1) ATQ Fall 2003 for pdf - Airlift/Tanker Association

The Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame
The men and women of the United States Air Force and our mobility forces are trained and ready to deploy anywhere in the
world in defense of our country. It is their unselfish sacrifice, untiring efforts and outstanding achievements that have contributed
immensely to the establishment and to the maintenance of peace in the free world.
Not only are their efforts and achievements attained during times of conflict, but they also occur during acts of natural disaster
and humanitarian relief efforts. The balance of power and our freedom has been and will continue to be achieved and built on
the “Wings of Freedom.”
The Airlift/Tanker Association wished to recognize and honor those men and women who have distinguished themselves in
the outstanding performance above and beyond their duties as members of the United States Air Force and as Airlifters and
Tankers. It is for this purpose the “Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame” has been established.
Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner
1906 – 1983
His vision of the role airlift plays in our
national defense capability is as valid
now as it was in China or Berlin.
Lt. Gen. Tunner’s outstanding contributions
to our airlift heritage warrant his recognition as
“Father of the Military Airlift Command.”
Inducted – October 1989
Gen. Laurence S. Kuter
1905 – 1979
His leadership, vision and
direction while Military Air Transport
Service Commander
was especially important in the
years 1948-1952,
because it set the courses followed
by MATS/MAC down
to the present.
Inducted – October 1990
Mr. Donald W. Douglas
1892 – 1981
Engineer, visionary and entrepreneur,
he was a monumental figure in
aviation history.
His aircraft designs revolutionized
Commercial and Military Airlift.
Inducted – October 1990
Lt. Gen. Harold L. George
1917 – 1986
His masterful, diplomatic and successful
operation of the Air Transport Command
gained the Army Air Forces an
international reputation for ability
to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
He is recognized as the “First” leader of Airlift.
Inducted – October 1991
Maj. Gen. Cyrus Rowlett (CR) Smith
1899 – 1990
“Aviation is the architect of a changing world,” said
C. R. Smith. Responsible for the expansion in operations
of the Air Transport Command and especially significant
was the provision making “ATC” the War Department
agent for strategic airlift.
Inducted – October 1992
Lt. Gen. Ira E. Eaker
1896 – 1987
An advocate of airpower, a pioneer
of air refueling, a champion of
the famous “Question Mark” flight:
a world record – 150 hours,
40 minutes and 15 seconds that
established and proved
the potential of inflight refueling.
Inducted – October 1993
“There is no question what the roll
of honor in America is.
The roll of honor consists of the names
of those who have squared their
conduct by ideals of duty.”
–Woodrow Wilson
Gen. Robert E. “Dutch” Huyser
1924 – 1997
Commander in Chief of Air Mobility Forces whose career
span covered World War II, Korea, Vietnam and numerous
humanitarian missions. A visionary for Mobility Forces
who established the foundation for a “Global Reach
Capability.” A mentor for both Officer and Enlisted.
A leader who built a backbone deterrent of air mobility
power on the “Wings of Freedom.”
A true American Patriot and Senior Statesman.
Inducted – October 1994
10 A/TQ •Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2003