Highland Springs, Virginia

Inducted in 1984, Willard G. Plentl earned his wings during WWII and flew combat missions during the Korean War. He served as the Director, Virginia Department of Aviation from 1964 to 1984. He is credited with upgrading the quality of Virginia’s general use airports, including installation of electronic navigational and landing aids, paved runways, lighting and rotating beacons. Plentl also is credited with launching a statewide computerized aviation weather reporting system. He was Air Force liaison officer to the Virginia Wing of the CAP before he retired to join the former Virginia Division of Aeronautics.