Foil: 13 Panel: 3 Column: 4 Line: 109

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Carolyn M. Grisez

Art Grisez was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 26, 1929. He feels that he is very fortunate to have grown up and lived during the time when aviation and space exploration have grown so rapidly. He was too young to enlist when World War II came, but did receive his private pilot's license at age 16. The Indianapolis Star recognized him as the youngest pilot in Indiana at the time. As soon as he had his license he began to enjoy performing aerobatic maneuvers for fun and at small air shows.

During his twenties and and thirties as a hobby he rebuilt two J-3 Cubs, an Interstate Cadet, a Fairchild PT-19, and a Navy N3N. By age fifty he had logged over 10,000 flight hours in civil aircraft. One of the J-3 Cubs was sold as the raffle prize at an EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) show.

Now in his seventies his interest and love of flying continue as he builds 1/4 scale radio controlled models. His present project is a B-17. His eyes and ears are always tuned to the sky. He is proud to be a part of the new museum where aviation artifacts from his and future generations will be preserved.