Major Rudolf Anderson Jr.
Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. was born in Spartanburg in 1927. His family relocated to Greenville, and in 1944, he graduated from Greenville High school.
After earning a degree in textile engineering from Clemson Agricultural College in 1948, Anderson worked briefly in textile...
Samuel F. Austin
Born in High Point, NC, Samuel Austin was educated at North Carolina State and Georgia Tech. He served in Vietnam as an Army Officer and worked in industry and local government.
Austin holds a commercial pilot’s license with multi-engine, helicopter and instrument ratings. Prior to...
Gerald M. Ballard
“Since Gerald became Breakfast Club President, more than 23 years ago, he has done a tremendous amount for the good of aviation. He has brought hundreds of people, from all walks of life, together every two weeks for one common passion—aviation.” Bill Hawkins
...
Jack Barry
John F. “Jack” Barry, a native of Spartanburg, learned to fly in 1940 in the Civilian Pilot Training Program at Palmetto Air School in Spartanburg. At the time, he was a student at Wofford College and worked part time as a flight instructor. During World War II, Barry served in the U.S. Army...
Randolph Battle
Randolph Battle’s lifelong affection for airplanes began early, when he was just a teen. He was recruited for pilot training at the end of World War II by the Army Air Corps, but his actual duty was as an aircraft mechanic in the Philippines. As part of a maintenance squadron, he flew Piper...
Frank Bedard
“…technician, teacher, mentor, and man who would give you the shirt off his back!”
Frank Bedard began his career in 1949, working at the Cleveland, Ohio Airport. He soon joined the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic, where he was recognized for his contribution to safety in the development...
General Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
Born in Columbia, Charles Bolden Jr. earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968 and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California in 1977.
After graduation from the Naval Academy, he accepted a commission as a second lieutenant...
Major General Jones E. Bolt
Major General Jones E. Bolt was born in Ware Shoals in 1921. He graduated from high school at Williamston and earned an engineering degree from Clemson University in 1942. He also earned a reserve commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
In August 1942, he entered active...
Robert Edmiston " Bob" Bryant
In 1959, Robert Bryant was a founding member of The Rock Hill Airport Commission, and he worked tirelessly to establish the airport that now bears his name. He served on that commission until his death in 1977.
Bryant was awarded two international aviation records from the Federation...
Raymond Butters
Ray Butters’ experience in aviation, which began when he was a 12-year-old in Detroit, spans 75 years.
Butters retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years, holding all ranks from “Buck” private in the Army Air Corps to U.S. Air Force Major. He served as a combat pilot in WWII,...
