10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and
“So far, this has been one hell of a fine ride, and we ain’t pulled into the station yet!!”
After serving in the USAF, Mike had a number of interesting businesses. He was a Real Estate Broker, a swimming pool contractor (800+), a Regional Sales/Tech Rep for industrial biocides, had a fabric cover/antique aircraft restoration biz, and was a hot sauce entrepreneur.
His hobbies included, sports aviation, Confederate AF, Courtesan, and he was part of organizations that included the VFW, Daedalians, (former), Confederate Air Force, River Rats, Man-Will-Never-Fly-Society, Air Force ASSN, and the Super Sabre Society.
Mike had attended the Maron Military Institue and said that “Approximately 70% of the students at Marion Military Institute had appointments to West Point or Annapolis. The other 30% had daddies that wanted their boys out of jail. I never could pull that appointment deal together.” -Porky
