posted 12-16-2014 03:23 PM               

National Aviation Hall of Fame reveals names of four to be enshrined in "Class of 2015"

Four to be inducted during formal ceremony in October 2015 include pioneers in propeller development, supersonic flight and man's exploration of space

Today the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) announced the names of four individuals who have been elected for enshrinement at its annual formal ceremony, Friday, October 2, 2015 in Dayton. On that night they will officially join the roster of 225 men and women air and space pioneers who have been inducted by the NAHF since its founding in 1962.

The four names and photos of the incoming Enshrinee Class of 2015 were unveiled at a reception in the NAHF's Learning Center, an interactive exhibit hall located adjacent to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The December 16th announcement date was chosen in part because of its significance as the eve before the anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903. The Wrights were the first two to be enshrined into the Hall back in 1962.

Each year, the NAHF Board of Nominations, a voting body comprised of over 120 aviation professionals nationwide, selects a handful of previously nominated air and space pioneers to be recognized for their achievements with enshrinement into the NAHF. The NAHF Class of 2015 is a diverse group representing a broad range of enduring contributions to both the advancement of flight and the manned exploration of space. The four to be formally enshrined on October 2, 2015, are:

• Brig. General Robert L. Cardenas, USAF (Ret) – After flying WWII combat as a B-24 pilot in Europe, Cardenas graduated from test pilot school in 1945. He was instrumental as the B-29 mothership pilot and operations officer on the supersonic record-breaking X-1 program and as chief pilot on the XB-49 flying wing program. He commanded a combat wing of F-105's in Southeast Asia and later the Air Force Special Operations Force.

• The late Robert N. Hartzell – Son of an Ohio woodworker, Hartzell was inspired by neighbor Orville Wright to explore propeller manufacturing. By WWI, Hartzell's company provided propellers used on "Liberty" engines. After briefly manufacturing its own aircraft, the company focused on supplying wood propellers to its customers and metal propellers used on WWII aircraft. Postwar, Hartzell additionally developed lightweight and controllable propellers that spurred worldwide development of the general aviation industry.

• Eugene "Gene" Kranz – Kranz flew fighters in Korea and was an Air Force flight test engineer before joining NASA's Space Flight Group in 1960, where he rose through roles in flight operations with the progression of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. His 37 years of federal service include serving as Flight Director during the Apollo 13 mission and as NASA Director of Mission Operations, responsible for over 6,000 employees and a $700 million budget.

• The late Abe Silverstein – A mechanical engineer and aerodynamicist who contributed to the improvement of WWII and early supersonic aircraft, Silverstein transitioned from NACA to NASA in 1958, becoming its first Director of the Office of Space Flight Programs. Credited as the architect of the space program and as the Father of Apollo, his vision led man's way to the moon and the exploration of other planets.

The 53rd Annual NAHF Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony will take place on Friday, October 2, 2015 at the National Aviation Hall of Fame Learning Center and the adjacent National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Often referred to as "America's Oscar Night of Aviation," the black-tie ceremony is open to the public and reservations are available by advance purchase from the NAHF.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in Dayton in 1962 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964. Its mission is to honor America's aerospace legends to inspire future leaders, which it does through a 17,000 square-foot public Learning Center featuring interactive exhibits, a youth education program, other public outreach programs, its annual enshrinement ceremony, and collaboration with like-minded organizations.

posted 06-05-2015 02:57 PM               

Apollo 13 Commander James A. Lovell to receive inaugural National Aviation Hall of Fame Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award during "Oscar Night of Aviation"

Former astronaut to accept at 53rd Annual NAHF Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony on October 2, 2015 in Dayton

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) announced today the founding of the Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award, named after the first man to walk on the lunar surface and a 1979 Enshrinee of the Hall of Fame. The Armstrong Award has been established by the NAHF to annually recognize an exceptional one-time aviation performance of national or international significance by a U.S. citizen, or by a group, the majority of which are U.S. citizens.

Former NASA astronaut, Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret), will be the recipient of the inaugural Armstrong Award, which he will personally accept during the NAHF 53rd Annual Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony on Friday, October 2, 2015. Widely known as the "Oscar Night of Aviation," the black-tie event takes place at the NAHF Learning Center and adjacent National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The ceremony features the induction of the Enshrinee Class of 2015: B/Gen Robert Cardenas, USAF (Ret); the late Robert N. Hartzell; Gene Kranz (NASA Flight Director for the Apollo 13 mission), and the late Abe Silverstein (considered "The Father of Apollo"). Capt. Lovell's previous honors include his 1998 induction in the NAHF.

The Armstrong Award recipient is determined by a committee of five NAHF Board members. Capt. Lovell is being honored specifically for his demonstration of a high level of skill in an aviation event, as documented in the key role he played in the Apollo 13 mission on which he served as Mission Commander in April 1970. After the explosion of an oxygen tank aboard the orbiting Apollo Command Module crippled vital systems and caused the three-man crew to abort their mission, Capt. Lovell's skill and leadership were instrumental in orchestrating their safe recovery to Earth.

"The establishment of the Armstrong Award provides the Hall of Fame a process to publicly acknowledge singular breakthroughs in aviation technology, leadership, and service," explained NAHF Board Chairman, William R. Harris. "To set the bar for this new award, we felt it wholly appropriate that Captain Lovell be so recognized for his courage, leadership and skill in bringing Apollo 13 safely home. His actions, though 45 years ago and not on the surface of the moon, continue to inspire us today as much as those of the award's namesake."

Neil Armstrong was a native of Wapakoneta, Ohio, a former Naval aviator, and a record-setting test pilot. After joining the astronaut program in 1962, he served as Command Pilot for Gemini VIII in 1966. As Spacecraft Commander on Apollo 11, he made history on July 20, 1969, by becoming the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong was inducted into the NAHF in 1979, and passed away in 2012.

The 53rd Annual NAHF Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony is open to the public by advance registration only. Several sponsor packages featuring premium seating remain available. A capacity crowd is expected to attend. To make reservations or more information, visit nationalaviation.org or call 937-256-0944 ext.11.