A number of prominent figures in the history of aviation and space exploration passed away in the last year, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum takes great pride in honoring each of them.

Among the legends and members of the International Air & Space Hall of Fame who left us are John Glenn, Gene Cernan, R.A. “Bob” Hoover, Bill Gibbs, Steve Pisanos and Roscoe Brown.

Glenn was the first American to Orbit the Earth and the last surviving member of the original “Mercury Seven” astronauts. He passed away at age 95 on Dec. 8, 2016.

“John Glenn was a true American hero who served his country with great distinction as a decorated Marine Corps fight pilot and astronaut, as well as a United States Senator from the great state of Ohio,” said Jim Kidrick, President and CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Glenn was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 1968.

Gene Cernan was one of just 12 men and the last person to ever stand on the Moon. During 20 years as a Naval Aviator, including 13 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Captain Cernan left his mark with three historic missions in space as the Pilot of Gemini 9, the Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 10, and the Commander of Apollo 17. As well as flying to the Moon not once, but twice, he also held the distinction of being the second American to walk in space and the last person to have left his footprints on the lunar surface.

“As a member of the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, a Naval Aviator who trained right here in San Diego, and as a regular visitor to our Museum, Gene will always hold a special place at the San Diego Air & Space Museum,” said Kidrick.

Cernan was 82 when he passed away on January 16, 2017. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

During his lifetime, Bob Hoover flew more than 300 types of aircraft and performed at more than 2,500 civilian and military air shows. Considered one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics, Hoover was described by Jimmy Doolittle as, “...the greatest stick-and-rudder man who ever lived.” In the Centennial of Flight edition of the Air & Space Smithsonian, Hoover was named the third greatest aviator in history.

“Bob Hoover truly personified the ‘pilot’s pilot’ and was deeply beloved in aviation circles,” said Kidrick of his longtime friend.

Hoover passed away at age 94 on Oct. 25, 2016. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Gibbs was a significant part of the legacy of aviation in the San Diego region. Today, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego is named after Gibbs and fellow local aviation legend John J. Montgomery.

“Bill Gibbs lived through almost the entire history of aviation, and certainly through the history of aviation in San Diego,” said Kidrick.

Also a noted philanthropist, Gibbs actively supported the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s scholarship program, which is dedicated to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since 1989, his continuing financial support has awarded $252,500 in scholarships to 108 students, all given to San Diego area high school seniors who have gone on to attend four-year colleges or universities. Gibbs also supported the Salvation Army’s Joan Kroc Center and the San Diego Zoo, among other local San Diego organizations.

Gibbs passed away at age 106 on Oct. 29, 2016. He was inducted into the Hall in 2011.

Col. Steve N. Pisanos, USAF, (Ret.) was a World War II fighter pilot and double ace who served with the United States Army Air Corps, United States Air Force and as a volunteer member of the famed Eagle Squadrons of Great Britain’s Royal Air Force.

“Steve Pisanos was a true hero who had a deep love of America and what it stood for – opportunity for everyone and achieving the greater good,” said Kidrick. “He is a prime example of America’s Greatest Generation – willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to fly and fight for his adopted country.”

Pisanos passed away in June, 2016 at age 96. He was inducted in 2006.

Captain Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. was the squadron commander of the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group – the famed Tuskegee Airmen or “Red Tails.”

Captain Brown and Lee Archer accepted on behalf of all of the Tuskegee Airmen when the group was inducted in 2008 into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

“Roscoe Brown and all of the Tuskegee Airmen overcame so much adversity to become one of the most respected units of the Army Air Corps in World War II,” said Kidrick. “They were true American heroes who served their county with great distinction. We are proud to honor Roscoe Brown and all of the men from his unit in the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.”

Brown passed away in New York on July 2, 2016. He was 94.

For more information about the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, visit http://sandiegoairandspace.org/hall-of-fame/.