General John Dailey is the director of the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum and former Deputy Administrator for NASA. Born in Quantico, Virginia on February 17, 1934 to a Marine Corps aviator, he flew over 7,500 hours in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. After graduation from UCLA in 1956, he completed flight training with the Marine Corps in 1958. Beginning in 1967, he served two combat tours in Vietnam, flying 450 missions. In 1972, Dailey commanded a Carrier Task Unit supporting combat operations in Vietnam. In 1973, he was assigned to the Aviation Weapons Requirements Branch, Headquarters Marine Corps. In 1980, he served as Chief of Staff, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. Returning to Headquarters Marine Corps in 1981, he was head of the Aviation Plans, Programs, Budget and Joint Doctrine Branch. After promotion to brigadier general in 1982, Dailey was named Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation. In 1985 he took command of the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade. Dailey was promoted to Major General in 1986, taking command of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In 1989 he was named Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College. In 1990, Dailey earned his fourth star, serving with the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Operation Desert Storm. At retirement in 1992, General Dailey was Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. General Dailey continued public service from 1992 to 1999 as Deputy Administrator of NASA, guiding development of new management processes in the face of a reduced budget environment. In 2000, he was named director of the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum, leading efforts to expand the size and scope of the Museum and increase public outreach.
Inducted in 2014.
Portrait Location: Near R-44 and B-5 Brougham

Induction Video