After graduating from high school in 1941, St. Paul native James C. Magnus became an instructor in the U.S. Navy. He later flew in the Pacific and in Korea for the United States Marine Corps. After finishing his military career, he served as director of aviation for the University of Minnesota and created the University’s Flight School at Anoka County Airport. He began flying for Honeywell in 1954, ending his career 23 years later as chief pilot. He was instrumental in organizing the Minnesota Business Aircraft Association.

Inducted 1996

Brigadier General Wyman Fiske Marshall of Marion, Iowa, worked as a fixed-base operator (FBO) at Waterloo in the late 1920s and as a member of the Three Musketeers air show exhibition team in the 1930s. He became licensing chief for the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where he wrote rules and regulations promoting aviation safety. In 1932 he became a Marine Corps pilot and flew with the original “Hell Divers” military air show team. Marshall joined Northwest Airlines in 1939 and became operations manager by 1942.

During World War II Marshall flew with the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command. His unit received a presidential unit citation for heroism at Guadalcanal. After the war he resumed his career at Northwest and by 1946 had become vice president of operations. Marshall went back on active duty during the Korean War, flying transport aircraft.

Inducted 2000

Mitchell, South Dakota, native Kenneth Maxwell came to the Twin Cities during the Depression and eventually attended Northland Aviation School at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. He worked first for Hanford Airlines, Mid-Continent, and then for Tom North at Northport during World War II.

After the war he worked briefly for Northwest Airlines before opening his own shop at Northport. He eventually moved to Crystal Airport to specialize in propeller repair and maintenance. Since that time, his propeller work has become famous worldwide.

Inducted 1999

Hibbing native Lawrence McCabe enlisted as a naval cadet after graduating from high school in 1942. He graduated from Corpus Christie as a naval aviator in 1944 and was on active duty until 1946 when he joined the Naval Reserve at Minneapolis. He was called back to active duty in 1952 and served as a night fighter pilot on missions into Korea.

McCabe became an FBO (fixed-base operator) in Hibbing in 1955 and provided general aviation services until he sold out in 1962. He served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee and on the Hibbing Airport Commission as its first chair. He became airport manager in 1960.

Governor Elmer L. Anderson appointed him as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Aeronautics in 1962. As commissioner, he supervised and encouraged the establishment of airports and navigation facilities in Minnesota. He served through three more governors and in 1976 was appointed assistant commissioner of Mn/DOT.

After he retired from state office, McCabe became vice president of public relations and governmental affairs for Mesaba Airlines.

Inducted 2002

Ray Miller began flying in 1917, learning the skill at the Curtiss School at Newport News, Virginia, after World War I. He came to St. Paul and went to work for Bill Kidder at Curtiss-Northwest Airplane Company as a general working pilot, flying charters and sight-seers, and giving instruction. In 1920, as a pilot and member of the Minnesota National Guard, he and others in the unit decided to apply to Washington for a charter to create an Air Guard section. Miller, Minnesota Adjutant General William F. Rhinow and Lt. Colonel William C. Garis, Assistant Adjutant General, flew to Washington, D. C. in a Curtiss Oriole rented from Bill Kidder where they were successful in receiving the charter. The new 109th Observation Squadron was formed and in years to come, earned a respectable reputation for its help throughout Minnesota in time of need. Miller served as head of the Minnesota Aeronautics Commission in the 1930s and was active in licensing Minnesota's aircraft and pilots. He commanded the Guard squadron until World War II, when he was called to active duty and sent to Wright Field. He was called again to active duty during the Korean War, and retired from service in 1951. He continued to provide inspiration for the Air Guard until his death.

Inducted 1988

Norman "Bud" Mitchell was a Marine night fighter pilot with two tours in WWII. He was decorated for his action at Pelileu, shooting down a pesky Japanese night intruder. Norm came back from the wars and became a corporate pilot, president of the National Business Aircraft Association, and retired as a G2 pilot for the Star Tribune newspaper. He retired at 60 and was on holiday in Hawaii when a wave hit him from the back. He was completely paralyzed.

Inducted 1993