to legislate a restricted Class D airport designation to protect small airports operating in traffic areas of larger facilities. During WWII, Spicer was a Navy V-5 instructor. He later operated Spicer Flying Service at Detroit City Airport. Mr. Spicer passed away in 2000.

RHODA E. STARR - Pilot - Born in Ionia: Starr was born in 1907 and took her first ride in a Curtiss OX-5 in 1923. She received her pilot's license in 1930 in Lansing and won the "Women's Free for All" at the Miami Air Races in , one of several races she competed in. At an air show in Minneapolis, she was the first woman to perform a loop in an autogyro (precursor to the modern helicopter). In 1937, she started a flying school to train government students that she sold in 1940.

COL. STANLEY R. STEWART, USAF, RET. – Military Pilot, Research & Development, Engineer – Born in Kalamazoo: Stewart was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1910. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1928 and entered the United States Military Academy, West Point, , graduating in 1932. In 1943, he completed the Air Corps Advanced Flying School rated as an Aircraft Pilot and Aircraft Observer. During World War II, Colonel Stewart served as Chief of the Special Weapons Branch, Equipment Laboratory Engineering Division, Headquarters, Air Technical Service Command, with responsibility for development and testing of all Air Corps guided missiles and drones. When the German V-2 rockets were captured and delivered to , Colonel Stewart directed the American V-2 development and training efforts. For that he was awarded the . In 1945 and 1947, Colonel Stewart was Commanding Officer of the 8th Fighter Group and Commander of Ashiya and Itasuke Army Air Bases in Japan In the post-war years, Colonel Stewart performed classified work in atomic energy and geophysics, and was responsible for aircraft development programs, and for integrating weapons systems. He retired from the USAF in 1953. In 1955, he joined Convair Astronautics as Chief Test Engineer responsible for establishing and operating Atlas test bases and was Chief of Field Test Support. Colonel Stewart died in 1972.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

RICHARD I. “DICK” WARD - Aircraft Pilot and Mechanic, Flight Instructor, Maintenance Inspector – Resident of Kalamazoo: Dick Ward was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With an early love of flying, he earned his private license at age 17 and graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. During WWII, he was accepted for Army pilot training, but the pilot quota was full. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was trained as a Combat Air Crew Flight Engineer and served in Panama as a PBM-S Engineer and a medical evacuation pilot in Belize. He was honorably discharged in 1947. In 1949, Dick and wife Donna moved to Three Rivers. He became Manager and Fixed Base Operator at the Three Rivers Municipal Airport and started his company, Ward Aero, which developed, manufactured, overhauled and marketed products for aviation use. At the same time, Dick developed a reputation for honesty and integrity. In 1977, the company was sold to Parker-Hannifin Corporation. Dick then formed an aviation consulting firm Forward Horizons, LLC. He became known as an expert on the Beechcraft Twin Bonanza and authored a book Beechcraft Twin Bonanza, craft of the masters: The story of the Beech civilian model 50 & military L-23/U8. Dick was active in the City of Three Rivers, serving on boards and committees and an active Rotarian. He restored and flew a Ryan ST. He was a strong supporter of the Air Zoo and was a pilot of the Ford Tri-Motor. Dick was presented with FAA Master Pilot and Master Mechanic awards and was a founder of the Kalamazoo Hangar of Quiet Birdmen. In his book Flying Thoughts: An Aviators Flight Through Life, Dick recounted his aviation experiences. Dick Ward died in 2008.

DARLYLE M. WATTERS - Glider Pilot - Born in Gregory: Born in 1920, Watters volunteered to fly gliders in WWII combat missions on D-Day and during the invasion of Holland. He was shot down and wounded over Holland and became a prisoner of war. Prior to his combat experience, he trained Army Air Corps glider pilots and was promoted from staff sergeant to second lieutenant. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Silver Star with Invasion Arrowhead and the Dutch Orange Lanyard. Watters was also involved in the restoration of the historic CG-4 glider. He passed away in 2001.

ROBERT C. and CAROL J. WELCH - Airline Founder, Airport Manager and Aviation Advocates – Employed in Michigan: Robert Welch was born in 1922 and was the manager of the Alpena Airport for 22 years. He founded Michigan's first commuter airline, pioneered the FBO business in the state and started community college aviation programs. Carol became a pilot in 1942, helped develop Alpena's Scheidler Field and through the Michigan Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, sponsored the SMALL Race for women pilots in Alpena.

OSBERT E. WILLIAMS - Aviation Pioneer, Pilot, Engineer and Inventor - Born in Washtenaw County: O.E. Williams was born in 1875. By 1912, he built a Curtiss-type plane and was flying at Lake Scranton, Pennsylvania, taking passengers. Before long, he started his own flight school. He built a tractor biplane and was billed, along with Lincoln Beachey, on a Wright Brothers commemorative flight. He developed the “Williams U-tube speedometer,” which became the industry standard to measure airspeed. In 1914, Williams moved his school and manufacturing to Lake Fenton, Michigan. In 1915 and 1916, Williams’ school pilots, along with Patterson Aviators of Detroit, flew patriotic exhibitions throughout the U.S. with mock air battles filmed by newsreel companies such as Pathe and Universal. In 1916 he moved near Mobile, Alabama, for year-round flying, but was killed when in October 1917 when his aircraft crashed during descent. Four of Williams’ students became aviation officers during WWI. Two of his students—Clayton Brukner and Elwood Junkin—along with Charles Weaver, formed the Weaver Aircraft Company (WACO).

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

CAPT. CLINTON F. WOOLSEY, USAAC - Military Pilot - Born in Northport: Woolsey attended school in Northport and studied engineering at Valparaiso University. Enlisting in the Indiana National Guard as a private in 1916, he served on the Mexican Border, transferring to the Air Service in 1917. He completed flight training in San Antonio, Texas, and was sent overseas at the end of WWI. In 1925, he was appointed chief test pilot at Brooks Field back in San Antonio. One of his students was Charles Lindbergh. In 1926, Woolsey was assigned to the 22,000-mile Pan-American Goodwill Flight planned by the Coolidge Administration. Starting in San Antonio with goodwill stops at 25 South American capitals, the flight ended in Washington, D.C. Five Loening OA-1 amphibian aircraft were selected and named Detroit, New York, San Antonio, and St. Louis. Woolsey was selected to pilot the Detroit along with John Benton. Pilots were required to perform required maintenance along the way. Approaching for landing at Mar del Plata, Argentina on February 26, 1927, the Detroit and the New York collided, and while the crew of the New York parachuted safely, Woolsey and Benton were killed. In May 1927, the War Department awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses to all ten participating aviators. In 1934, the Woolsey Memorial Airport in Northport was established by Clinton Woolsey’s father. It is still in operation today.

LT. COL. GILBERT O. WYMOND JR., USAF - Military Pilot, Squadron Commander – Resident of Detroit: Gilbert Wymond was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and moved with his family to Detroit in the 1930s where he attended school. After attending the University of Kentucky, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was commissioned and received his wings December 12, 1941. Wymond trained in air combat with the 65th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, Bradley Field, Connecticut, flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. The Group sailed for North Africa aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ranger and Wymond was one of the rare pilots who flew a P-40 off a carrier deck into the desert combat zone. Flying numerous ground attack missions against the Germans and Italians, he is credited with three downed enemy aircraft with another two probable. In late 1943, the Group moved to Corsica and transitioned to the P-47 Thunderbolt. In three years of combat, the 57th Fighter Group moved 58 times. Wymond was promoted to Major and given command of the 65th Fighter Squadron and pioneered many modifications to make the P-47 a more effective fighter-bomber. In total, Wymond flew 153 combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, and among his many awards were: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (9), Presidential Unit Citation (2 oak leaf clusters), British Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de Guerre. After World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Wymond transitioned to jet fighters and took command of the 55th Fighter Squadron at in . On May 11, 1949, flying an F-84 Thunderjet, Lt. Col. Wymond overstressed his aircraft avoiding an adversary aircraft, causing wing failure at an altitude too low to bail out. He is buried in Louisville.

FRIEDRICH W. ZINN - Combat Photographer - Born in Galesburg: Zinn graduated from the University of Michigan and was touring Europe when WWI began. He was one of the first 42 Americans to join the French Foreign Legion and fought in several vicious battles and was wounded. He transferred to the French Air Service and became America’s first aerial combat photographer when America entered the war. Zinn was the first American transferred to Gen. Mitchell’s staff and placed in charge of assigning replacement pilots and observers to the front. When the war ended, Zinn proposed to search for missing American airmen. He worked from an office in occupied Berlin, sometimes flying with German ace Ernst Udet. After months of effort, he recovered the remains or personal effects of 195 of 200 missing American airmen and continued his search efforts during World War II while working with the OSS. His Missing Air Crew Reporting System and system of serial numbering of aircraft parts are still used today. Zinn passed away in 1960.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

OFFICIAL 2019 CANDIDATE LIST

Group II - Living

1. Sidney Adams Jr. – Private Pilot, U.S. Army Vet, Civil Servant 2. Dennis L. Bowdoin – Helicopter Pilot, Educator, Instructor, FAA 3. E. June Goldsmith - Pilot and Air Traffic Controller 4. Conrad “Connie” Kalitta – Pilot and Airline Owner 5. Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles, USA, Ret. - Military Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing Pilot 6. Douglas V. McCombs – Helicopter Pilot, Instructor, Missionary Aviator 7. Lt. Col. Lawrence A. Millben, USAF, Ret. - Maintenance and Support Commander 8. Lt. Gen. John M. Nowak, USAF, Ret. - Military Administrator 9. Ray H. Owen – WWII Fighter Pilot 10. Capt. Jeffrey W. Randall, USN, Ret. – Navy Test Pilot, Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor 11. Douglas C. Swartz – Military Pilot and Charter Pilot

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

Biographies of Candidates – 2019

Group II (Living)

SIDNEY ADAMS JR. – Private Pilot, U.S. Army Vet, Civil Servant – Michigan Resident: Sidney Adams Jr. was born in Mississippi and graduated from Alcorn State University. He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army 1951-1954. He retired in 1987 from the U.S. Veteran’s Administration after 29 years of service. He is a private pilot and former aircraft owner and has promoted aviation and aviation education in Battle Creek and throughout Michigan for many years. He has served as a member of the W.K. Kellogg Airport Advisory Committee. Parlaying his talents and passion, Sid took part in the committee to help establish the Western Michigan University College of Aviation at its permanent home in Battle Creek, Michigan, and serves on their advisory board. Furthermore, Sid helped to establish the Battle Creek Flight Academy, with the mission of introducing aviation careers and opportunities to women and minorities. He was appointed a member of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission in 2001 and has been active with the NAACP and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.

DENNIS L. BOWDOIN – Helicopter Pilot, Educator, Instructor, FAA – Michigan Resident: Dennis Bowdoin purchased his first helicopter, a Robinson R22, in 1982. He received his Private Rotorcraft helicopter rating in 1988, his Commercial Rotorcraft helicopter rating in 1990, and his CFA rotorcraft helicopter rating in 1991. He was appointed FAA safety counselor in 1994. He was Michigan Helicopter Association safety officer from 1983 to 2010 and became president of the Michigan Helicopter Association in 1991. He purchased the land and built the public Maple Grove Heliport and became the heliport manager in 1992, taking over the airport the next year. He wrote the helicopter program and syllabus for the Western Michigan University College of Aviation and ran the program for nine years, turning Romeo Airport into a working classroom for WMU’s Airport Management Curriculum, subsequently earning the Michigan Aeronautics Commission Award of Excellence for doing so. He was awarded Robinson Helicopter Insurance Program Authorization to conduct safety audits in 2000, and a Robinson Helicopter Company Service Center and Overhaul Center in 2001. He earned a Michigan Aero Science certificate for instructing teachers in teaching methods and the Airport Manager’s Workshop certificate for teaching airport managers how to deal with helicopters and parachutes in 2003. In 2009 Bowdoin was the FAA General Aviation FASST Team representative of the year for dedication to safety through education which has been his major concentration throughout his career.

E. JUNE GOLDSMITH - Pilot and Air Traffic Controller - Born in Sault Ste. Marie: Goldsmith was the first female to solo from Sault Ste. Marie Airport. She was the nation's first female air traffic controller in 1942 when she took a post at Romulus Army Air Field. She was also the first female air traffic controller to clear a jet aircraft (a top-secret experimental one at that) through the Detroit tower.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

CONRAD “CONNIE” KALITTA – Pilot, Airline Owner, Auto Racer – Born in New Baltimore, MI: Conrad “Connie” Kalitta graduated from Mount Clemens High School in 1957. He began life as an auto racer, winning his first dragster race while still in high school. He was the first racer to exceed 200 miles per hour in the US National Hot Rod Association quarter-mile race. He has been inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame, the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame, and has received the National Hot Rod Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kalitta learned to fly in the 1960s. By 1967, he had his multi-engine commercial rating and was flying his Cessna 310 as Services out of Airport in Ypsilanti. Today, Kalitta Air flies twenty-four Boeing 747 freighters and seven Boeing 767 freighters. Kalitta Air provides scheduled or on-demand charter service in the U.S. and worldwide, and the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Postal Service both rely heavily upon Kalitta Air. They employ more than 1,800 people, more than 1,000 employed at their maintenance facility in Oscoda where they provide thorough aviation support services and, together with their partners, offer an apprenticeship leading to an Airframe and Powerplant mechanics license.

LT. COL. CHARLES S. KETTLES, USA, RET. – Military Fixed Wing/Rotary Wing Pilot, Aviation Unit Commander, Aviation Educator – Born in Ypsilanti: Charles Kettles was drafted at age 21 and commissioned an armor officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He completed aviation training and served tours as a pilot in Korea, Japan and . In 1963, Kettles volunteered for active duty and was trained to fly the UH- 1D Huey. He was deployed to Vietnam as a flight commander with the 176th Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, Americal Division, where he served through November 1967. During this tour, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Kettles returned to Vietnam on a second tour in October 1969, as Commanding Officer of the 121st Assault Helicopter Company “Soc Trang Tigers.” In October 1970, he was assigned as Aviation Team Chief and Readiness Coordinator supporting the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 1978. He returned to Ypsilanti and earned a master’s degree at Eastern Michigan University where he helped develop the Aviation Management Program which he also taught. He was employed in Aviation Maintenance Management at Chrysler , Willow Run Airport, until his retirement in 1993. The U.S. Congress passed a Special Act to extend the time limit for awarding the Medal of Honor in the case of Charles Kettles specifically so that his Distinguished Service Cross could be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On July 18, 2016, the President of the United States presented Charles Kettles with the Medal of Honor fifty years after the actions for which he earned it.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

DOUGLAS V. McCOMBS – Helicopter Pilot, Instructor, Missionary Aviator – Resident of Fremont: Douglas McCombs was born in Bitburg, Germany, to a family of aviators. Living in Fremont, Michigan, he soloed at age 17 and joined the U.S. Army in 1977. Trained as a helicopter pilot, he earned his wings and rank of warrant officer one in 1988. He was assigned to the and qualified as a Pilot in Command. Leaving active duty in 1981, he and his family trained as missionaries and were assigned to Papua, New Guinea, where he flew supplies to primitive areas. He returned to active duty in 2002 and joined the 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne) as pilot of the MH-47 heavy-lift helicopter stationed in Taegu, , where he spent three years supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, he was assigned as flight lead in the MH-47G, with the 3rd Battalion 160th SOAR (ABN) at , Savannah, Georgia. In 2010, he was assigned to Wiesbaden, Germany, flying fixed-wing aircraft for the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion, making frequent flights to Afghanistan and Iraq. From 2003 to 2016, he served more than 25 combat assignments throughout the world in support of U.S. Delta Force, SEAL Team 6, U.S. Army Rangers, and numerous elite foreign units. In his last five years of military service, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion 160th SOAR (ABN) as a combat pilot deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Resolute Support and Iraq and Syria for Operation Inherent Resolve. Douglas McCombs flew more than 8,500 hours in eight military aircraft and was deployed to more than 45 countries.

LT. COL. LAWRENCE A. MILLBEN, USAF, RET. - Maintenance and Support Commander - Born in Detroit: Millben graduated from Aero Mechanics High School and was employed as an aircraft mechanic at Detroit City and Willow Run Airports. He enlisted in the Michigan Air National guard, attended advanced aircraft electrical schools, and was promoted to technical sergeant. He attended the Academy of Military Science in 1974 and was commissioned. He was employed by Burroughs Corporation in electronics research and development and holds several U.S. patents. He served as a full-time avionics officer from 1975 to 1983 when he was appointed 191st Maintenance squadron commander. In 1988, he was appointed deputy commander of Maintenance. Millben is a Federal Grievance Examiner, Aircraft Crash Investigator, and On-Scene Commander for major aircraft, chemical, and nuclear accidents. He completed Air Command and Staff College in 1980, and Air War College in 1993. In 1990, he was appointed support group commander, Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He retired from the military as Lieutenant Colonel in 1996 with 41 years of service and was employed by Eaton Corporation in electronic research and development until 2003. As historian, he is currently active on the board of directors of the Detroit chapter of , Inc.

LT. GEN. JOHN M. NOWAK, USAF, RET. - Military Management - Born in Grand Rapids: Nowak was born in 1942 and retired after 32 years of Air Force service as the head of Air Force Logistics and chairman of the Board of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. He was the chief planner and manager of worldwide logistics support during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and operation Just Cause in Panama. He authored an initiative titled "Lean Logistics," which focused on reducing costs while improving support by rebuilding Air Force logistics around a new emphasis on responsive transportation and management information systems.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame 6151 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002 Ph: 269.350.2812 Fax: 269.382.1813 Email: [email protected]

RAY H. OWEN – WWII Fighter Pilot – Resident of Ypsilanti: Ray Owen enlisted in the Naval Air Corps on August 3, 1942. He began ground school in Asheville, North Carolina, flying Piper Cubs, and trained in the Boeing Stearman in Olathe, in June 1943. Later that summer, he transferred to Corpus Christi, Texas, and flew Vultee SNVs and SNJ Texans. In January, he was sent to the Naval Air Station in Miami, Florida, for fighter training in an SBD Dauntless. When he went to Glenview, Illinois, in March, he successfully landed the SBD and received carrier qualification on the USS Sable in Lake Michigan. He was then assigned to Pearl Harbor to receive further training in the F6F Wildcat as part of Airgroup 81. From November 1944 to February 1945, Owen was involved in major strikes in China, Japan and the Philippines aboard the USS Wasp. One flight saw the wings of Owen’s F6F riddled with bullets, but he managed to fly the 100 miles back to the ship, compensating for the sustained damage. He served out the remainder of the war stationed on the East Coast, and separated from the Naval Air Corps in November 1945 as a Lieutenant. He earned the Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and Air Medal. Owen worked as an electrician for the next 45 years, and regularly talks to young people in Detroit, Northville and Midland.

CAPT. JEFFREY W. RANDALL, USN, RET. – Navy Test Pilot, Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor – Born in Battle Creek: Jeffrey Wayne Randall graduated from Harper Creek High School. He attended the University of Michigan on a four-year Naval ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science. He was commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy and began active duty. He trained as a Naval Aviator and was assigned to Attack Squadron 105 flying the A-7 from the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk on missions in South and North Vietnam, earning twenty Air Medals. He served as an A-7 Instructor with Attack Squadron 174 and then completed two cruises flying the A-7 with Attack Squadron 12 off the U.S.S. Independence in the Mediterranean. He was next assigned to Air Development Squadron 5 at China Lake, California, as a test pilot in A-4 Skyhawks, A-6 Intruders, and A-7s. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1976, flying C-118 Transport Aircraft from Selfridge Air Base in Mount Clemens. Promoted to Captain, he served as a NATO staff officer in the Naval Reserve in Battle Creek until his retirement. He was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1979 as an Airspace System Inspection Pilot based in Battle Creek. He served as Captain in jet and turbo-prop airplanes operating in the United States and Europe. He trained newly-hired pilots, and conducted the many site inspections of lighting, navigational, and communication systems required to ensure the safety of the National Airspace System. When Captain Randall retired in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration presented him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe pilot operations. He has accumulated 28,948 pilot hours and still flies part time as a charter pilot for RAI Jets based in Kalamazoo.

DOUGLAS C. SWARTZ – Military Pilot and Charter Pilot – Resident of Michigan: Doug Swartz grew up in Detroit and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in engineering. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and attended pilot training at in Texas. After flight training he was assigned to Southern California flying KC-135 Stratotankers. Eighteen months later he was flying OV-10 Broncos over Vietnam. He flew 300 combat missions in 12 months and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed his duty with the Air Force back in Michigan flying KC-135s. He was then hired as a pilot for the Upjohn Company and spent the next 31 years flying Gulfstreams, Lockheed Jetstars, Cessna Citations and the Embraer 135, completing his career at Upjohn/Pharmacia as their director of aviation. Swartz now flies charters in a Citation III as part of the team at RAI Jets out of Sturgis and Kalamazoo.