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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:

Louis Gimbel (1902-1942) was instrumental in organizing and establishing the Ferry Command of the Army Air Forces before Pearl Harbor. He attended a special military training camp at Plattsburg, NY and received his commission as a captain in the AAF in August 1941.

He worked on special assignment under BrigGen Robert Olds who originated and executed plans for the Air Corps Ferry Command which later became the Army Air Transport Command (in time receiving the Military Airlift Command and other names). Gimbel was stationed in Washington, DC but made global flights in the line of duty. He was promoted to Major in February 1942 and to LtCol in March 1942.

Gimbel was flying with five other officers near Houlton, Maine on May 24, 1942 when the aircraft crashed. All occupants were killed in the crash. He received a Commendation in February 1942 for his work in organizing the Army Ferry Command.