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I was born on April 9, 1899 in Denver, Colorado and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. My father ran a general store, which was very successful, near my home. I graduated with a degree in Physics from Princeton University. While I was there, I had my first ride in an airplane. I liked it very much and realized how much I enjoyed aviation. I earned a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1924. Later, I joined the Army Air Corps. I received my wings as a Second Lieutenant in 1924, and began a fifty-six year career in the American Aircraft Industry. | |
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I purchased the Curtiss-Wright aircraft production facility in St. Louis and formed McDonnell Aircraft Company. Initial contracts called for the production of fuselage sections for Boeing B-29 bombers, cowlings for Douglas A-20 bombers, and tail assemblies for Douglas C-47 transports. Even though a lot of military aircraft came from my companies, I was dedicated to the cause of peace in the world, but a peace founded on strength. I was a strong supporter of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a charitable person, and a strong backer of my St. Louis community, especially Washington University. I lived in Missouri until my death on August 22, 1980. I actually died in New York, but was brought back to Washington University's Graham Chapel to have my funeral. |
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