Switlik Foundation

Foil: 26 Panel: 1 Column: 2 Line: 24

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:

The Switlik Foundation was established by Switlik Parachute Company of Trenton, NJ. The Switlik Foundation donates to many groups with an interest in aviation and in education.

Founded by Polish immigrant Stanley Switlik, Switlik Parachute Company (first incorporated in 1920 as the Canvas-Leather Specialty Company) was an early leader in the design and manufacture of parachutes for the aviation industry and the United States military services. The company received five Army-Navy "E" awards for its impressive productivity of parachutes during World War II (WWII) for our country's "Arsenal of Democracy."

The Caterpillar Club, whose membership is made up of men and women who have saved their lives by the use of a parachute in an emergency, was established by Switlik Parachute Company and other parachute manufacturers. The company continues to enroll eligible applicants in the Caterpillar Club and still maintains voluminous files on the members.