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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Jacqueline Watsky

When I was eight years old, Lindbergh captured my interest and imagination in aviation. This interest became a lifelong passion leading to my career as an aviation mechanic. As a member of the first graduating class of the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades (NYC), 1937,1 went from working on WW I Liberty engines, fabric, wood, and wire frames to the jet age, and Monocoque construction frames and materials. In addition to traditional aircraft maintenance, I worked on experimental models, in flight tests as an inspector, x-ray non-destructive testing major overhauls and repairs.
My skills and knowledge of aircraft mechanics enabled me to contribute to the WWII war effort by working as a civilian mechanic for the US Navy at Pearl Harbor overhauling Grumman F-6 Hellcats from 1944 until Japan surrendered. In addition, I worked for Glenn L. Martin, Brewster Aeronautical Corps, and Republic Aviation fabricating aircraft.
My commercial aviation experience was with the Linea Aeropostal Venezuela (LAV), Seaboard and Western, and Eastern Airlines (NY, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale). I was an aircraft and power plant mechanic, mainly on the flight line. I retired from Eastern's Ft. Lauderdale station in 1985 where my
responsibilities included inspection and repair on arrivals and ensuring departures to be airworthy.