John Alison, Bednarek, Tex Hill Shown with NAHF President Janet E. Bednarek, PhD, 2005 enshrinee Gen. John L. Alison (left) had the honor of presenting the award to his good friend, Brig. Gen. David L. “Tex” Hill.
The National Aviation Hall of Fame honored a diverse group of aviators on July 15. The late Bessie Coleman, Brig. Gen. David Lee “Tex” Hill, USAF (ret.), Maj. Gen. Robert M. White, USAF (ret.) and Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson were enshrined into the prestigious organization at the 45th Annual NAHF Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony, held at the Dayton Convention Center.
Tony Bill, Academy Award-winning producer, actor, director and avid pilot, served as master of ceremonies. Bill’s credits include producing “The Sting” and “Taxi Driver.” He recently completed directing “Flyboys,” a World War I action/drama due for release on September 29.
Gregory White had the honor of presenting the award to his father, Maj. Gen. Robert M. White, USAF (ret.), fighter pilot, test pilot and X-15 astronaut.
Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Chicago Park District commissioner and cofounder of the DuSable Museum of African American History, presented the award for Coleman, who was the first African American to earn a civilian pilot certificate. Gigi Coleman Brooms, the great niece of Coleman, accepted the award.
An emotional Cliff Robertson received his award from 1988 enshrinee Bob Hoover, as Janet E. Bednarek looked on.
One of the first men to join the American Volunteer Group, Brig. Gen. David Lee “Tex” Hill eventually became a triple ace and one of the most celebrated “Flying Tigers.” His other duties included commanding the first jet unit in the Army Air Force. Hill accepted his award from Maj. Gen. John R. Alison, USAF (ret.), a WWII ace, military tactician and 2005 enshrinee.
Academy and Emmy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson has appeared in 77 major motion pictures. In love with aviation since he was a youth himself, Robertson was the perfect choice to be the first honorary chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Within the field of aviation, his awards have included EAA’s Eagle award and the AOPA Sharples award. Robert A. “Bob” Hoover, test pilot, air racer, air show legend and 1988 enshrinee, presented the award to Robertson.
The evening included a recap of the July 14 presentation of the 2006 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award to the American Society of Aviation Artists. Retired RAF Air Vice Marshal Ron Dick presented the award to ASAA President Kristin Hill.
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- Gigi Coleman Brooms, the great niece of Bessie Coleman, accepted the award for her aunt.
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- Sandra Campbell did a dramatization of Coleman during the enshrinement ceremony.
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- Enshrinee Joseph W. Kittinger Jr. (1997) communes with new enshrinee Maj. Gen. Robert M. White (left).
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- On July 14, during an award ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, American Society of Aviation Artists President Kristin Hill accepted the 2006 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award for the organization.
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- As 2001 enshrinee Gen. Joe Engle listens, Diane Gates Wallach, co-trustee of the Charles C. and June D. Gates Family, discusses the Combs-Gates Award. The $20,000 cash prize is awarded annually for a project that documents NAHF legacies.
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- ASAA President Kristin Hill and Craig Haberle enjoy the company of new NAHF enshrinee Cliff Robertson.
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- New enshrinee Tex Hill shared the weekend’s many touching moments with wife Mazie.
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- Bob Hoover (right) pauses to catch up with fellow test pilot and NAHF enshrinee Fitz Fulton (1999) and his wife Erma.
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- Jerry and Laurie Lips stopped to congratulate emcee Tony Bill on his poignant comments.
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- Guests included Rich Novak (right) and Dick Rutan.
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- Air Vice Marshal, RAF (ret.) Ron Dick presented the Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award on July 14.
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- Jay Warner (left) and Emily Howell Warner (second from right) enjoy the evening with author Ann Lewis Cooper, who penned Howell Warner’s biography, “Weaving the Winds,” and her husband, Maj. Gen. Charles S. Cooper III.
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- Robin Olds (right) visits with Joe Suarez, director of community affairs for Booz Allen Hamilton and an NAHF trustee.
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- International Jet Aviation Services cofounder Lynn Krogh discusses the spectacular evening with Amanda Wright Lane, great grandniece of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who gave the traditional toast to the aviation pioneers.
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- Members of the 8-229th Aviation Regiment out of Ft. Knox, Ky., flew six Apaches in for Tex Hill’s 91st birthday on July 13.
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- NAHF Executor Director Ron Kaplan (in background) and Maj. George Dalton (right) watch as Tex Hill blows out the candles on his birthday cake.
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- Tex Hill proudly waves a “Flying Tigers” hat at Apaches overhead.