James H. Kindelberger
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James H. "Dutch" Kindelberger (May 8, 1895 - July 27, 1962) was an aviation pioneer. He was also a leader of North American Aviation for a number of years. The International Aerospace Hall of Fame invested Kindelberger in 1977.
[edit] North American Aviation
Kindelberger became the president and general manager of North American Aviation in 1934. He was promoted to chairman and chief executive officer in 1948, with Lee Atwood replacing him as president. In 1960, Atwood took over as chief executive when Kindelberger retired. Kindelberger remained chairman of the board until his death in 1962. "Under his guidance, North American Aviation broke technological barriers; produced propeller- and jet-powered fighters and bombers, military trainers, rocket engines, and rocket-powered aircraft; and began its role as the prime contractor for the country's space program". Between the years 1935 and 1967, North American Aviation (under Kindelberger's direction) built more military aircraft than any other airplane maker in U.S. history. Kindelberger was recently honored in a documentary by filmmaker William Winship. "Pioneers in Aviation: The Race to the Moon", which profiles four of America's legendary aerospace pioneers--William Boeing, Donald Douglas, Dutch Kindelberger, and James McDonnell--whose achievements led the nation and the world from the era of open-cockpit biplanes to the very threshold of Space. American Public Television will be airing this film starting in Spring 2006. The film has previously unreleased interviews, photos, and film footage of "Dutch" Kindelberger.
[edit] Descendants
Kindelberger's grandson is James K. Graham, son of Ralph and Joan Graham. One of his great grandsons is Hunter B. Graham. Kindelberger's granddaughters are Karen Graham and Toni K. Graham.
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