Originally published in 2000
The Texas Aviation Hall of Fame announced on July 14, 2000, the selection of eight new inductees. The new honorees to be inducted in November 2000, are: Ronald G. Bliss, Air Force pilot; Capt. Eugene Ceman, astronaut; General Claire Chennault, founder of the Flying Tigers; Bessie Coleman, first African American to earn an international pilot’s license; Charlie Hillard, first United States winner of the International Aerobatic Championships; D.U. “Dee” Howard, innovator of military and commercial aircraft conversion industry; Fred Parks, bomber group intelligence officer during the famed World War II Ploesti Raids; and Leland Snow, designer of the Snow Air Tractor and leading innovator in aerial agricultural application.
Confirmed by the Texas Legislature and dedicated in 1997, the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame honors Texans who have contributed to the advancement of aviation and outstanding aviation achievements within the state. The Class of 2000 will be honored in special induction ceremonies at the annual Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Gala in Galveston, Texas, on November 10, 2000.