Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory
In 1969 Colonel Kevin McElvain was serving in Viet Nam. In one incident McElvain diverted off a tanker in order to support troops in contact. A Long Range Patrol Team was under extreme fire and unable to be extracted. His flight made multiple low angle passes with high drag bombs and as we were departing the target area the FAC reported that the choppers were able to get in and extract the team intact. He says it was a “Great feeling to provide some real help from the air in the trusty HUN!”
From 1990 to 1993, after serving as a Fighter Pilot, Col. McElvain became an Academic/Simulator Instructor with the 58th Tactical Training Wing at Luke AFB in Arizona. He then went to work for Southwest Airlines from 1991 – 2005 flying the 737-200/300/500/700 as First Officer/Captain.
In 1995 he fully retired and now resides with his wife, Mary, in Litchfield Park, AZ.
