1969 – James H. Straubel
For outstanding contributions to the growth and development of aerospace education in the United States and abroad–as a stimulant, catalyst and innovator–during more than two decades, both as Executive Director of the Air Force Association and of the Aerospace Education Foundation.
1968 – Joseph T. Geuting, Jr.
For more than 20 years of dedicated involvement in numerous national aerospace education programs, and particularly for his influential and innovative leadership in General Aviation through encouraging industry’s active participation in aerospace education to enrich the school curricula and give to the youth of our nation a deeper understanding of the meaning of flight and its impact upon their lives.
1967 – Dr. Roland H. Spaulding
For forty years of continuous, outstanding, and pioneering contributions in aerospace education to the youth of the nation, as a classroom teacher and as an educational administrator; for his dynamic and inspiring teaching of thousands of students and teachers; for his efforts in organizing and directing aerospace education workshops for teachers; for his active participation and unstinted service as a member and as an officer of numerous aerospace organizations and committees, many of which he is a charter member; and for his leadership and perseverance, resulting in significant achievements in fostering the inclusion of aviation and space concepts in educational systems throughout the nation.
1966 – Dr. Mervin K. Strickler, Jr.
For his continuous and enthusiastic contributions to the education of youth as to the place of aviation in their lives today and its promises and challenges for tomorrow; for his energetic, imaginative and innovative programs as Special Assistant for Aviation Education, Office of General Aviation Affairs of the Federal Aviation Agency, which have brought the educational community in closer contact with aviation; for the inspiration and encouragement he has given to thousands of teachers and students; for his past leadership of the national program of aviation education of the Civil Air Patrol; and for his long years of service as a charter member and officer of the National Aerospace Education Council.
1965 – Mrs. Jane N. Marshall
For her contributions to enlarged aerospace horizons for those who teach our nation’s youth. Through her creative writing in educator-oriented aerospace publications, her development of timely bibliographies and teaching aids, and her leadership in the organization and administration of aerospace education work shops for teachers, she has contributed significantly to fuller understanding of the impact of flight upon all Americans.
1964 – Gill Robb Wilson
For his writing, his speaking and his devoted public service, which has brought the message of aerospace to the minds and hearts of the American young people. He has translated the knowledge and skills of the flyer into the language that is both meaningful and inspirational to the millions of young people who have heard him speak and read his prose and poetry. His entire career has been one of education, in the fullest and finest sense.
1963 – Marilyn Link
For her distinguished and outstanding meritorious service to the Air Youth of America in aerospace education, and for her work towards the stimulation, guidance, encouragement and inspiration of young minds to make some truly great accomplishments in aviation and aviation safety. Her personal participation in programs for the Link Foundation and aerospace education have encompassed 18 colleges and universities from Massachusetts to the State of Washington, and from Michigan to Texas. The programs have embraced fellowships, scholarships, workshops, seminars and conferences.
1962 – Dr. Merlyn McLaughlin
For distinguished and unselfish service to aviation education over a period of years as a writer and lecturer, a pioneer aviation teacher and administrator, a Civil Air Patrol leader, and an officer of the United States Air Force.
1961 – James V. Bernardo
For developing a plan of national space mobile demonstration units to supplement high school science programs; personally organizing and teaching 32 aviation education workshops in 21 United States colleges prior to joining NASA; and authoring the book “Aviation in the Modern World,” which covered both aviation and space exploration.
1960 – George N. Gardner, Pan American World Airways, Inc.
As Education Director of Pan American Airways, for his singular contribution to aviation education through the publication of materials tailored specifically to classroom use, through educational travel, and through the development and administration of an original and highly educational model aviation event.