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James McDonnell

American aerospace pioneer (1899-1980) · United States · On the map · Founders · Died at 81

James Smith "Mac" McDonnell Jr. was an American aviator, engineer, and businessman. He was an aviation pioneer and founder of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, later McDonnell Douglas, and the James S. McDonnell Foundation.

James McDonnell is read about 67 times a day, in 16 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 25 June 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

1980Died22 August 1980J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical EngineeringAward1977National Aviation Hall of FameAward1963Daniel Guggenheim MedalAward1899Born9 April 1899

People around James

Donald Wills Douglas, Sr. Co-founded McDonnell Douglas

Also in Deutsch

Media & music

Photos 1

Astronaut John W. Young (center), pilot of the Gemini-Titan 3 flight, is shown during a steak breakfast which he was served about two hours prior to the 9:24 a.m. (EST) GT-3 launch. At left is McDonnell, board chairman and chief executive officer of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Dr. Charles A. Berry, chief of Center Medical Programs, is at right.

Astronaut John W. Young (center), pilot of the Gemini-Titan 3 flight, is shown during a steak breakfast which he was served about two hours prior to the 9:24 a.m. (EST) GT-3 launch. At left is McDonnell, board chairman and chief executive officer of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Dr. Charles A. Berry, chief of Center Medical Programs, is at right.

Awards

J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering1980

National Aviation Hall of Fame1977

Daniel Guggenheim Medal1963

National Academy of Engineering Founders Award

About this person

Country

United States

Category

Founders

Type

Founder

Status

Deceased

Dates

Lived 1899 to 1980 · aged 81

The same award as James

Ruzena BajcsyBoth received National Academy of Engineering Founders Award

John R. PierceBoth received National Academy of Engineering Founders Award

Harold Eugene EdgertonBoth received National Academy of Engineering Founders Award

Founders from the United States 3

Vladimir Tenev49.1 of 100

Monty Lopez50.8 of 100

David T. Abercrombie49.2 of 100