National Aviation Hall of Fame honors air, space pioneers

Since 1962, the National Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted 245 of America’s air and space pioneers — individuals who have uniquely contributed to America’s rich legacy of aviation achievement. Their prestigious ranks include aviation legends from pioneers like the Wright brothers and Bessie Coleman to astronauts like Joe Engle and Neil Armstrong.

Two years after its founding as an Ohio not-for-profit corporation in Dayton, Congress chartered the organization in 1964 as a nationally designated entity. It reports annually to Congress but receives no local, state or federal funding. Its support comes mainly from tax-deductible membership dues and contributions.

The NAHF, co-located with the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force, is committed to informing the public of American aviation heroes, their accomplishments and their impact.

The Hall of Fame’s premier annual event draws a “who’s who” of aerospace greats. Its 2019 enshrinement is in Denver; in 2020, it’s to return to the Birthplace of Aviation. Visit nationalaviation.org for more information.

CONTRIBUTED Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2018 were Col. R. Walter Cunningham, USMC (Ret.), Korean War veteran, fighter pilot and Apollo astronaut; Gen. John R. Dailey, USMC (Ret.), Vietnam veteran, fighter pilot, Marine Corps, NASA and NASM leader; the late Mr. William “Bill” Dana, NASA pioneer, engineer and test pilot; and Gen. Ronald R. “Ron” Fogleman, USAF (Ret.), Vietnam veteran, fighter pilot and Air Force Leader.