James Wayne Wood 1924-1990

James Wayne Wood was born in Paragould, Arkansas. He received a BS in aeronautical engineering from Air Force Institute of Technology in 1956. Whilst serving with the US Air Force h flew 10 combat missions during World War II and more then 100 in the Korean War. Experimental test pilot at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB.
He was selected as a pilot for the X-20 Dyna-Soar. After cancellation of the project he resumed his career as a pilot in the USAF. He was appointed Commander, Test Operations, Edwards AFB, California (until 1978). Retired from the USAF with the rank of Colonel. Later test pilot and Director of Operations, Tracor Flight Systems Inc. in Newport Beach, California.