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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Phil Omenitsch

Hans Omenitsch served in WWII with the USAAF. He entered into military service on 14 March 44, and following basic training, attended Flexible Gunnery School for the B-29 Super Fortress. He was qualified as Air Crew Member/Aerial Gunner. Following his separation from military service on 28 Nov 45, Hans continued to pursue a career in aviation. He went onto employment and further training with American Airlines, ultimately becoming a fully qualified pilot. Hans left the airline, and in 1948 headed for Liberia, West Africa, where he continued in commercial aviation. He was the Operations Manager for the fledgling Liberian International Airways, Limited, which carried passengers on a triangular route in Africa. It was at this time that his greatest aerial adventure occurred. On 20 Sep 48, Hans was on duty as airport manager of the civilian reactivated U.S. Army Air Force base of WWII. A Ju-52 with French military markings had made a forced landing in the Jungle due to severe weather. On board was a party of French Diplomats en-route to attend the Liberian President's wedding. Hans immediately took off in a four place Fairchild to attempt to locate the downed aircraft. He spotted the Junker in a patch of swamp, intact with no casualties. Hans flew back to the airfield and rapidly organized a rescue party which by this time, in the failing light was forced to go over land to the crash sight. All passengers and crew of the French plane were brought to safety. A year later, on 16 Sep 49, Hans was awarded the "Legion of Honour" by the Republic of France on the recommendation of the French High Commissioner for West Africa. Hans left West Africa and took a position with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, fore runner of the Federal Aviation Administration. It was here that he became involved in airport development and operations and was assigned as Chief Airport Manager and Operation Consultant, Aviation Assistance Group, based in the Republic of Panama. Hans continued his government career as the Project and Special Controls Officer of the Dulles International Airport construction project. In 1968, Hans left the federal government and became President of Friendship Flying Service Inc., newly formed general aviation FBO on the south ramp of Friendship International Airport, Balt. Before his death in '87, he'd returned to the FAA as a consultant.