Winchester, Virginia

Inducted in 1982, Admiral Byrd is best known as an Antarctic and Arctic explorer, aviator and navigator. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1912 and became a Naval aviator. He commanded a number of Navy air units and in the 1920s made the first historic flights over the North and South Poles. Among his other pioneering aviation achievements, Admiral Byrd made significant contributions to the field of aerial navigation and throughout his lifetime was a strong proponent of aviation. Byrd Field, now known as Richmond International Airport, was named after him in his honor.