Walter J. Boyne was an internationally recognized author and aviation historian who began his love of aviation when he was just a small boy growing up in East St. Louis. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and went on to be become a bomber pilot, logging thousands of hours of flight time. He retired as a Colonel and joined the National Air and Space Museum in 1974 as a curator, ultimately serving as director from 1983 to 1986. He was involved in all facets of NASM, from the hanging of the planes on display, developing the IMAX films, founding the Institution's popular Air & Space magazine, transforming the neglected Silver Hill restoration complex, and was instrumental in obtaining the land for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at the Dulles International Airport.

All throughout his Air Force and NASM trajectory, he was writing for various aviation magazines and organizations. He was prolific in his work - over 1000 articles and 60 books. He had the need to write and to share his knowledge. He was a valued consultant for innumerable projects, museums, films, TV specials and was often seen on the air and in magazines.

During his life he received many domestic and foreign honors, including the Bronze Star, induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007, a lifetime achievement award from the Air Force Association in 2010, induction into the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame in 2011, and numerous literary awards. However, his greatest reward and pleasure was his work in mentoring several hundred writers. He helped them with advice, reading and commenting on their materials, helping them become published and advising them on promotional activities.

He may have flown his final mission on January 9, 2020 but he would be delighted to know that he is part of the welcoming committee to all the visitors to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.