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…