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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Douglas Luna

Henry P. 'Chick' Luna began his 34-year career in aviation as an Army Air Corps cadet; served in WWII, initially as a ferry pilot, then in B-29's from their introduction, later commanding a squadron and organizing operations for Gen Curtis LeMay; and during Korea, directing operations of a B-29 wing. In periods between active duty and, in fact, for most of his flying career, Mr. Luna was a captain for American Airlines, flying all DC plane types in American's fleet over the years and Boeing 707s when they joined it. During US operations in Korea and Vietnam he flew military contract flights for American. He retired from both American and the USAFR on his 60th birthday in 1970.

He was born in New York in 1910; transferred with American to the SF Bay Area in 1949; resided in Atherton, California from 1961 on; died after a lengthy Illness at Stanford University Hospital in 1988 at 77; and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. His widow, Virginia, died in 2021 at 108, and daughter Jane in 2019. Son Douglas survives.

During Mr. Luna's military service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, several campaign ribbons, a Distinguished Unit Citation and a letter of commendation from Gen Le May. He was a past president of the Grey Eagles, an organization of American Airline pilots; Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club, and several other organizations.