Lt Col Eugene W. Selby, USAF (Ret.) made a major impact to Air Force aviation during his lifetime. He began his career in the T-29D at Webb AFB, TX. In 1969, Gene deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam flying the AC-47 Gunship and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism. He also flew the C-141 and C-5 during his career and on multiple occasions personally had a hand in changing history.

In 1979 during the political revolution in Iran, he flew the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, out of Iran into exile. Gene also flew, in the C-5's cargo hold, the Spirit of St. Louis following Charles Lindbergh's original flight path to Paris for an anniversary of the historical flight. Additionally, he was the Active Duty Advisor for the New York Air National Guard's conversion to the C-5 at Newburgh, NY. He personally delivered each C-5 to the unit as well as instructing each pilot on flying the new airplane.

After 22 years of service, Gene retired in 1989 and became a civilian flight instructor at McGuire AFB, NJ in the C-141 and KC-10. On September 18, 2001, Gene died of lung cancer from his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.