Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND003 - SHSND Foundation - Aviation Hall of Fame
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 00020
Title: Duane "Pappy" Larson
Date: 1997
Creator:
Inscription/Marks:
Summary: Duane “Pappy” Larson was born in Regent, North Dakota and began his flying career when he joined the US Army and entered the cadet program in 1941. He became an F5l fighter pilot and Flight Commander and flew 68 combat missions in the European Theater during WW II, earning many medals. Duane returned home after his discharge in 1945 and owned and operated the Mott Airport from 1947-1950. During that time he instructed more than 150 students, flew charter flights and introduced aerial spraying to the area. He also performed flight demonstrations at air shows and county fairs around the state. In 1951 Duane joined the North Dakota Air National Guard and served in several positions including the 178th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Commander. He retired in 1969 as the Personnel Staff Officer for the State of North Dakota with the rank of Brigadier General. He distinguished himself as an instructor, test and proficiency check pilot in the B-25, C-45, C47, T-6, F-5 1, T-33, F-94 and F-89. Duane Larson’s leadership had a significant influence on the traditions of the North Dakota Air National Guard. The 178th Fighter Squadron was dubbed the “Happy Hooligans” and Larson, as their commander, became “Pappy” based on a 1920’s cartoon. This nickname has been adopted by the entire unit and still exists. Duane “Pappy” Larson is considered the original “Happy Hooligan”. In addition to his career in the Air Guard, Larson continued his civilian flying, instructing over 50 students and teaching refresher courses for the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. After retirement from the Air National Guard, he flew with Kraft Aviation of Mapleton, ND and later with Schroeder Aviation of Davenport, ND.
Red ID: FND_I_77369 Image ID: 509190 Image Notes: 10950 00003 00020

Collection: FND003 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - Aviation Hall of Fame
Date:

Summary: The North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame honors those in North Dakota aviation who brought exceptional recognition to themselves during their aviation careers. A 12-member committee of the North Dakota Aviation Council judges the merits of nominees based on: - Major achievements in aviation in North Dakota - - Significant contributions to the development of others in aviation in North Dakota - - Special service to the State of North Dakota in aviation activities - - Activities that bring credit to North Dakota aviation either nationally or internationally - - Significant contributions to the local community or the state of North Dakota that are not related to aviation (service clubs, church related, political action, etc.) -

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