Guggenheim Medal Recipients
The Daniel Guggenheim Medal was established as an international award for the purpose of honoring an individual who makes notable achievements in advancing the safety and practicality of aviation. The Medal recognizes contributions to aeronautical research and education, the development of commercial aircraft and equipment, and the application of aircraft to the economic and social activities of the nation. Provision for the medal was made in 1929 by the gift of a fund from the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics.
It is sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), SAE International, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the Vertical Flight Society (VFS).
Medalists
2024 | Michimasa Fujino
For technical innovation and leadership in conceiving, designing, and bringing HondaJet to a leading position in the business jet market.
Full Biography2023 | Wayne Johnson
For landmark contributions to vertical flight aeronautics and resulting computational codes enabling the design of the first tiltrotor aircraft, eVTOL aircraft, and the Mars Helicopter.
Full Biography2021 | Alan C. Brown
For Innovation and Technical Leadership of the Design and Production of the F-117, the First Stealth Fighter/Bomber Aircraft.
Full Biography2020 | Ozires Silva
For his leadership in the conception, production, and promotion of commercial aircraft, for founding Embraer S.A., and for his important roles in government and academia.
Full Biography2019 | Dr Sheila E Widnall
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to aerodynamics through research, such as the identification of the Widnall Instability, as well as through education and public service including serving as Secretary of the U.S. Air Force.
Full biography2018 | Prof Irvin Glassman
In recognition of his profound impact on the application of combustion science and engineering to propulsion research and the successful development of propulsion systems.
Full biography2017 | Dr Paul M. Bevilaqua
For the conception and demonstration of the multi-cycle propulsion system and other technologies enabling the production of the F-35 supersonic V/STOL Strike Fighters.
Full biography2016 | Walter Vincenti
For seminal pioneering supersonic wind tunnel research, education in high temperature gas dynamics, and exceptional contributions to the history of engineering technology.
Full biography2015 | Antony Jameson
For exceptional contributions to algorithmic innovation and the development of computational fluid dynamic codes that have made important contributions to aircraft design.
Full biography2014 | Alan R. Mulally
For leadership in the creation, design, development, and manufacture of commercial airplanes, exemplified by the Boeing 777.
Full biography2013 | Abraham E. Karem
For a lifetime of innovative fixed and rotary wing unmanned vehicle designs.
Full biography2012 | Frank Robinson
For conception, design, and manufacture of a family of quiet, affordable, reliable, and versatile helicopters.
Full biography2011 | Burt Rutan
For a distinguished career of highly innovative and successful flight vehicles ranging from home built designs to Voyager and SpaceShipOne.
Full biography2010 | Robert Liebeck
For distinguished engineering as evidenced by the conception and development of Liebeck airfoils and Blended Wing Body aircraft.
Full biography2009 | Arthur Bryson
For a lifetime of seminal contributions to real systems, creating and applying practical optimal control and estimation techniques to airplanes, rotorcraft, and missiles.
Full biography2008 | Earl Dowell
For pioneering contributions to nonlinear aeroelasticity, structural dynamics and unsteady aerodynamics which had a significant influence on aeronautics and for contributions to education and public service in aerospace engineering.
Full biography2007 | Alexander Flax
For outstanding contributions to aerospace engineering in aeroelasticity, unsteady aerodynamics and flight mechanics, and for exceptional leadership of engineering organizations including service to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Full biography2006 | Robert Loewy
For pioneering contributions to rotary-wing aeroelasticity and unsteady aerodynamics which had an enormous influence on rotary-wing technology and his contributions to education and public service in aeronautics.
Full biography2005 | Eugene Covert
For exemplary leadership in aeronautics teaching and research, development of significant state-of-the-art aerodynamic testing techniques, and outstanding contributions to public service.
Full biography2004 | Courtland Perkins
For outstanding contributions to aeronautics in research and teaching in stability and control, and superlative leadership at the national and international levels.
Full biography2003 | Holt Ashley
For pioneering contributions to research, education, and engineering in aeroelasticity, unsteady aerodynamics, and aircraft design. 2002 John Borger For significant pioneering contributions to aircraft and the airline industry from flying boats to jet aircraft.
Full biography2002 | John Borger
For significant pioneering contributions to aircraft and the airline industry from flying boats to jet aircraft.
Full biography2001 | Richard Whitcomb
For seminal contributions in aeronautics, including the development of the Area Rule, Supercritical airfoil. And Winglet concept, which are the basis for modern aerodynamic design.
Full biography2000 | William H. Pickering
In recognition of a distinguished career that pioneered and shaped the exploration of our solar system and for extraordinary contributions to engineering and space.
Full biography1999 | Frank Marble
For major fundamental theoretical and experimental contributions to the fields of internal aerodynamics, combustion and propulsion especially with respect to gas turbines and rockets, and educating generations of leaders in industry and academia. Full biography
1998 | Richard Coar
For outstanding leadership and innovative contributions in providing advanced aeronautical and space propulsion systems.
Full biography1997 | Abe Silverstein
For technical contributions and visionary leadership in advancing the technology of aircraft and propulsion performance, and for the foresight in establishing the Mercury and Gemini manned space flight activities.
Full biography1996 | William Sears
For lifelong contributions to Aeronautics in industry and academia from the aerodynamics of the flying wing to the invention of the adaptive wind tunnel.
Full biography1995 | Robert Seamans, Jr
For life-long technical contributions and technical leadership in academia, industry and government as NASA deputy administrator during the Apollo program and in several other government positions.
Full biography1994 | Helmut Korst
For a legacy of developments in aeronautics where none previously existed; for mentoring a cascade of students and colleagues dedicated to the art and science of fluid mechanics and for a lifetime of inspiration and leadership to the international engineering community.
Full biography1993 | Ludwig Bolkow
For visionary leadership and innovation in the design of rotorcraft, light aircraft, missiles and space systems.
Full biography1992 | Bernard Koff
For continuing leadership in the aircraft gas turbine industry producing many innovative and technological breakthroughs in material and design.
Full biography1991 | Hans P. von Ohain
For pioneering the development of turbo jet propulsion resulting in the first flight of a jet powered aircraft in 1939 and his lifetime achievements in aeronautical propulsion dynamics.
Full biography1990 | Joseph F. Sutter
For outstanding engineering achievement, management, and leadership in the innovative development of three generations of commercial jet aircraft - in particular the 747 - and his contribution to the enhancement of safety in air and space.
Full biography1989 | Fred E. Weick
For development of the NACA cowl and the steerable tricycle landing gear which resulted in significant improvement in practical aircraft design and performance.
Full biography1988 | J R D Tata
For a lifetime of significant contributions to aviation, for pioneering work in developing commercial air travel in India and Asia, and for his leadership in establishing Air India as a major international link between Asia and the rest of the world.
Full biography1987 | Paul MacCready
For his combination of high flying gossamer vision and down to earth engineering skill which made the ancient dream of human powered flight come true and for his contemporary imagination in re-creating the ancient pterdactyl, Quetzalcoatlus Northropi.
Full biography1986 | Hans Wolfgang Liepmann
For outstanding leadership in fluid mechanics research and education. His influence contributed significantly to the development of a generation of outstanding leaders in the field.
Full biography1985 | Thornton Arnold Wilson
For a lifetime contribution to the successful development of commercial and military aircraft and for his outstanding leadership and management skills.
Full biography1984 | Thomas Davis
For outstanding achievements in the development of an airline, of unique general aviation services and, of personnel training techniques accomplished continuously during a period of more than forty years.
Full biography1983 | Nicholas J. Hoff
For a lifetime of significant contributions to the theory and practice of aeronautical structures design as an outstanding scholar and educator.
Full biography1982 | David S. Lewis
For his longstanding contributions to the theory and practice of aeronautical structures design as an outstanding scholar and educator.
Full biography1981 | Clarence L. (Kelly) Johnson
For his brilliant design of a wide range of pace-setting commercial, combat, and reconnaissance aircraft and for his innovative management techniques which developed these aircraft in record time at minimum cost.
Full biography1980 | Edward C. Wells
For his outstanding contributions to the management concepts for the development of complex aerospace systems, and for his significant personal accomplishment in the design and production of a long line of the world’s most famous commercial and military aircraft.
Full biography1979 | Gerhard Neumann
For the development of highly efficient aircraft engines for commercial and military purposes, including creation of one of the first successful turbofan engines which contributed significantly to the efficiency and success of the airline industry.
Full biography1978 | Edward H. Heinemann
For outstanding achievement in the innovative design of military airplanes which are noted or longevity of service, versatility of tasks, simplicity of design, light but rugged structure, high performance and elegance of line.
Full biography1977 | Cyrus R. Smith
For significant public service of enduring value in development of military and civil air transportation and for his contributions as a dynamic leader and articulate spokesman for U.S. aviation progress.
Full biography1976 | Marcel Dassult
For notable achievement in development, production and marketing of many types of aircraft of high performance and outstanding leadership in world aviation.
Full biography1975 | Dwane L. Wallace
For his many engineering, management and leadership contributions in the development of general aviation form a novelty forty years ago to a key part of the world's transportation system today.
Full biography1974 | Floyd L. Thompson
For farsighted development of men and facilities, and for decisive leadership of research that provided technological foundations for manned flight beyond the speed of sound, safe re-entry of spacecraft, and successful exploration of space.
Full biography1973 | William McPherson Allen
For outstanding courage, leadership and pioneering foresight that contributed outstandingly to civil and military aviation, including the evolution of jet transport; and for hid broad counsel and support to government and industry during a distinguished career.
Full biography1972 | William C. Mentzer (posthumous)
For manifold accomplishments in airline engineering, maintenance and economic disciplines, which accomplishments contributed significantly to the achievement of today's civil air transportation systems.
Full biography1971 | Sir Archibald E. Russell
For his personal devotion and many contributions to aircraft engineering and design and particularly for his outstanding leadership of the Bristol team in the development of the Anglo-French "Concorde" Supersonic Transport Aircraft.
Full biography1970 | Jakob Ackeret
For original and outstanding contributions to aerodynamics, aviation, and engineering education.
Full biography1969 | H. Julian Allen
For personal contributions to outstanding research and development leading to vastly improved re-entry bodies, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft, and for leadership in directing and inspiring a large group of research men at Ames Laboratory.
Full biography1968 | H. M. Horner
For his lifelong dedication and significant contributions to the advancement of modern aviation through the development and production of an outstanding series of aircraft power plants and spacecraft propulsion engines.
Full biography1967 | George S. Schairer
For his many contributions to the achievement of outstanding progress in sub-sonic flight, and in the promise of supersonic flight, and in the equipment and methods for space exploration.
Full biography1966 | Charles Stark Draper
For contributions to aeronautical education and significant developments in new fields of aircraft instrumentation, in particular for pioneering inertial guidance techniques making possible in rout navigation independently of earth references; for over twenty-five years of leadership, in the technology of control and guidance of flight vehicle, and with the training of engineers in this vital field of aeronautics and astronautics.
Full biography1965 | Sir Sydney Camm (posthumous)
For over fifty years of continuous dedication to the design of military aircraft, the pioneering of many new concepts and the creation of many successful aircraft representative of the best traditions of British design skill.
Full biography1964 | Robert H. Goddard (posthumous)
For pioneering in rock development and astronautics, including the first liquid propelled rocket flight, and contributions toward aerodynamically applicable reaction engines.
Full biography1963 | James S. McDonnell, Jr.
For lifetime contribution of outstanding nature in the design and development of military aircraft and for pioneer work in space technology.
Full biography1962 | James H. Kindelberger (posthumous)
For technical and industrial leadership in producing excellent aircraft, and space equipment from early fighters to the X-15 space plane.
Full biography1961 | Jerome Lederer
For his lifelong dedication to the cause of flight safety and his constant untiring efforts to reduce the hazards of aviation.
Full biography1960 | Grover Loening
Pioneer, engineer, public servant. For a lifetime devoted to the advancement of aeronautics in America.
Full biography1959 | Sir George R. Edwards
For a life time devoted to the design of military and commercial aircraft culminating in the successful introduction to world-wide commercial service of the first turbine powered propeller driven aircraft.
Full biography1958 | William Littlewood
For leadership and continuous personal participation over a quarter of a century in developing the equipment and operating techniques of air transport.
Full biography1957 | Arthur Emmons Raymond
For the development of a long-line successful civil and military aircraft, and for notable contributions to aeronautics in public service.
Full biography1956 | Frederick B. Rentschler (posthumous)
For a wide range of major achievements throughout a lifetime devoted to aviation with specific reference to his many notable contributions to the vital aircraft engine field. Full biography
1955 | Theodore Von Karman
For long continued leadership in the development of aerodynamic theory and in its application to the practical problems of flight in education in the aeronautical sciences and in stimulating international cooperation in aeronautical research.
Full biography1954 | Clarence Decatur Howe
Engineer and statesman, Minister of Trade and Commerce and Minister of Defense Production for initiating and organizing commercial air routes and services, promoting aeronautical research, development and production of aircraft and engines, and advancing the art of aeronautics.
Full biography1953 | Charles A. Lindbergh
For pioneering achievements in flight and air navigation.
Full biography1952 | Sir Geoffrey De Havilland
For forty years of pioneering in military and commercial aircraft and the development of long-range jet transport.
Full biography1951 | Igor Ivan Sikorsky
For a lifetime of outstanding contributions to aeronautics, including pioneering with multi-engine airplanes, flying boats, amphibians and helicopters.
Full biography1950 | Hugh Latimer Dryden
For outstanding leadership in aeronautical research and fundamental contributions to aeronautical science.
Full biography1949 | Edward Pearson Warner
For pioneering in research and a continuous record of contributions to the art and science of aeronautics.
Full biography1948 | Leroy Randle Grumman
For outstanding achievement in successfully advancing aircraft design both for Naval and peacetime use.
Full biography1947 | Lester Durand Gardner
For outstanding achievement in advancing aeronautics, particularly for his conception and organization of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences.
Full biography1946 | Frank Whittle
For pioneering the development of turbo-jet propulsion of aircraft.
Full biography1945 | Theodore P. Wright
For outstanding contributions to the development of civil and military aircraft, and for notable achievement in assuring the success of our wartime aircraft production program.
Full biography1944 | Lawrence D. Bell
For achievement in design and construction of military aircraft and for outstanding contributions to the methods of production.
Full biography1943 | Edmund Turney Allen (posthumous)
For major contributions to aeronautics leading to important advance in airplane design, flight research, and airline operation, particularly for the presentation of new methods for operational control and for the development of scientific and systematic methods in the flight testing of aircraft for basic design and performance data.
Full biography1942 | James H. Doolittle
For notable achievements in the advancement of both the art and the science of aeronautics.
Full biography1941 | Juan T. Trippe
For the development and successful operation of oceanic air transport.
Full biography1940 | Glenn L. Martin
For contributions to aeronautical development and the production of many types of aircraft of high performance.
Full biography1939 | Donald W. Douglas
For outstanding contributions to the design and construction of transport airplanes.
Full biography1938 | Alfred H. R. Fedden
For contributions to the development of aircraft engine design and for the specific design of the Sleeve Valve aircraft engine.
Full biography1937 | Hugo Eckener
For notable contributions to transoceanic air-transport and to international cooperation in aeronautics.
Full biography1936 | George W. Lewis
For pioneer and creative work in the theory of dynamics. 1935 William F. Durand For notable achievement as pioneer in laboratory research and theory of aeronautics; distinguished contributions to the theory and development of aircraft propellers.
Full biography1935 | William F. Durand
For notable achievement as pioneer in laboratory research and theory of aeronautics; distinguished contributions to the theory and development of aircraft propellers.
Full biography1934 | William E. Boeing
For successful pioneering and achievement in aircraft manufacturing and air transport.
Full biography1933 | Jerome C. Hunsaker
For contributions to the science of aerodynamics, to the science and art of aircraft design, and to the practical construction and commercial utilization of rigid airships.
Full biography1932 | Juan De La Cierva
For development of the theory and practice of the autogiro.
Full biography1931 | Frederick W. Lanchester
For contributions to the fundamental theory of aerodynamics.
Full biography1930 | Ludwig Prandtl
For pioneering and creative work in the theory of dynamics.
Full biography1929 | Orville Wright
For the design and construction, with his brother now deceased, of the first successful engine-propelled airplane.
Full biography