Honors Lone Star Aviators Of Note

The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame told ANN Monday it has named the inductees of the Class of 2006. These aviation legends will be honored at the 8th Annual Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Gala on Saturday, November 11 at 6:00PM. The Hall honors Texans and Texas corporations that have made outstanding contributions to the development, growth, or preservation of aviation.

Without further adieu, the inductees of the Class of 2006 are:

John F. Bookout

John Bookout entered the civilian pilot training program and earned his private pilot certificate at age 19. He reported for Army Air Corps training in 1943 and was eventually assigned to B-17 transition school. Upon completion, Bookout joined the 96th Bomb Group, 413th Bomb Squadron at Snetterton Heath Airfield, UK. From January through April 1945, he flew 19 combat missions over Germany and was the lead crew on three occasions. During his military career, Bookout flew over 1,300 hours in the B-17, B-25, C-47, C-45, P-47 and numerous other training command aircraft. He received the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters along with many other awards and citations before he was discharged as a Captain in 1946. Bookout’s professional career at Shell Oil Company spanned nearly four decades where he served as President and CEO in Houston from 1976-1988. Known as a leader in deep water exploration, he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the petroleum industry.  He continues to serve on the board of directors of many Houston area community, education and philanthropic organizations. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall of Fame and continues to assist in the preservation of aviation history as a director of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

George A. Davis

Lt. Col. George A. Davis flew 266 combat missions during WWII in the P-47 Thunderbolt. He scored seven aerial victories against Japanese aircraft in the Philippines. He flew another 60 combat missions during the Korean conflict in the F-86 Sabre claiming 14 aerial victories. Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor and superb courage on his last mission. While leading a flight of four F-86 Sabres on a combat aerial patrol mission near the Manchurian border, he sighted a formation of approximately 12 enemy MIG-15 aircraft speeding southward toward an area where friendly fighter-bombers were conducting low level operations against Communist lines of communications. With selfless disregard for the numerical superiority of the enemy, Lt Col Davis dove at the MIG formation. He quickly destroyed two enemy jets, and although under continuous fire from the enemy fighters to his rear, he sustained his attack. During the attack his aircraft sustained a direct hit, went out of control, then crashed into a mountain 30 miles south of the Yalu River. Davis' bold attack completely disrupted the enemy formation, permitting the friendly fighter-bombers to successfully complete their interdiction mission. Davis, by his indomitable fighting spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified valor at its highest. Lt Col Davis was awarded the Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters plus numerous other medals and citations.

Edward J. Swearingen

Ed Swearingen began his aviation career at the age of 16 as a civil service employee overhauling military airplanes and piston engines. Retuning to San Antonio in 1959, he formed Swearingen Aircraft and controlled the design of 18 new products ranging from small twin engine piston airplanes to large four engine jets. He produced the Merlin II, III and IV (right) as well as the Metro aircraft. Nearly 1,100 Metros were built for the airline industry. For a significant period of time, more than one-half of the 19 passenger commercial airplanes were Metros. In the late 1980s, Swearingen recognized the need for a small, economic corporate jet with full capabilities in terms of speed and range. His wing design for the SJ30 enabled the aircraft to deliver speed and efficiency making it the world's best value for the fastest and longest range light jet. He is also recognized as being the first to develop exhaust gas temperature as a means of controlling fuel air ratio on small piston powered private airplanes. Swearingen has received numerous awards throughout his distinguished aviation career. A true aviation visionary, Swearingen’s career has spanned the field of aviation to include small general aviation airplanes, commercial airliners, corporate jets and military aircraft.

Robert L. Waltrip

Robert L. Waltrip developed an interest in flying as a young boy during World War II with dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. He began his aviation career in 1950s when he received his private pilot license. Early in his aviation life, Waltrip enjoyed flying vintage WWII trainers such as the Stearman and AT-6 Texan. He later combined his passions for both aviation and history in 1984 when he purchased his first warbird, a B-25 Mitchell. He found many of these rare aircraft were deteriorating and passing into the hands of the scrapper. He continued to acquire historic aircraft and quickly amassed a sizeable collection. Waltrip realized the growing public interest in his stable of warbirds and formed the Lone Star Flight Museum in 1985.  Through his leadership and dedication, the Lone Star Flight Museum quickly became one of the premiere flying museums in the world.  A few examples of the many restorations he sponsored include the B-17 Flying Fortress, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, F8F Bearcat and a Hawker Hurricane.  He served the museum as its Chairman and was a driving force behind the creation of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Thanks to Waltrip’s vision, leadership and dedicated financial support, many historic aircraft and artifacts are preserved in a world class museum for future generations to enjoy.

The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame is known as one of the country’s leading museums of its type. More than a picture and a biography, the exhibits in the Hall of Fame utilize personal artifacts, books, models, awards and other memorabilia to accurately portray each inductee’s experiences, contributions and passion for aviation.

Additionally, the Class of 2006 will be recognized on Sunday, November 12 at the Lone Star Flight Museum’s end-of-season Fly Day. This informal flying event will feature historic aircraft from the Lone Star Flight Museum’s collection and other aircraft from the local area. Gates open at 9:00AM with flying scheduled from noon to 3:00 PM. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to tour the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and view exhibits honoring the new inductees.

The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame is located on Galveston's west end, at the Galveston International Airport.

FMI: www.lonestarflight.org