Dwight Samuel Barney Zimmerley

Foil: 33 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 18

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Mr. Norm Stewart

He was chief test pilot at Minneapolis during World War II. He also served during World War I.
His commercial career began with Hanford Airlines which became Mid Continent which became Braniff. When the forced retirement for pilots, age 60, became effective, he was already 62. He flew privately for another 10 years for top executives in the Midwest.
He was a mentor to many pilots and people. He was very proud of his accomplishments and his career but you would never have known of any of his achievements if you had waited on him to tell you.
Barney Zimmerley's mother, Jennie, bought him an airplane when he was in his early 20s. He became a barnstormer and during this time he set the altitude and distance record. He was also a racecar driver and like many others tied the record for 1 mile in 60 seconds on a dirt track.
He soloed in San Diego in 1914 in a 2 seat Benoist Air Boat. Instructor was Tony Jannus. His license is signed by Orville Wright.
I have been in athletics as a player, at all levels, high school through professionals. I coached for 43 years at the Division I level. I have received every accolade and award. The only reason I am mentioning this is that my career pales to the enormity of Barney Zimmerley. His national and international recognition was equal to anyone in aviation.
In the near future we will make a list of all things available that you might want at the museum. You can then pick and choose what would be of best interest.