Roanoke, Virginia

Inducted in 2004, Eugene Raymond Sweeney began his flight instruction in 1935.  In 1939 he formed Acorn Aviation Club, which continues today at Woodrum Field.  Eugene was drafted into the Army in 1941 and appointed to the Aviation Cadets in 1942.  His military career included 68 round trips over the Hump from China to India flying DC-4s and C-109s.  He was awarded two Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Chinese Commendation Medal and Wings.  His troop transport aircraft was the second to land in Japan after Japan surrendered.  In 1950 Eugene was recalled for the Korean War as C-54 aircraft commander, instructor pilot and test pilot.  During the Berlin Airlift, he piloted a DC-4, which hauled bags of coal into West Berlin.   Over the years, Eugene flew for several international airlines.  Throughout his aviation career, he has logged over 36,000 hours as a pilot, engineer and navigator, including 3,500 over-water flights, and flown over 60 different types of aircraft.