On 27 October 2016, a ceremony was held at the Cumberland Regional Airport (FAA Location Identifier CBE), for the dedication of a memorial to deceased individuals who had a positive influence on local aviation.
Click on a picture below to see larger images.
Below are brief remarks on the individuals currently honored on the memorial, listed in the order in which they appear on the tablets. More information can be found in Bob Poling and Bill Armstrong’s Wings over Cumberland.
A. D. Nicholson – An accountant for Whalen Electric, A. D.’s interest in aviation led him to establish Nicholson Air Service at the Cumberland Airport, which effectively operated the airport from 1967 until 1990.
Minnie Johnson – Among the area’s first female pilots, Minnie soloed in 1931 at the age of 16, in a Fairchild KR31 Challenger open cockpit biplane.
Ruth Johnson Portmess – sister of Floyd Johnson, from the family who owned Mexico Farms Airfield, Ruth was another of the area’s first female pilots.
Franklin “Bud” Young – Bud was in the insurance business and as such knew many folks from the area, and all the folks he knew he took for airplane rides. Among the many aircraft he owned were a Piper J-3 Cub, a Taylor Craft, and an Ercoupe. Bud was an early member and strong advocate for membership in the Cumberland Soaring group, and also an active Tow-Pilot for towing sailplanes. Bud had an airstrip next to his family’s house near Cresaptown, MD, and would often keep his J-3 Cub there and fly friends to and from the Cumberland Airport.
Ralph Frantz – Ralph learned to fly in the Army Air Corps in the early 1940’s. As a commissioned officer in the 8th Air Force, he flew B-24’s over Europe, including on D-Day in June of 1944. He was a highly decorated pilot, receiving the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also a strong member and supporter of the Cumberland Soaring Group, and an active glider Tow-Pilot in the 1960’s. Ralph was a Minister in the Cumberland area and was active in youth programs.
Forrest Miller – Forrest soloed in 1932 at Mexico Farms, in an American Eagle bi-plane which he later bought. During World War II, Forrest served as an instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and in the War Training Service. After the war, he continued instructing from his own airstrip, Miller Field, established in 1946, near Keyser, WV.
Ronald Landis – After serving in World War I, “Torque” became a mail pilot in the 1920’s. Returning to the Cumberland area in the 1930’s, he worked with Bogus Johnson (Floyd’s father) to have the WPA level the land for Mexico Farms Airport. He was well known for his flying exploits in several local aircraft, many of which were modified to his satisfaction. One of the earliest barnstormer pilots, and an outstanding mechanic, “Torque” was regarded as the top aviator in the area and performed many unique stunts. When World War II began, “Torque” re-enlisted and became a B-29 pilot.
Virgil Parker – A World War I veteran and barnstormer, Virgil flew a Jenny, a surplus aircraft then available at low cost. He later served as a fire fighter for the city of Cumberland, and as Chief of the department before retiring.
Floyd Johnson – From the family that owned Mexico Farms Air Field, Floyd was instrumental in keeping the grass field open and operational, even with the Cumberland Airport available nearby. He was an active member of EAA Chapter 426 and supported many airshows and other events held at the “Farms.”
Gene Kelly – Although not a pilot, Gene’s hobby was photographing aircraft, and his excellent work was appreciated by local aviators and friends. He was also known as a local aviation historian.
Lt. Col. C. Harold Armstrong – Retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, among Harold’s four prize winning restorations were two 1927 vintage biplanes (a Waco 10 and Pitcairn PA-4) powered by OX-5 engines. All four rebuilds received numerous awards for superior workmanship. His restorations flew out of the Cumberland Airport, with his Pitcairn being stationed there for several years.
Bernie Miltenberger – Bernie built several of his own aircraft in the 1930’s. He was an early daredevil pilot and became known as the originator of the “Flying Farmer” or the “How Not to Fly” act.
Jack Delagrange – A World War II pilot, Jack served as the fixed base operator when the Cumberland Airport opened in the 1940’s.
Herb Wentz – One of the earliest local pilots and barnstormers, Herb taught many local individuals the art of flying in the 1930’s and beyond.
Joe Brown – After receiving instruction from “Torque” Landis in 1935, Joe would go on to own a Harlequin Longster, a Corbin Baby Ace, a Velie M5 Monocoupe, a J-3 Piper Cub, two Aeronca Champs, and several more. Unusual among pilots for having vision in only one eye, Joe was known as a competent pilot yet also for performing many crazy stunts. In his later years Joe would fly his family from Cumberland to his vacation home in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Dr. Robert K. Poling – Doc soloed as a civilian in 1941, then became a B-24 pilot in World War II. Doc had more knowledge than anyone of local aviation. Doc kept a multitude of notebooks with photos, clippings, and notes from people he interviewed. With his tremendous recall, he could tell stories that always kept his audience’s attention. Doc desired to record his knowledge in writing. With Bill Armstrong as co-author, the result was Wings Over Cumberland,an extensive history of local aviation. Doc also co-founded the local Cumberland Soaring Group, He owned and flew a J-3 Cub for years and served several terms on the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority.
Derr Golladay – Owner of an aircraft dealership, Derr was also an active member of the Cumberland Soaring Group. In 1947, he organized a local aircraft race which drew great interest.
Major Kenneth Jewell – A highly qualified and decorated B-17 and B-24 pilot in World War II, Kenny was one of the very few to fly with an artificial leg while in the military. Later he flew as a corporate pilot at the Cumberland Airport.
John Chapman – As manager of the Cumberland Airport in the late 1940’s, this former barnstormer pilot had many contacts and organized air shows that attracted a variety of aircraft and acrobatic performers, and which drew huge crowds.
Warren Mullenax – Operating the Queen City Air Service, Warren was the airport manager and Fixed Base Operator at the Cumberland Airport from 1950 until 1960. During his tenure, two highly attended air shows were held.
Major General Joseph Caldara – Having spent his youth in the Mount Savage area, Joseph went on to a meritorious Air Force career. Returning to the Cumberland Airport many times, he would also bring along enlisted airmen so they could visit their home area. General Caldara finished his career as the Air Force Directory of Safety.
Earl Wilson, Sr – An original member of the Allegany Flying Club, Earl Sr was also a long time employee of the Kelly Springfield Flight Operations.
Earl Wilson, Jr – For years a reliable and experienced pilot, Earl Jr maintained his own aircraft, a Cessna 195, at the Cumberland Airport.. He was a long time pilot for the Kelly Springfield Flight Operations, and was a member of the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority.
William C. Day – Bill was a fighter pilot during World War I, and became one of the first to attain the status of “Ace,” having destroyed five or more enemy aircraft in combat operations. He later worked for the Kelly Springfield Flight Operations, and also served as a flight instructor at the Cumberland airport.
John Nash – Manager of the Cumberland Airport in the 1960’s, John was also a superb aircraft mechanic.
John Twigg – Known as a superb automotive mechanic, John also worked on aircraft at the Cumberland Airport, and rebuilt his own J-4 Piper Cub. John also built race cars and participated in the numerous racing activities at the airport.
August “Gus” Graf – Gus was a test pilot, pioneer parachutist, and one of the early mail aviators. He served as executive pilot for Westvaco and made frequent stops at the Cumberland Airport. He also taught some of the Luke family, founders of the local paper company, to become aviators.
Dale Nicholson – A. D. Nicholson’s son, Dale took over Nicholson Air Service upon his father’s retirement, also acting as airport manager. Dale established a flying school, with many students from overseas, and as an instructor taught many locals how to fly. He also operated a small airline carrying both passengers and mail.
Bob Judy – Though not a pilot, Bob’s chief interest was parachuting out of airplanes. Bob would jump at every opportunity, even dressing as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. He enlisted the services of his dog, Rebel, and had a special chute made for him.
Dr. Royce Hodges, III – A physician and an FAA Medical Examiner, Royce later became a pilot and owned several aircraft. He performed annual medical examinations for many local pilots, required for them to have clearance to fly. Royce was an ardent supporter of the Cumberland Airport.
Lewis J. Ort – A successful and respected local businessman, Lew learned to fly at Mexico Farms in 1938. He went on to own several aircraft, and had a short airstrip next to his business in LaVale, MD. He was a strong supporter of the Cumberland Airport, and built his own hangar on site.
Jack Wagner – As a decorated World War II airman, Jack became a travelling spokesman for the war effort in bond drives. While the chief instructor for the Cumberland Soaring Group, he became friends with Wernher von Braun, the German scientist who came to the U.S. after the war to join our space program. Jack oversaw Wernher’s solo glider flight at the Cumberland Airport, and taught von Braun’s daughter, Iris, the art of soaring.
Sgt. Carl Marshall – Carl was a Maryland state trooper and helicopter pilot, who oversaw the initial medevac operations based at the Cumberland Airport.
Joe Long – Joe was a USAAF veteran who flew a wide variety of military aircraft. Like his brother Dave, Joe was a superb story teller and jokester.
Dave Long – Brother of Joe, Dave was also a USAAF veteran. After soloing in a Piper J-3, under the instruction of Herb Wentz, Dave went on to earn ratings in gliders and seaplanes, as well as a commercial pilot certificate. He owned and flew a variety of aircraft locally and was a wonderful story teller and great friend to many. Dave served several years as a member of the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority.
Tim Long – Dave’s son, Tim was a long time pilot for the Kelly Springfield Flight Operations, and a dedicated member of the Cumberland Soaring Group. In his early years as a pilot he had great and unusual flight experiences with his Uncle Joe.
David Summerfield – Dave became a pilot while serving as an enlisted man in the U.S. Air Force, then progressed to become the FAA’s designated examiner for this area. He served with the local Civil Air Patrol, and trained many local pilots. He and his wife, Marie, established and for several years operated their own flight school, Summerfield Aviation, at the Cumberland Airport.
Will Jenkins – Will was a member of the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority and the Allegany Flying Club.
Red Feller – An owner and pilot of an Aeronca Champ, Red’s recreation was spending time with friends around the airport.
Tom Barton – Tom served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific campaign during World War II. He loved flying and owned and flew several airplanes, including some from his own farm field.
Raymond Walker – As an employee of Romney Flying Service, based at Mexico Farms Airfield, Ray and his wife, Freda, maintained a fleet of aircraft, as well as company records. During this time, Romney Flying Service flew contract flights for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Joe Woodard – Joe was a veteran of World War II, and worked for the Hercules Powder Company, onetime operator of the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory. A member of the Cumberland Soaring Group, Joe once reached an altitude of 24,000 feet.
Delores Elrich – Delores was a devoted aviation enthusiast at the Cumberland Airport and was an active member in both the Allegany Flying Club and the Cumberland Soaring Group. She was an early member of the national women’s aviation organization called the 99’s, holding a private pilot’s license for both power and glider aircraft. She was also part owner of Jack Wagner’s Libelle sailplane that Dr. Werner Von Braun flew at Cumberland. Delores was a Mathematician at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) and retired there after more than 35 years of service.
Dick Roberts – Among Dick’s aviation accomplishments was flying cropdusters, sailplanes, and bush aircraft. He also flew around the world for NASA, and was a well respected FAA aircraft inspector.
Ed Koch – Ed was a valued employee at the Cumberland Airport under Warren Mullenax.
Dr. Gene Mazzacco – As a designated medical flight examiner, Dr. Mazzacco offered medical flight examinations and assured clearance to fly for many local pilots in accordance with FAA regulations.
Gene Light – A long time pilot and officer of the local Allegany Flying Club, Gene was a wounded veteran of the Korean War.
Joe Radcliffe – A veteran of the Korean War and an aviation enthusiast, Joe was part-owner, along with Charlie Dicks, of a Piper PA-18, which they restored to flying conditon. Later, this same aircraft was used by Romney Flying Service in its Oak Wilt program. Joe was also a long time member of EAA Chapter 426.
Gordon Wolford – Gordon was a member of EAA Chapter 426.
J. T. Watson – An Army veteran, J.T. was a pilot for Nicholson Air Service and a member of the Cumberland Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
Harry White – A pilot and aircraft owner, “Peanut” was the President of EAA Chapter 426 in the 1980’s.
Buck Knotts – Buck owned an Aeronca Chief, which he flew regularly. Buck was also a member of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization.
Ellsworth Rosenmerkel – “Rosie” owned a unique 1931 Buhl Pup aircraft, which he flew to qualify for his instructor’s rating. He was a commercial pilot for the Allegany Instrument Company and worked with the Alleghany Flying Club and the Civil Air Patrol.
James Abe – Jim was a member of the Cumberland Soaring Group, a pilot for Kelly Springfield Flight Operations and Romney Flying Service, and a participant in Cumberland Sports Car Races.
Richard Fazenbaker – Dick owned a 1929 Avro Avian, a unique British bi-plane. He flew this aircraft locally, but during World War II had to disable and store the aircraft due to fears of an enemy invasion of the homeland.
Mort Peskin – Owner of Peskin’s Department Store in Cumberland, Mort owned two aircraft used for both business and pleasure. Mort was well respected and liked by all who knew him.
James Armstrong – A veteran of World War II, Jim was a Flight Officer in the Army Air Corp, flying Curtiss P-40 and Republic P-47 fighter aircraft over Europe. After the war, he flew a Miles Sparrowhawk in air shows at the Cumberland Municipal Airport, including performing in a joint act with his brother Harold.
Wernher von Braun – One of the twentieth century’s leading rocket scientists, after his retirement from NASA, von Braun’s interest in sailplanes led him to join the Cumberland Soaring Group.
Gene Moore – A member of the Cumberland Soaring Club, Gene was an inventor, whose contributions include a rate sensor used by the U.S. Army; a variometer, measuring the rate of change in altitude; and a wave machine, providing sailplane pilots with important information regarding current atmospheric conditions.
EAA Chapter 426 – The local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association was founded in the 1972 at Mexico Farms Airfield, and continues to promote the area’s interest in aviation. It currently operates at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport.
Note: The Allegany Flying Club, frequently mentioned above, is an active flying club at the Cumberland Airport with a variety of aircraft. The club was and continues to be a valuable resource for local pilots.
Wings Over Cumberland 