World War II Honoree

Bernard Ellis

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Honored By

Gregory S. Ellis

Relationship

Son

IN FALL OF 1942 LEFT LOCKHEED CORPORATION TO ENTER THE ARMY AIR CORPS BECAUSE HE FELT THE NEED TO CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO THE WAR EFFORT. BASED ON LEADERSHIP ABILITY AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE, FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS AS 2ND LIEUTENANT IN MYRTLE BEACH ARMY AIR BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA AS THE GROUND MAINTENANCE OFFICER. TRANSFERRED TO WRIGHT FIELD, OHIO IN AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE IN CHARGE OF TESTING CAPTURED ENEMY ROCKETS AND LIAISON WITH U.S. INDUSTRY. LATER BECAME A PIONEER IN THE NEW U.S. AEROSPACE INDUSTRY, TAKING LEADING ENGINEERING ROLE IN MANY MILITARY AND CIVILIAN ROCKET PROPULSION ADVANCES INCLUDING THE X-15.