Washington, DC—The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today congratulated Robert A. “Bob” Hoover on being awarded the 2014 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. Hoover was given the trophy—awarded annually to a living American for “significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States”—by the National Aeronautic Association at a dinner sponsored by the Aero Club of Washington.
Called the “greatest stick-and-rudder man who ever lived” by Jimmy Doolittle, Hoover’s remarkable career spanned more than 50 years. At the start of World War II, Hoover enlisted with the Tennessee National Guard with the intention of becoming a fighter pilot. As an Army Air Corps pilot, he flew 58 successful combat missions during the war before being shot down over Germany, where he was taken prisoner. Following 16 months in a prisoner-of war-camp, he escaped, stole a German Focke-Wulf 190, and flew to freedom in the Netherlands.
Afterwards, Hoover was assigned to test flight duty for the newly established U.S. Air Force and later became a corporate test pilot for North American flying the newest generation of jet fighters. But he is best known for the delight he brought to millions of fans in the nearly four decades he performed remarkably difficult maneuvers as an air show pilot. Hoover has flown in more air shows than any other pilot in history, and was named the third greatest aviator of all time by Air & Space magazine.
“Watching Bob Hoover perform his heart-stopping acrobatics with such precision is what inspired me to join the U.S. Air Force and become a fighter pilot,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “No one is more deserving of this highly prestigious honor than Bob, whose joy of flying has inspired generations of military and civilian pilots to take to the skies. On top of all of his accomplishments, Bob is a gentleman’s gentleman who has always been eager to share his unmatched technical knowledge of flight and energy management with fellow aviators. It is particularly significant to honor Bob this year as we approach the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2015, and recognize him and all his fellow veterans for their tremendous sacrifice and service to our country.”
Called the “greatest stick-and-rudder man who ever lived” by Jimmy Doolittle, Hoover’s remarkable career spanned more than 50 years. At the start of World War II, Hoover enlisted with the Tennessee National Guard with the intention of becoming a fighter pilot. As an Army Air Corps pilot, he flew 58 successful combat missions during the war before being shot down over Germany, where he was taken prisoner. Following 16 months in a prisoner-of war-camp, he escaped, stole a German Focke-Wulf 190, and flew to freedom in the Netherlands.
Afterwards, Hoover was assigned to test flight duty for the newly established U.S. Air Force and later became a corporate test pilot for North American flying the newest generation of jet fighters. But he is best known for the delight he brought to millions of fans in the nearly four decades he performed remarkably difficult maneuvers as an air show pilot. Hoover has flown in more air shows than any other pilot in history, and was named the third greatest aviator of all time by Air & Space magazine.
“Watching Bob Hoover perform his heart-stopping acrobatics with such precision is what inspired me to join the U.S. Air Force and become a fighter pilot,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “No one is more deserving of this highly prestigious honor than Bob, whose joy of flying has inspired generations of military and civilian pilots to take to the skies. On top of all of his accomplishments, Bob is a gentleman’s gentleman who has always been eager to share his unmatched technical knowledge of flight and energy management with fellow aviators. It is particularly significant to honor Bob this year as we approach the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2015, and recognize him and all his fellow veterans for their tremendous sacrifice and service to our country.”