William A. Medcalf
William A. Medcalf was born in Monmouth, Illinois. His interest in aviation began when he was a schoolboy during World War Two and continued with weekly visits to local airfields. He became a pilot at the age of sixteen. He has continued flying for almost sixty years (propeller-driven aircraft, jets, and gliders). His interest in aviation technical history started while attending the University of Louisville. After graduating with a degree in physics, he served as an officer in the US Navy with assignments including navigator, electronics officer, air officer, CIC officer, and air defense officer. After completing Navy service, he returned to the University of Louisville and completed studies leading to a master’s degree in history (his thesis was titled “An Attempt to Gain Technical Superiority (Technical and Scientific Development of the Equipment for Air Warfare in Germany, World War II