The South Carolina Aviation
Hall of Fame
Preserving History Honoring the Past
Joe Giltner
1991
Joe Giltner developed Chester’s Bermuda High Soaring School into the most important Glider Operation in the Southeast.
A World War II fighter pilot and a POW, he was an instructor and Glider Examiner designee. He helped thousands of pilots earn glider ratings and was instrumental in making Chester famous as a competition site for regional and national soaring contests.
Giltner served as an airport commissioner and was a former postmaster.
The Joe Giltner Memorial Trophy
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This trophy was commissioned and endowed by a group of
soaring pilots in 1981 to commemorate the memory of Joe
Giltner following his death. Mr. Giltner, from Chester,
South Carolina, was a dedicated soaring instructor and an
outstanding competitor. For the trophy his friends chose a
bronze sculpture of an osprey about to take flight to
symbolize Joe's love of flying and especially soaring.
This trophy is perpetual and is awarded annually to the
pilot scoring the fastest official speed on a task during
the U.S. 15-Meter National Soaring Championships. The
trophy remains in the custody of the winner for one year and
then is passed on to the next winner. Each recipient is
also given a handsome certificate to commemorate the award.
( photo courtesy of John Seaborn
http://soaring.aerobatics.ws/Awards/giltner.html
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Joe Giltner as Commander of the 354 Fighter Group
Giltner, Joe H. Jr. “Joe”, Boston, MA, Squadron Commander. Shot down on his first combat flight with the 354th Fighter Group. Prisoner of War. Confined at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
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Sandlapper Magazine, Winter 2002