Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Frederick L. Feinberg Award
Since 1961, the Frederick L. Feinberg award has been presented to the pilot or crew of a vertical flight aircraft who demonstrated outstanding skills or achievement during the preceding 18 months. It honors the memory of an outstanding helicopter test pilot and an exemplary person. The award consists of a stipend ($250), the engraving of the recipient’s name on a plaque, and an individual plaque.
2026
John Rucci
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For advancing autonomous and optionally piloted rotorcraft. Through high-impact demonstrations, he expanded the flight envelope of multiple prototype aircraft, including remote operation of an S-70™ Optionally Piloted Vehicle over long distances and the first unsupervised remote command at operational range.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For advancing autonomous and optionally piloted rotorcraft. Through high-impact demonstrations, he expanded the flight envelope of multiple prototype aircraft, including remote operation of an S-70™ Optionally Piloted Vehicle over long distances and the first unsupervised remote command at operational range.
2025
Mission Adaptive Autonomy Flight Test Team
US Army DEVCOM AvMC
The team demonstrated autonomous external load delivery in complex, contested environments using sensor-based navigation and real-time route adaptation, setting a new benchmark in rotorcraft autonomy and logistics.
US Army DEVCOM AvMC
The team demonstrated autonomous external load delivery in complex, contested environments using sensor-based navigation and real-time route adaptation, setting a new benchmark in rotorcraft autonomy and logistics.
2024
No Award Presented
2023
Alexander Neuhaus and Antoine van Gent
Pilots
For exceptional achievement of landing the Airbus H145 five-bladed prototype helicopter on the highest mountain in the Americas - the 22,837-ft (6,961-m) high Aconcagua mountain in the Andes mountain range in Argentina. This set an unprecedented milestone for twin-engine helicopters in a particularly challenging high-altitude environment.
Pilots
For exceptional achievement of landing the Airbus H145 five-bladed prototype helicopter on the highest mountain in the Americas - the 22,837-ft (6,961-m) high Aconcagua mountain in the Andes mountain range in Argentina. This set an unprecedented milestone for twin-engine helicopters in a particularly challenging high-altitude environment.
2022
Bell V-280 Experimental Test Pilot Team - Don Grove, Paul Ryan, Ernie McGuiness and Terry Glover
Test Pilots
Bell
The team of Bell V-280 Valor test pilots safely performed a full suite of test activities and demonstrated all key performance parameters of this transformational aircraft.
Test Pilots
Bell
The team of Bell V-280 Valor test pilots safely performed a full suite of test activities and demonstrated all key performance parameters of this transformational aircraft.
2021
US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) 7th Special Operations Squadron CV-22 Osprey crew
US Air Force
In October 2020, this special operations wing executed a short-notice, long-range clandestine mission throughout the night to a target 2,000 miles (3,200 km) away, which required multiple refueling over some of the harshest African terrain. Leveraging the speed and range of the CV-22, the crew successfully performed an exfiltration mission from a remote location — totaling 11 hours and required a 17-hour crew day — showing significant self-sacrifice and courageous conduct.
US Air Force
In October 2020, this special operations wing executed a short-notice, long-range clandestine mission throughout the night to a target 2,000 miles (3,200 km) away, which required multiple refueling over some of the harshest African terrain. Leveraging the speed and range of the CV-22, the crew successfully performed an exfiltration mission from a remote location — totaling 11 hours and required a 17-hour crew day — showing significant self-sacrifice and courageous conduct.
2020
US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) 8th Special Operations Squadron CV-22 crew
US Air Force
The four-man CV-22 crew performed conspicuous acts of valor while deployed in support of combat operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria on Jan. 16, 2019. The AFSOC 8th Special Operations Squadron CV-22 crew: Major Peter J. Borchelt, Captain Paul J. Kenter, Technical Sergeant Nathaniel E. Elman, and Staff Sergeant Patrick D. Hillskemper.
US Air Force
The four-man CV-22 crew performed conspicuous acts of valor while deployed in support of combat operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria on Jan. 16, 2019. The AFSOC 8th Special Operations Squadron CV-22 crew: Major Peter J. Borchelt, Captain Paul J. Kenter, Technical Sergeant Nathaniel E. Elman, and Staff Sergeant Patrick D. Hillskemper.
2019
Bill Fell
Primary Test Pilot
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
As the primary test pilot for X2 Technology aircraft, Fell has been instrumental in driving the development of both the S-97 Raider and SB>1 Defiant.
Primary Test Pilot
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
As the primary test pilot for X2 Technology aircraft, Fell has been instrumental in driving the development of both the S-97 Raider and SB>1 Defiant.
2018
Prospero Alexie Uybarreta
The Chief Test Pilot
Martin Aircraft Company Ltd. in Christchurch, New Zealand
Uybarreta flight tested (and helped develop) the unique experimental Series 1 Jetpack, exploring the unknowns of a twin ducted fan, fly-by-wire/control vane, rotary-engine-powered personal VTOL aircraft.
The Chief Test Pilot
Martin Aircraft Company Ltd. in Christchurch, New Zealand
Uybarreta flight tested (and helped develop) the unique experimental Series 1 Jetpack, exploring the unknowns of a twin ducted fan, fly-by-wire/control vane, rotary-engine-powered personal VTOL aircraft.
2017
8th Special Operations Squadron
US Air Force
For their conspicuous acts of valor during flight while deployed in support of ongoing combat and humanitarian assistance operations in CV‑22B Osprey three‑ship formation assigned to Joint Special Operations Command as part of "Advise, Assist and Accompany" operations for African Mission in Somalia.
US Air Force
For their conspicuous acts of valor during flight while deployed in support of ongoing combat and humanitarian assistance operations in CV‑22B Osprey three‑ship formation assigned to Joint Special Operations Command as part of "Advise, Assist and Accompany" operations for African Mission in Somalia.
2016
Troy Caudill
Bell Helicopter
For testing the world's first fly-by-wire commercial helicopter and establishing the Bell 525 design requirements during initial development, testing its redundancy management architecture, assisting with certification plans, and coordinating 525 pilot training
Bell Helicopter
For testing the world's first fly-by-wire commercial helicopter and establishing the Bell 525 design requirements during initial development, testing its redundancy management architecture, assisting with certification plans, and coordinating 525 pilot training
2015
The Crew ofHigh Altitude Aviation Test Site (HAATS) Black Hawk
Army National Guard
For back-to-back rescues of injured mountaineers in September 2014 after climbers were severely injured in unrelated mountaineering accidents on two of Colorado's 14,000 ft (4.3 km) peaks
Army National Guard
For back-to-back rescues of injured mountaineers in September 2014 after climbers were severely injured in unrelated mountaineering accidents on two of Colorado's 14,000 ft (4.3 km) peaks
2014
Pilots and Crew of RESCUE118
The Sikorsky S-61N crew made a heroic nighttime rescue on May 15, 2013, saving the life of an injured climber above a 1,200 ft (365 m) sheer drop in the Bluestack Mountains in severe weather, hovering a halfrotor diameter's distance from the cliff face for 20 minutes
The Sikorsky S-61N crew made a heroic nighttime rescue on May 15, 2013, saving the life of an injured climber above a 1,200 ft (365 m) sheer drop in the Bluestack Mountains in severe weather, hovering a halfrotor diameter's distance from the cliff face for 20 minutes
2013
No Award Presented
2012
LT Scott F. Chirgwin
US Navy
Recognized for his actions during Operation Tomodachi, the disaster relief mission after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Despite the unknown radiological risks, LT Chirgwin assisted in delivering 440,500 pounds of materials such as food, water and medical supplies to over 34,000 people
US Navy
Recognized for his actions during Operation Tomodachi, the disaster relief mission after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Despite the unknown radiological risks, LT Chirgwin assisted in delivering 440,500 pounds of materials such as food, water and medical supplies to over 34,000 people
2011
Kevin L. Bredenbeck
X2 Technology Demonstrator, Director Flight Operations, Chief Test Pilot and Project Test Pilot
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
For being the only person to ever fly the X2 Technology Demonstrator aircraft, and being a principal contributor to the September 2010 successful achievement of the program's primary performance objective of reaching 250 knots and thus exceeding the previous speed record for helicopters in the X2's weight class.
X2 Technology Demonstrator, Director Flight Operations, Chief Test Pilot and Project Test Pilot
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
For being the only person to ever fly the X2 Technology Demonstrator aircraft, and being a principal contributor to the September 2010 successful achievement of the program's primary performance objective of reaching 250 knots and thus exceeding the previous speed record for helicopters in the X2's weight class.
2010
Roy Hopkins and Jeff Greenwood
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
They completed a crucial milestone including the reconversion test of the BellAgusta BA609.
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
They completed a crucial milestone including the reconversion test of the BellAgusta BA609.
2009
The Crew of the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter CGNR 6007
US Coast Guard
In recognition of their extraordinary rescue efforts to save crew members of the F/V ALASKA RANGER, a 200 foot trawler, which was sinking in the Bering Sea 120 nm west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska after losing its rudder. The crew of the CGNR 6007 JAYHAWK saved 15 lives while battling some of the most harrowing sea conditions.
US Coast Guard
In recognition of their extraordinary rescue efforts to save crew members of the F/V ALASKA RANGER, a 200 foot trawler, which was sinking in the Bering Sea 120 nm west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska after losing its rudder. The crew of the CGNR 6007 JAYHAWK saved 15 lives while battling some of the most harrowing sea conditions.
2008
First Polar Team of Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill
This year’s award is given to the First Polar Team of Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill in recognition of their extraordinary world record setting accomplishment on May 23, 2007 in flying around the world from the Arctic Pole to the Antarctic Pole in a Bell 407 helicopter.
This year’s award is given to the First Polar Team of Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill in recognition of their extraordinary world record setting accomplishment on May 23, 2007 in flying around the world from the Arctic Pole to the Antarctic Pole in a Bell 407 helicopter.
2007
Aircrew of Dustoff 57 - Operation Mountain Lion
US Army
This year’s award is given to the Aircrew of Dustoff 57 – Operation Mountain Lion, which on April 23, 2006 rescued a soldier in Afghanistan who had lost his footing and fell over 30 feet down a mountainside.
US Army
This year’s award is given to the Aircrew of Dustoff 57 – Operation Mountain Lion, which on April 23, 2006 rescued a soldier in Afghanistan who had lost his footing and fell over 30 feet down a mountainside.
2006
Blackhawks Squadron, HM-15
US Navy
In 2005 performed disaster relief missions in Indonesia following the southeast Asia Tsunamic, in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, as well as earthquake relief operations in Pakistan following the October 8, 2005 earthquake which devastated that country.
US Navy
In 2005 performed disaster relief missions in Indonesia following the southeast Asia Tsunamic, in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, as well as earthquake relief operations in Pakistan following the October 8, 2005 earthquake which devastated that country.
2005
Capt. Ryan Welch and CW2 Justin Taylor
US Army
For rescuing the downed crew of an OH58D Kiowa helicopter in southern Baghdad at night.
US Army
For rescuing the downed crew of an OH58D Kiowa helicopter in southern Baghdad at night.
2004
Roy Hopkins II
Principal Experimental Test Pilot
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his piloting of the BA609 on its first flight of March 7, 2003.
Principal Experimental Test Pilot
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his piloting of the BA609 on its first flight of March 7, 2003.
2003
Super Blue Hawk Rescue Crews
China Air Force
For the SS Yuanshen No. 2 barge rescue.
China Air Force
For the SS Yuanshen No. 2 barge rescue.
2002
US Marine Corps 15th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units
US Marine
Participated in the Base Rhino, Afghanistan Seizure on November 26, 2001.
US Marine
Participated in the Base Rhino, Afghanistan Seizure on November 26, 2001.
2001
US Coast Guard Aircrews HH-60J Jayhawk 6031, 6001
US Coast Guards
US Coast Guard Aircrews based at Elizabeth City, North Carolina participated in the Seabreeze I Rescue.
US Coast Guards
US Coast Guard Aircrews based at Elizabeth City, North Carolina participated in the Seabreeze I Rescue.
2000
The Rotorcraft Precision Terminal Procedures Program
NRTC/FAA/Industry
This team of Sikorsky and FAA pilots, funded by the National Rotorcraft Technology Center, has developed and demonstrated the first practical precision instrument approach to a hover.
NRTC/FAA/Industry
This team of Sikorsky and FAA pilots, funded by the National Rotorcraft Technology Center, has developed and demonstrated the first practical precision instrument approach to a hover.
1999
V-22 Tiltrotor Pilot Staff
Bell, Boeing, NAWCAD
Bell, Boeing, NAWCAD
1998
The Pilot Staff of the RAH-66 Comanche Combined Test Team
For successful completion of the first phase of the flight test regime for the first prototype Comanche.
For successful completion of the first phase of the flight test regime for the first prototype Comanche.
1997
No Award Presented
1996
Jon S. Dickens
Test Pilot
GKN Westland
Jon S. Dickens, Test Pilot for GKN Westland, managed to save his entire crew when the aircraft he was piloting during flight tests experienced an unexpected malfunction and plummeted to to the ground.
Test Pilot
GKN Westland
Jon S. Dickens, Test Pilot for GKN Westland, managed to save his entire crew when the aircraft he was piloting during flight tests experienced an unexpected malfunction and plummeted to to the ground.
1995
Ray Eche, Doug Pense, and Dave Wright
Era Aviation
For the heroic rescue of three men in the Beaufort Sea by Doug Pense, Dave Wright and Era Ray Eche of Era Aviation.
Era Aviation
For the heroic rescue of three men in the Beaufort Sea by Doug Pense, Dave Wright and Era Ray Eche of Era Aviation.
1994
Crew of HH-60J CG 6008
US Coast Guard
For being the most outstanding achievement during the preceding year- the lifesaving achievement of a US Coast Guard helicopter crew which successfully performed a daring rescue during nighttime above 30 foot seas more than 400 miles from the North Carolina coast.
US Coast Guard
For being the most outstanding achievement during the preceding year- the lifesaving achievement of a US Coast Guard helicopter crew which successfully performed a daring rescue during nighttime above 30 foot seas more than 400 miles from the North Carolina coast.
1993
Leo Meslin and Dwayne Williams
Bell Helicopter Textron
For their work in developing procedures for take-olf and landings at elevated heliports.
Bell Helicopter Textron
For their work in developing procedures for take-olf and landings at elevated heliports.
1992
HMH 461
US Marine Corps
US Marine Corps
1991
B Co., 4th Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment
US Army
For its efforts in evacuation and search and rescue following a cyclone in western Samoa.
US Army
For its efforts in evacuation and search and rescue following a cyclone in western Samoa.
1990
LT David R. McCormick
US Coast Guard
US Coast Guard
1989
Nicholas Lappos
Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft
1988
Charles A. Parlier and W. Edward Wilson
1987
US World Helicopter Championship Team
They captured the title in England in the summer of 1986. The Team, flying OH-58A Kiowas, won the competition over teams from Great Britain, W. Germany, Poland, and the USSR. The U.S. crew, chief warrant officer Jon Isenminger and chief warrant officer Jimmy Green, amassed 2,302 points in the competition, which was in doubt until the last event. Teams competed in four categories: timed arrival rescue, precision hovering, navigation, and slalom.
They captured the title in England in the summer of 1986. The Team, flying OH-58A Kiowas, won the competition over teams from Great Britain, W. Germany, Poland, and the USSR. The U.S. crew, chief warrant officer Jon Isenminger and chief warrant officer Jimmy Green, amassed 2,302 points in the competition, which was in doubt until the last event. Teams competed in four categories: timed arrival rescue, precision hovering, navigation, and slalom.
1986
John S. Tulloch and A. Lynn Freisner
Boeing
John S. Tulloch and A. Lynn Freisner, Boeing Vertol test pilots, were honored for accomplishing the world's first helicopter flight using an optical flight control system.
Boeing
John S. Tulloch and A. Lynn Freisner, Boeing Vertol test pilots, were honored for accomplishing the world's first helicopter flight using an optical flight control system.
1985
COL Robert L. Stewart
US Army
Col Stewart, a mission specialist on space shuttle 41-B was credited with the first successful test of a manned maneuvering unit in orbit.
US Army
Col Stewart, a mission specialist on space shuttle 41-B was credited with the first successful test of a manned maneuvering unit in orbit.
1984
MAJ Edward C. Traasdahl
US Marine Corps
For his performance as the project officer for the Service Acceptance Trials of the CH-53E Super Stallion.
US Marine Corps
For his performance as the project officer for the Service Acceptance Trials of the CH-53E Super Stallion.
1983
John J. Shapley
Manager, FAA's Helicopter Policy and Procedures
U.A. Civil Helicopter Certification
Shapley was recognized for his 20 years of service as a helicopter test pilot and his outstanding leadership role in the development of the Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Certification Directorate.
Manager, FAA's Helicopter Policy and Procedures
U.A. Civil Helicopter Certification
Shapley was recognized for his 20 years of service as a helicopter test pilot and his outstanding leadership role in the development of the Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Certification Directorate.
1982
CPT Stephen Kee and CWO George Chrest
US Army
In recognition of their winning the individual competition and leading the U.S.team to victory in the World Helicopter Championships.
US Army
In recognition of their winning the individual competition and leading the U.S.team to victory in the World Helicopter Championships.
1981
LT John P. Currier
Lieutenant
US Coast Guard
For his heroic rescue of 10 people from the burning and sinking fishing vessel TERRY T. The weather was bad, with winds over 50 knots, seas to 30 feet, and visibility cut to 3/4 of a mile by the heavy rain.
Lieutenant
US Coast Guard
For his heroic rescue of 10 people from the burning and sinking fishing vessel TERRY T. The weather was bad, with winds over 50 knots, seas to 30 feet, and visibility cut to 3/4 of a mile by the heavy rain.
1980
Dorman A. Cannon and Ronald G. Erhart
Bell Helicopter Textron
In recognition of their outstanding achievements as project pilots on the NASA/Army/Navy/Bell XV-15. Tilt Rotor Program. In 1979, Erhart and Cannon piloted the XV-15 Ship Number Two throughout a series of flight tests starting on April 23rd and culminating on July 24th with a full conversion from helicopter to airplane mode.
Bell Helicopter Textron
In recognition of their outstanding achievements as project pilots on the NASA/Army/Navy/Bell XV-15. Tilt Rotor Program. In 1979, Erhart and Cannon piloted the XV-15 Ship Number Two throughout a series of flight tests starting on April 23rd and culminating on July 24th with a full conversion from helicopter to airplane mode.
1979
Walter J. Hodgson (posthumously)
1978
LT James D. Stiles
Pilot and Aircraft Commandar
USCG
For the leadership and courage he demonstrated in the rescue of four crewmen from the fishing vessel Viking Rover, which was disabled and sinking 43 miles south of Cape Sarichef, Alaska.
Pilot and Aircraft Commandar
USCG
For the leadership and courage he demonstrated in the rescue of four crewmen from the fishing vessel Viking Rover, which was disabled and sinking 43 miles south of Cape Sarichef, Alaska.
1977
Ramon J. A. Gibson
Engineering Flight Test Pilot
FAA's Southwest Region
For significant contributions to the certification of commercial helicopters for IFR flight by developing engineering flight-test standards and for his work with industry in establishing criteria for determining compliance with those standards, and for his sustained efforts leading to all-weather flight by rotary-wing aircraft.
Engineering Flight Test Pilot
FAA's Southwest Region
For significant contributions to the certification of commercial helicopters for IFR flight by developing engineering flight-test standards and for his work with industry in establishing criteria for determining compliance with those standards, and for his sustained efforts leading to all-weather flight by rotary-wing aircraft.
1976
LCDR Joseph L. Crowe, Jr.
US Coast Guard
For the rescue of eight crewmen from the Ship Spartan Lady on April 4, 1975. In 60-knot winds and limited visibility, Commander Crowe maneuvered his helicopter over the bow section of the Spartan Lady which was pitching and rolling in 30-foot seas and held a 100-foot hover for 45 minutes until all survivors were lifted to safety.
US Coast Guard
For the rescue of eight crewmen from the Ship Spartan Lady on April 4, 1975. In 60-knot winds and limited visibility, Commander Crowe maneuvered his helicopter over the bow section of the Spartan Lady which was pitching and rolling in 30-foot seas and held a 100-foot hover for 45 minutes until all survivors were lifted to safety.
1975
MAJ Eugene L. Richardson
Commanding Officer, 112th Medical Company(Air Ambulance)
US Army, Marine Army Nataional Guard
For heroic actions in February, 1974. Under most difficult and dangerous conditions, Maj. Richardson volunteered to evacuate injured mountain climbers from Mount Katahdin, Baxter state Park
Commanding Officer, 112th Medical Company(Air Ambulance)
US Army, Marine Army Nataional Guard
For heroic actions in February, 1974. Under most difficult and dangerous conditions, Maj. Richardson volunteered to evacuate injured mountain climbers from Mount Katahdin, Baxter state Park
1974
Azel J. Hutto, Jr.
Project Test Pilot-HLH Program
Boeing Vertol Co.
For the first helicopter flight and an electrical control system ("Fly-by-Wire") without mechanical backup.
Project Test Pilot-HLH Program
Boeing Vertol Co.
For the first helicopter flight and an electrical control system ("Fly-by-Wire") without mechanical backup.
1973
Henry Whitfield
Ag Rotors Inc.
For heroic helicopter rescue operations in Pennsylvania during Hurricane Agnes.
Ag Rotors Inc.
For heroic helicopter rescue operations in Pennsylvania during Hurricane Agnes.
1972
LCDR Paul R. Lewis
US Coast Guard
For an heroic sea rescue of an ill crewman from a merchant ship at night and under extremely hazardous weather conditions.
US Coast Guard
For an heroic sea rescue of an ill crewman from a merchant ship at night and under extremely hazardous weather conditions.
1971
Louis M. Hartwig
Experimental Test Pilot
Bell Helicopter Co.
For his significant contributions to Helicopter Research and Development and, in particular, for the flight program on the AVLABS-Bell high performance helicopter.
Experimental Test Pilot
Bell Helicopter Co.
For his significant contributions to Helicopter Research and Development and, in particular, for the flight program on the AVLABS-Bell high performance helicopter.
1970
1st LT Joseph P. Donovan
US Marine Corps
US Marine Corps
1969
Ronald L. Diggins
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
For outstanding display of piloting skill and personal bravery in rescuing a man trapped on a burning oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico August 21, 1968.
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
For outstanding display of piloting skill and personal bravery in rescuing a man trapped on a burning oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico August 21, 1968.
1968
CPT Jerome R. Daly
Infantry Officers' Advanced Course, Class 68-3, 20th Co., 2nd Student Battalion Student Brigade
US Army
For outstanding achievement in the development of tactics and techniques of helicopter aerial gunnery, smoke laying, and night search and destroy missions, heroically demonstrated under fire on Easter Sunday, 1967, in RVN.
Infantry Officers' Advanced Course, Class 68-3, 20th Co., 2nd Student Battalion Student Brigade
US Army
For outstanding achievement in the development of tactics and techniques of helicopter aerial gunnery, smoke laying, and night search and destroy missions, heroically demonstrated under fire on Easter Sunday, 1967, in RVN.
1967
Robert G. Ferry
Chief Engineering Test Pilot
Hughes Tool Company, Aircraft Division
For his outstanding airmanship, initiative and planning in successfully accomplishing a solo, transcontinental, world-distance-record flight in a light helicopter.
Chief Engineering Test Pilot
Hughes Tool Company, Aircraft Division
For his outstanding airmanship, initiative and planning in successfully accomplishing a solo, transcontinental, world-distance-record flight in a light helicopter.
1966
Delford M. Smith
President
Evergreen Helicopters
For risking his life and his helicopter to rescue a teenage girl from an extremely restricted location on a flooded island in the rapidly rising Yamhill River, at night and under severe adverse weather conditions.
President
Evergreen Helicopters
For risking his life and his helicopter to rescue a teenage girl from an extremely restricted location on a flooded island in the rapidly rising Yamhill River, at night and under severe adverse weather conditions.
1965
COL George P. Seneff
Director of Army Aviation
US Army
For his personal efforts in developing and testing flight techniques of the 11th Aviation Group, the largest tactical aviation organization of its kind. For organizing and equipping a mobile striking force built around the use of rotary-wing type aircraft.
Director of Army Aviation
US Army
For his personal efforts in developing and testing flight techniques of the 11th Aviation Group, the largest tactical aviation organization of its kind. For organizing and equipping a mobile striking force built around the use of rotary-wing type aircraft.
1964
Winford Alan Newton (posthumously)
Chief Test Pilot
Kaman Aircraft Corporation
For his dedication and skill in rotary wing flight test and development. He was among the earliest licensed helicopter pilots and pioneer commercial operators. He managed seven successful world record assaults and was recognized throughout industry and the military for his contributions to and ability in the art of helicopter test flying.
Chief Test Pilot
Kaman Aircraft Corporation
For his dedication and skill in rotary wing flight test and development. He was among the earliest licensed helicopter pilots and pioneer commercial operators. He managed seven successful world record assaults and was recognized throughout industry and the military for his contributions to and ability in the art of helicopter test flying.
1963
LT Robert W. Crafton and CPT Louis K. Keck
Naval Air Test Center
US Navy and US Marine Corps
For establishing an official helicopter speed performance in excess of 200 miles per hour. On February 5, 1962 they flew an SH-JA over a 19 Kilometer course at an average speed of 210.6 miles per hour. In so doing they exhibited exceptional piloting skill and a willingness to undertake a hazardous flight operation in order to advance helicopter state-of-the-art.
Naval Air Test Center
US Navy and US Marine Corps
For establishing an official helicopter speed performance in excess of 200 miles per hour. On February 5, 1962 they flew an SH-JA over a 19 Kilometer course at an average speed of 210.6 miles per hour. In so doing they exhibited exceptional piloting skill and a willingness to undertake a hazardous flight operation in order to advance helicopter state-of-the-art.
1962
Lt.Col. Francis M. Carney
Commander, 3638th Flying Training Squadron (Helicopter)
US Air Force
For the establishment of four new world records for helicopters on 18 and 24 October, 1961. The records established were the maximum altitude for a Class EID helicopter and three time-to-climb records for all types of helicopters.
Commander, 3638th Flying Training Squadron (Helicopter)
US Air Force
For the establishment of four new world records for helicopters on 18 and 24 October, 1961. The records established were the maximum altitude for a Class EID helicopter and three time-to-climb records for all types of helicopters.
1961
Link Luckett
President
Hill-i-Copters, Inc.
For the rescue of two mountain climbers from the 18,000 foot level of Mt. McKinley.
President
Hill-i-Copters, Inc.
For the rescue of two mountain climbers from the 18,000 foot level of Mt. McKinley.
1960
MAJ William J. Davis and CPT Walter J. Hodgson
US Air Force
In recognition of their new world altitude record for class E1D helicopters, exceeding the previous record by over 8,000 feet.
US Air Force
In recognition of their new world altitude record for class E1D helicopters, exceeding the previous record by over 8,000 feet.
Cached June 18, 2026 11:09:49 PM CDT