Llewelyn "Lou" Williams
Charles Lindbergh's 1927 flight to
Paris
was the inspiration that led 11 year-old "Lou" Williams to begin regular visits to
the Chicago Municipal Airport to absorb
everything he could about aviation.
Williams'
love of aviation grew serious
when he joined the 1O8th Observation
Squadron, Illinois National Guard, in 1938.
He took flight lessons and soloed in 1941.
He was one of 120 candidates in a Civilian Pilot Training
Ground School
awarded a 45-hour scholarship. Lou's performance placed
him in the top
category of highest grades in the class. He was accepted
as an Aviation
Cadet in 1942, graduated, commissioned and assigned as
a test pilot in Air
Service Command, England.
Upon
returning to civilian life, he began a distinguished
lifetime of service
through leadership to a multitude of groups related to
aviation. His
contributions to the development of Illinois aviation
are many, as
summarized by the several organization offices held and
the various
recognition and achievement awards bestowed upon him.
Of particular note
is his tenure as president of the Silver Wings Fraternity,
Illinois Chapter,
which he helped to organize. He became a member of the
United Flying
Octogenarians (UFO) when he flew solo after his 80th
birthday while
possessing a current medical certificate and biennial
flight review.
His
contemporaries are quick to praise his enthusiasm and
active
participation in Illinois aviation. One stated, "Lou's
style of teaching is one
of safety, safety, safety. I received more than just
flying lessons; I received
what flying is all about. It was the joy, the freedom,
the passion, coming
from a man who had done it all and was willing to share
this love he has for
aviation."
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