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Archives at The Museum of Flight


Wilson, T. A. (Thornton Arnold), 1921-1999

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1921 - 1999

Biographical Note: T.A. Wilson

T.A. Wilson was President of the Boeing Company in the 1970s.

Born in Missouri, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Iowa State University and then a Master's degree from the California Institute of Technology. He started working at the Boeing Company in 1943, working on bomber programs, notably the swept-wing B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress. He also led the proposal team that won the contract for the Minuteman missile. He rose to become president of the company in 1968, chief executive officer in 1969, and chairman in 1972. He retired in 1986 as CEO and retired as chairman in 1987.

Among awards he won were the NAS Award in Aeronautical Engineering in 1985 from the National Academy of Sciences and the Tony Jannus Award in 1992. He was married to Grace Wilson and had three children. He died at age 78 in Palm Springs, California.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Biographical Information Files - W

 Sub-Group
Scope and Contents Individuals whose names begin with W: Wackett, Lawrence, Sir [Director, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation] "Some Experiences of a Pioneer in the Aircraft Industry in Australia." Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, May 1959. Waddell, Jack [Boeing engineering test pilot] "Getting Ready for the Big One," Boeing magazine, December 1968 ...
Dates: 20th Century
Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives / The Museum of Flight Biographical Information Files

William Hough "Bill" Cook Jr. Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2017-10-26
Abstract

The William Hough “Bill” Cook, Jr. Papers are comprised of documents, photographs, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia pertaining to the life and work of Bill Cook, Jr. A significant portion of this collection is made up of correspondence, both personal and professional. Major topics include the Boeing high speed wind tunnel, the B-29, B-47, and B-17 bombers, the development of the YC-14 short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and research on supersonic transport.

Dates: 1925-2012; Majority of material found within 1938-1974
Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives

T.A. Wilson Collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 2000-08-28
Content Description The T.A. Wilson Collection is a small collection consisting of one certificate and three photographs from about 1930-1975. The certificate is an award Wilson received in 1975 for distinguisehd achievement from the Wings Club reconginzing his work at the Boeing Company. The photographs are all formal portraits of Wilson. They consist of a 6x8" black-and-white photograph of Wilson as a young boy; a 5x7" black-and-white photograph of Wilson as a young man; and an 8x10" color photograph of...
Dates: circa 1930-1975
Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives

Harold W. Zipp Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 1992-11-12
Abstract

Harold W. Zipp was an engineer at the Boeing Company for forty years. The collection documents his career, particularly his tenure in Wichita, Kansas, with diaries, photographs and other documents.

Dates: circa 1930-1971; Majority of material found within 1930-1951
Found in: The Museum of Flight Archives

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