The National Aviation Hall of Fame Saturday conducted its 47th annual enshrinements in Dayton, Ohio, and along with an airline man, a WWII triple-ace and military commander, active air show pilot and general aviation ambassador Sean D. Tucker was on the list. Dr. Peter Diamandis and his X Prize Foundation were also honored, being awarded the “Spirit of Flight Award.” As for enshrinees, Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson flew the P-51B “Old Crow” while assigned to the 357th Fighter Group. The 357th was credited with shooting down a record 609 1/2 enemy aircraft in only 15 months and produced 42 aces. Fellow military man, the late William A. Moffett, the “father of naval aviation,” was also enshrined as was Herbert D. Kelleher, founder and retired chairman of Southwest Airlines.
The list of recognized presenters included Rear Admiral John W. “Bill” Goodwin, USN, Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet and Col. Joe Kittinger, USAF (Ret) and 1997 enshrinee. Tucker also flew in the Dayton Air Show over the weekend.
