Gustave Edward LaFontaine, Jr was born April 10,1922, Frankfort, KY. He served as a Navy patrol bomber pilot during World War II (WWII). He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 8 stars, the Presidential Unit Commendation, and other campaign ribbons and awards. After WWII, LaFontaine continued in the Naval Air Reserve for 26 years; serving as pilot, bombardier, navigator, and tactical coordinator on long-range patrol aircraft.

In civilian life, Ed LaFontaine attained the position of Director of Aeronautics for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has the distinction of guiding the office to the first successful State Aviation System Plan in the USA, for which he was awarded the FAA's Silver Certificate. It is noteworthy to mention that only 13 municipally owned and operated airports existed in Kentucky when he joined the Department in 1952. At last count, there were 76 such facilities in Kentucky. None have been opened since his retirement in 1988.

LaFontaine served the National Association of State Aviation Officials as a Regional Vice President, has been enshrined in the Amelia Earhart "Forest of Friendship," and co-founded the Kentucky Aviation Association.

Since the age of 9 he has performed "Taps" over the graves of more than 800 deceased veterans, and continues this practice.

LaFontaine is a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame's Board of Nominations, serves on the Aviation Advisory Board of Eastern Kentucky University's Aviation Program, and is active in the direction and operation of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and it's Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame.

LaFontaine continues to maintain his pilot status, and has accumulated over 6000 hours in 37 Navy and civil aircraft. At the age of 80 he flew a hot air balloon.