MG Carl H. McNair Jr. entered flight training upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy, and has devoted the subsequent 48 years to building the Army's step-child into the highly respected Army Aviation Branch.

Following a tour as an infantry company commander in the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea, McNair went on to command aviation units in Vietnam.

During the course of six campaigns, two Tet offensives and more than 1,500 combat hours McNair was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals for valor and 53 Air Medals.

McNair commanded the Aviation Brigade at Fort Rucker, Ala., from 1974 and 1975, and was commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation Center from 1980 to 1983.

During the latter tour he became the first chief of the Army Aviation Branch.

McNair's other important positions include time as an instructor at both the U.S. Military Academy and the Armed Forces Staff College; deputy for aviation in the Army Secretariat; executive officer to the chief of research and development; and, finally, chief of staff of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

McNair has been an unofficial voice of Army aviation, with literally dozens of activities and top offices in AAAA and a number of other influential organizations.