Robert V. Kerley (June 20, 1909 - January 21, 1995) received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State College in 1931. He was employed at Wright Field from 1932 to 1945 where he was placed in charge of fuels and lubricants research and development in 1937. He received the War Department Commendation for exceptional Civilian Service for accomplishments in this field. In October 1945, he joined Ethyl Corporation in Gerndale, Michigan as Director of Aeronautical Research and retired in June 1972 as Director of Automotive Application.

A large portion of his collection relates to Sam D. Heron, who proved through his experimental work that the air-cooler cylinder could successfully match the liquid-cooled. Heron’s demonstration likely sparked the air-cooled engine revolution and all of the later successful air-cooled engines incorporated the features he utilized in some form. Kerley worked with him at Ethyl Corp and after Heron passed away in 1963, Kerley worked towards publishing the autobiography and creating a memorial fund for Heron. 

Collection consists of 1 box, 12”x5”x10". Contents have been left in original order. The collection consists primarily of correspondence with various individuals regarding the Sam D. Heron memorial fund and autobiography. There are also research notes and information regarding materials and development of fuel and engines – including the fuel Charles Lindbergh used in his transatlantic flight, and the Wright Brother’s engine.  

For more about this collection, see the Descriptive Finding Guide.

See images from the collection on Flickr.