Hampton, Virginia

Inducted in 1978, Jean A. Roche was known for his skill as an aircraft designer. After obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering, he joined the Army as an aeronautical engineer at McCook Field. After designing several gliders for the Army, he saw the need for a simple, stable civilian aircraft. With the concept in mind, he designed and built the Aeronca C-2, one of the best monoplanes produced at the time.