Three Arkansas Pilots Honored in 2025 Aviation Hall of Fame

A World War II flying ace, a NATO air commander, and an innovator in aerial firefighting are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to aviation history as the newest inductees into the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Hall of Fame.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, November 13, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Honoring Three Arkansas Aviation Legends

This year’s inductees include Colonel Virgil K. Merony II, Lieutenant General Glen “Wally” Moorhead, and Kevin Vondran, each leaving a distinct mark on aviation through service, leadership, and innovation.

Col. Virgil K. Merony II

Col. Merony was a native of Pine Bluff and served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. A flying ace credited with destroying nine enemy aircraft while piloting a P-47 Thunderbolt, he remains the only P-47 ace in the 352nd Fighter Group. After being shot down and captured by German forces in 1944, Merony escaped captivity and returned to his unit a year later. He later flew 141 combat missions in Vietnam, including one alongside his son, Virgil Merony III. Following his son’s death in 1969, Merony retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel. He passed away in 1980.

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Lt. Gen. Glen “Wally” Moorhead

Lt. Gen. Glen “Wally” Moorhead, born in Smackover, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1969 and completed more than 50 combat missions in Southeast Asia. Over his 38-year military career, Moorhead commanded elite USAF and NATO units and served as air component commander for operations in the Balkans. He retired in 2006 with over 5,500 flight hours and continues to mentor NATO and Allied air forces. In 2023, he received the Air Force Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contributions.

Kevin Vondran

Kevin Vondran, a Forrest City native, began flying as a fire pilot in 1998 and went on to transform the aerial firefighting industry with his Hydramax Fire Gate and Controller System, now installed in 99% of U.S. firefighting aircraft.

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Supporting Future Aviators

Proceeds from the induction event will benefit aviation scholarships for Arkansas students pursuing flight and aerospace careers.

For more information about the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, this year’s inductees, or to purchase tickets, visit www.arkavhs.com.

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