1969 – William M. Allen
For significant public service in the development of commercial airlines, civil and military aircraft, and for outstanding leadership and foresight in establishment of policies and programs which have made possible United States’ preeminence in today’s dynamic aviation environment.
1968 – Senator Warren G. Magnuson
For more than two decades of dynamic leadership in developing national and international policy that has assured United States’ preeminence in aeronautics throughout the world and has contributed immeasurably to the health and vitality of America’s economic structure.
1967 – Dr. Igor I. Sikorsky
For public service of significant and enduring value to aviation through the design and production of the world’s first practical helicopter, the conception and construction of the first successful multi-engined aircraft, and the design and production of a series of amphibian aircraft that pioneered transoceanic air transportation.
1966 – Juan Terry Trippe
For significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Through his vision and practicality, he has played a unique role in helping to revolutionize air travel and promote international commerce and goodwill. More than any other man, he pushed the U.S. into international air transportation, where it is now the model for progress, efficiency and safety. Through his 40 years of leadership, he has pioneered flight technology and accelerated the development of new aircraft, from the famous China Clippers of the Pacific routes to the supersonic jets of tomorrow.
1965 – Jerome Lederer
Aviation’s extraordinary safety record to a significant degree is a result of his tireless and devoted efforts. For 35 years, he has worked unceasingly to improve all elements of the flight safety spectrum and concentrated on making compatible the primary elements of flight, the man, the machine, and the ground environment, to ensure maximum safety. In accomplishing this objective, he has taken the leadership in correlating, coordinating, and improving the flight safety activities of the many varied organizations and agencies comprising world aviation. For these selfless and inspired contributions, he has received virtually every national and international safety award.
1964 – Harry F. Guggenheim
For almost half a century, he has devoted a very considerable part of his time to advancing the science and practice of flight. The Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics, which he administered, sponsored schools of aeronautics at New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Georgia School of Technology, and others. The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation, through his personal leadership, sponsored and supported jet propulsion centers at California Institute of Technology and Princeton, and for more than a decade, was the sole financial supporter of Professor Robert H. Goddard, father of modern rocketry.
1963 – Donald W. Douglas, Sr.
For his many services to the nation and contributions to the advancement of aviation as a public servant. Probably best known for his role as the “father” of the famous DC-3 transport, the plane which ushered in a new era of air travel comfort and convenience during the mid-1930s, carried the logistics of global war during World War II and, today, still serves as a feeder airline and business aircraft.
1962 – Jogn Stack
For his outstanding career and reputation for spearheading advancement into the supersonic flight regimes.
1961 – A. S. Mike Monroney
For more than three decades of public service dedicated to the advancement, safety, and equitable regulation of aviation in this country, first as a member of the House of Representatives, then as a member of the United States Senate. Some examples of his aviation leadership are: his continuous emphasis on air safety, his pressure for further advancement in the art of air navigation and traffic control, his leadership in the fields of air cargo development, and the foresight that has put him in the vanguard of airport development throughout the country for over a decade.
1960 – Frederick C. Crawford
Nationally-known engineer and industrial leader who has served the United States government on many occasions and a number of years, he was a member of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (now known as NASA) and served as Chairman of NACA’s Committee on Power Plants for Aircraft. Currently, he is Chairman of the TRW Corporation which offers talented scientific services to the nation.