Turner, Roscoe, 1895-1970

Roscoe Turner (1895-1970) was born and raised in Corinth, Mississippi. He learned to fly airplanes in France during World War I while attached to the American Second Army. After the war he ran a flying circus, barnstormed at air shows and state fairs, flew the first flying store and owned the Roscoe Turner Flying Service, 1926-1929. He also did stunt flying in movies. In 1929 he operated Nevada Airlines, the first high speed airline. Roscoe Turner was the only aviator to win the Thompson and Henderson trophies three times and the Harmon Trophy twice. He and Jimmy Doolittle were the only pilots who won both the Thompson and Bendix trophies. In 1929 he was the first person to land an airplane by parachute. He co-designed and flew the first airplane to fly faster than 300 miles per hour. He broke the transcontinental speed record seven times and was known nationally as "The Speed King." During the 1930s he starred in the radio serials "Flying Time" and "Sky Blazers" which had associated clubs for children. He was a national hero to enthusiasts who listened to the air races and his radio programs or read of his exploits in newspapers and magazines. He gained international fame when he placed second in the speed division of the MacRobertson International Air Race from England to Australia in 1934. He was also famous for racing with his pet lion, Gilmore, as copilot. In 1939 he was awarded the American Legion Goddess of Victory Trophy as the outstanding flier of the year, co-starred in the movie Flight At Midnight, retired from racing and founded the Roscoe Turner Aeronautical Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana. During World War II the corporation trained over 3,500 fliers for the Army Air Corp. He and Jean DuBuque wrote the book Win Your Wings in 1940. From 1941 to 1946 he and Maurice Roddy wrote a column, "Aviation", for the Chicago Times Syndicate. He was a member of the American Legion from its inception and chairman of the National Aeronautic Committee. He was also one of the creators of the Civil Air Patrol and served on its National Executive Board and president of the National Aviation Trades Association for many years. In 1952 Congress awarded Roscoe Turner the Distinguished Flying Cross for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of aerial flight. In 1956 the Federation Aeronautique Internationale awarded him the prestigious Paul Tissandier Diploma for his contribution to private and sport flying. Roscoe Turner was noted for his showmanship, flying skill, and his extraordinary accomplishments during his many years of experimentation to increase aircraft speed and safety. The results of his studies were used in building combat aircraft of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1960 he was appointed a consultant to the House Science and Aeronautics Committee, serving the 86th, 87th and 89th Congresses. Throughout his life he played an active and important part in the development of aviation in the United States.

From the guide to the Roscoe Turner papers, 1897-1972 (bulk 1920-1969), (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

Turner was an aviation pioneer whose first flight experience was as a balloon pilot and aerial observer during World War I. After the war, he barnstormed at air shows, did stunt flying in movies, and participated in airplane races, setting numerous speed records. Noted for his flamboyance and flair for self promotion, Turner flew with a pet lion named Gilmore in the early 1930s. He was involved in numerous business ventures ranging from airlines to flight schools to aircraft design. Turner settled in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he established the Roscoe Turner Aeronautical Corporation and was involved in civic affairs.

Turner was chair of the aeronautics and space committee of the American Legion, a founder of the Civil Air Patrol, president of the National Aviation Trades Association, and served as an advisor to various government agencies.

From the description of Roscoe Turner papers, 1897-1972 (bulk 1920-1969) (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 31912602