William Shatner
William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 70 years as an award-winning actor , director , producer , writer , recording artist and equestrian . He is one of Hollywood ’ s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist . On October 13 , 2021 he became the oldest person to go into space , at age 90 , on board the Blue Origin NS-18 , when he went beyond the Kármán line . In 1966 , Shatner originated the role of “ Captain James T . Kirk ” in the television series Star Trek . The series spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies , one of which he directed . He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “ Denny Crane ” on both The Practice and Boston Legal .
Royce Williams
William Shatner on Blue Origin NS-18
Royce Williams
On November 18 , 1952 , E . Royce Williams was flying with three other members of VF-781 from the USS Oriskany when they encountered seven Mig-15s . Out manned and piloting what most consider an inferior aircraft to the Mig-15 , Williams engaged the seven Migs for 35 minutes , shooting down four of them . This would be the longest dogfight in the history of the US Navy , and the deciding factor would be William ’ s skill as a pilot . Although his Panther was shot 263 times , he was able to make it back to the Oriskany and land safely . Williams is the recipient of the Navy Cross , the Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses .
Robert DeLaurentis
Robert DeLaurentis
Robert DeLaurentis is an American aviator , businessman and author . He was the first solo pilot to fly a Piper Malibu Mirage , a small , single-engine plane , around the world from May 17 , 2015 to August 14 , 2015 . The flight covered 26,000 nautical miles and 23 countries in the 98 days for a fundraising campaign to support aviation programs . On August 10 , 2020 , DeLaurentis completed a nine-month , 26,000 nautical mile polar circumnavigation and global peace mission , “ One Planet , One People , One Plane : Oneness for Humanity .”
Proceeds from the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame celebration benefit the Museum ’ s youth education programs .
www . sandiegoairandspace . org
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