Walk of Fame

Major General Harry G. Armstrong, MD (1899-1983) was a flight surgeon, teacher, writer and researcher who founded the Physiological Research Laboratory at Wright Field in 1935. There he conducted pioneering work leading to the development of equipment that permitted pilots to fly safely at supersonic speeds and high altitudes. His work in determining the physiological effects of abrupt deceleration, curvilinear flight and the problems associated with high-altitude operations led to G-suits, oxygen systems and pressure breathing equipment while helping define the human requirements for space flight. Dr. Armstrong conducted pioneering aviation medical research and authored a classic textbook on aviation medicine as well as over 100 papers on aerospace medicine. The Armstrong Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is named for him. Inducted: 1996.

— compiled by the Dayton Region’s Walk of Fame