The Rohr success story is a testimony to the free enterprise system in which native genius, initiative, and courage are the keys which open the door of success. Rohr entered the infant aircraft industry as an independent metal parts manufacturer in 1925, and in 1928 became a factory manager of the Prudden Aircraft Company in San Diego. Over the next 10 years, in like positions at the Boeing and Ryan Aeronautical Companies, he formulated advanced concepts for the mass production of aircraft subassembly components. In 1927, working at the Ryan Airline Company, Rohr helped build Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. In 1940 he founded his own company, the Rohr Aircraft Corporation, and was chief executive of this giant of the industry for over 25 years. His development of the engine/nacelle package concept, and advanced methods of drop hammer forging, overpressed forming of parts, and use of stainless steel honeycomb construction, were in large measure responsible for the monumental U.S. aircraft production during World War II. Rohr Aircraft was one of the sites used to produce the engine/nacelle for the B-24, America's first mass-produced aircraft. By 1942, there were more than 45,000 men and women working in San Diego county to build the B-24 including employees from Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, Ryan Aircraft, Solar Aircraft and Rohr Industries, located in Chula Vista, California. Much of the original Chula Vista site was built during this time providing homes for Rohr workers. In 1997 Rohr Aircraft Corporation merged with Goodrich to become Goodrich Aerostructures. This company is still doing business in Chula Vista, California.
Inducted in 1966.
Portrait Location: Near R-44 and B-5 Brougham