Born Denver, Colorado, 9 April 1899. Graduated with honors
in physics from Princeton University in 1921 and earned an
MS in Aeronautical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute
of Technology in 1925. Believing an aero engineer should be
able to fly, he joined the Army Air Corps and received his
wings in 1924 -- and embarked on a career in American aircraft
industry which spanned 56 years -- from design engineer to
Chairman of the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation.
Founded McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1939. Most notable
among his design productions were the first carrier based jet
fighter -- the FH-1, America's first manned spacecraft --
Mercury, the acclaimed F4 jet fighter in service for 28 years.
After merging his corporation with Douglas Aircraft he produced
the DC-10 wide body jet transport and the premier F-15 Eagle
Fighter. Retired as Chairman of the McDonnell Corporation in
1972. Died 22 August 1980.
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