Under the National Defense Act of 1920, Major Henry C.K. Muhlenberg was officially attached to the University of Washington in January 1921. His assignment was to organize one of the six original Air ROTC programs in the United States. Contained under the Army ROTC program, Air ROTC cadets began training in October 1921 with the new school year. Thus began the more than 100-year history of Air Force ROTC Detachment 910.
NOTABLE MOMENTS IN DETACHMENT 910 HISTORY
1921 – UW Air ROTC program begins as 1 of 7 units
1921 – October 8th, Maj Muhlenberg lands the 1st military aircraft at what will become Sand Point Naval Air Station (courtesy of Historylink.org)
1923 – First UW Army Air 2Lts commissioned
1923 – Sand Point Naval Air Station is established and UW Army Air ROTC is permitted to store their plane, Jenny, there for a few years
1928 – Temporary program closure
1938 – National Civilian Pilot Training Program established
1943 – U.S. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) created
1946 – U. S. Air ROTC re-established at UW
1947 – U. S. Air Force emerges as its own service branch
1948 – UW Air Force ROTC Detachment 910 formally named
1948 – First UW Air Force 2Lts commissioned
1971 – AFROTC accepts women into the program
2019 – The U.S. Space Force is established
2020 – First UW Space Force 2Lt is commissioned
HEROIC HUSKIES
Each person below is a Husky Hero. Each gave their life while in service to our great nation. Take a moment to learn about them and know that the Huskies who came before you have left a lasting legacy.
1LT Douglas N. Matheson, Pilot
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1Lt Douglas Matheson graduated from the University of Washington, Class of 1948 with a degree in Sociology. He served during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. On April 9, 1951 1Lt Matheson was flying his F-84F in South Korea when he experienced technical issues and his plane went down. 1Lt Matheson did not survive. 1Lt Matheson was an original member of the UW chapter of the Arnold Air Society. The chapter was named in dedication to his memory in 1951.
Col Ralph Balcom, Pilot
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Col Ralph Balcom graduated from the University of Washington, Class of 1955, with a degree in Business. He served during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. He deployed as an F-105D pilot with the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. On May 15, 1966 he was forced to eject from his Thunderchief Fighter (F-105D) in the demilitarized zon in Quang Binh Province, North Vietnam. It is believed that Captain Balcom was killed on that date, but he was officially listed as Missing in Action and promoted through the ranks to Colonel until being declared dead on December 27, 1977. Col Balcom’s dog tag was returned to the family in 2021, but his remains are still missing.
His 2nd Distinguished Flying Cross Citation for Valor reads:
Captain Ralph C. Balcom distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as acting Flight Leader of three F-105 Thunderchiefs involved in an interdiction mission in Southeast Asia, on 15 May 1966. On that date, Captain Balcom led his flight to a vital road segment linking the logistic thoroughfare to South Vietnam from the North through weather which normally precludes mission accomplishment. Despite heavy defenses and the prohibitively low ceiling, Captain Balcom pressed the attack with the courage and precision which had characterized his preceding ninety-five combat missions. The tremendous explosions of his high explosive ordnance shook his aircraft after tearing great gaps in the road, rendering it useless for vehicular traffic. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Balcom reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
1LT Robert A. Eisenbeisz, Navigator
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1Lt Robert Eisenbeisz graduated from the University of Washington, Class of 1968. 1LT Eisenbeisz was serving with 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron based at Phu Cat Air Base, Binh Dinh Province, II Corps, RVN. On February 11, 1971, 1LT Eisenbeisz was flying a close-air support mission near Ba Long, approximately 12 miles southwest of Quang Tri City, with pilot Capt M.W. Ford in a USAF F-4D Phantom II. While pulling off from the target area during their third pass, their aircraft was hit by automatic weapons fire. Capt Ford successfully ejected and was rescued; however, 1Lt Eisenbeisz did not leave the aircraft. His remains were recovered.
The Wall of Faces Roland Yoshida, fellow Det 910 said, “My friend and classmate from AFROTC at UW, roommate at Navigator and Electronic Warfare training at Mather AFB, I have never forgotten our good times together. I did not know you were interred at Evergreen Washelli. I shall make it a point to visit and chat with you next time I am in Seattle, and reflect on the 50 years since. Bob, Rest in Peace. Always Yosh”
Maj Larry J. Hanley, Pilot
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Major Larry J. Hanley graduated from the University of Washington, Class of 1965. Maj Hanley was killed in an F-105D in Vietnam on November 4, 1969. Maj Hanley was among our Missing in Action until the spring of 2013 when he was finally brought home to be laid to rest. A hair was found in his training helmet that was stored in his mother’s home. That hair was used to confirm his identity. Maj Hanley’s training helmet is displayed in the detachment as a reminder of his sacrifice and the sacrifice of all the others who have yet to come home.
He completed 119 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, and 13 Air Medals for service in Vietnam. He returned to the states, trained in the F105 Thunderchief and volunteered for a second tour of duty. He was assigned to the 355th TFW/357th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Takhli AF base, Thailand, where he was stationed until his death. He was awarded the Purple Heart. His mother also received the MIA Vietnam Medal.
Capt Michael K. Elder, Pilot
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Bergstrom AFB. 21 January, 1987. 2 RF-4C Phantom II aircraft collided while engaged in a mock dogfight training exercise over Brownwood, Texas. 3 parachutes ejected. One fluttered empty to the ground. 2 of the 4 airmen survived. Capt Michael Elder, Class of 1977, was one who did not.
LtCol Michael P. Anderson, Astronaut
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LtCol Michael P. Anderson graduated from the University of Washington, Class of 1981. Before his selection as an astronaut in December of 1994, he served as a Pilot, Instructor, and Communication Maintenance Officer with over 3,000 flight hours. His first spaceflight was in January, 1998 onboard the Endeavor Space Shuttle. Interestingly, he served with fellow UW alumni, Bonnie Dunbar. While this was his first mission, it was Dr. Dunbar’s final mission. LtCol Anderson logged 593 hours in space. His final mission ended 16 minutes before landing on February 1, 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded.
As you look back at your life, there are just a million different things that have happened, just in the right way, to allow you to make your dreams come true. And you know, someone has all that under control.
— Michael P. Anderson
HOWLING HUSKIES
While never members of the Air ROTC or Detachment 910 Air Force ROTC programs, these UW alumni and programs contributed significantly to flight history at the university, either directly as pilots or indirectly by engaging in supporting programs. Either way, there was nothing quiet about their legacies. We believe they deserve acknowledgement for their contributions.
Angel Wing
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Angel Wing was founded in 1952 to serve as the female auxiliary organization to the Arnold Air Society. The organization focused largely on philanthropic activities such as blood drives and zoo outings for young children. It’s members were always there to organize the annual military ball and act as escorts to the Air Force ROTC cadets. It lasted in that form until the 1970’s when the organization opened to a co-educational, military and civic support organization. By 1998 the organization transitioned to Silver Wings, the group as we know it today.
Barbara Erickson London
Learn more about Barbara Erickson London
Barbara Erickson London was a University of Washington student who majored in Home Economics Teaching. She was a Sophomore when she signed up and was accepted in the Civilian Pilot Training program. She was 1 of 4 women in a class of 40. Following her training, she immediately became an instructor and was invited to join the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. She was the 14th to join and the youngest WASP. She was 23 years old when she became the Commanding Officer of the Long Beach Ferrying Group, a squadron of 80 women. Over the course of one 8-day period she flew 8,000 miles. For that accomplishment, she was the only woman to receive the Air Medal.
UW WASPS
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Dorothy E. Scott, Circa UW Class of 1941. Dorothy Scott was one of the 3 original WAFS and then became a WASP. She was on of the 38 WASPs that died in service.
Virginia Hill Wood, Cira UW Class of 1941. Virgina Wood had an adventurous spirit. When the Civilian Pilot Training program opened, she left her studies to answer the call. She heard about the WASPS, applied, and was accepted to the 4th class. After the WASPS disbanded, Virginia went on to be called a matriarch of Alaskan conservation.
Elizabeth Greene, Circa UW Class of 1937. Elizabeth Greene was part of the 5th class of WASP trainees. She is known for helping to found the Mission Aviation Fellowship. She flew the first mission to deliver 2 missionaries to a remote jungle location in Mexico. She was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2017.
Mary Hiller Call, UW Class of 1940. Mary Hiller Call trained in the 5th WASP group. She worked with AT-6 & PT trainers, liaison aircraft, and was co-pilot on B-17 and B-24 bombers. Her memorabilia is on display at the Seattle Museum of Flight.
Carol Nicholson Lewis, Circa UW early 1940s. In the 7th class to pass through the WASP training, she was known for her socialite status and friendship with Nancy Nordoff Dunnam, a fellow WASP. Carol flew PT-17, BT-13, AT-6, C-45, and UC-78 planes.
Nancy Nordhoff Dunnam, Circa UW Class of 1943. Before Nancy Nordhoff could finish her education she felt the call to fly. She trained in the 7th class of WASPS and was soon flying for the cause. Her job was to tow targets behind her for live gunnery practice by male pilots. In 2010 she and other deserving WASPS received the Congressional Gold Medal for their valor.
Jayne Elizabeth Erickson, Circa UW early 1940s. Jayne Erickson was in the 8th group of trainees. Before she could complete training, she was killed in service.
Arline Baker, UW Class of 1941. Arline Baker was in the 8th WASP training class. Upon completion she served as a test pilot. Arline went on to become a well-known Northwest airline pilot. She was a trainer, a supervisor, a flight examiner. She flew over 13,000 miles before retiring to a quieter life in Shelton, WA.
Elvira Griggs Cardin, UW Class of 1935. In the same training group with Jayne Erickson and Arline Baker, Elvira went on to fly over 2,000 hours in heavy bombers. She loved the B-26 but thought the B-17 slow and ponderous.
Bonnie Dunbar
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Bonnie Dunbar holds 2 degrees from the UW. In 1971 she earned her Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering. In 1975 she earned her Master of Science in the same field. When she started at the UW in 1967, women were not allowed to participate in the AFROTC program. So she joined Angel Flight (formerly Angel Wing). She became the first female astronaut from Washington State and one of the most legendary female astronauts. It is no wonder given that she has 1,208 space hours and countless accolades that continue to inspire the generations that follow her. Her career is so exemplary that when the new UW chapter of the i5 Space program needed a name they chose the i5 Dunbar Squadron.
