Howard Hunt was a dynamic “can do” man with determination, intention, and perseverance. From the cornfields of Iowa to the wilds of Alaska, he lived his life to the fullest.

Hunt grew up during the great depression, and had a great desire to get ahead in life. His passion had always been to fly. He saved enough money to take flying lessons and obtained his private pilot license at only age nineteen.

When World War II broke out he wanted to enlist as a pilot, but he needed college credits to qualify. He attended Iowa State College for two years, then joined the Army Air Corp and started his military career as a pilot. His military service took him around the world as a ferry pilot. He flew every kind of plane in the army’s inventory, including the famous Memphis Belle B-17. He was a pilot in the Lend-Lease Program, supplying aircraft to our Allies.

After the War, he left the military and took his determination and entrepreneurial spirit to the great state of Alaska where he made his mark on the Alaskan Aviation world.

• With a small group of World War II veterans he established a new non-scheduled airline in Alaska.

• He testified before a United States Senate Select Committee on Small Business

• He salvaged a DC-4 off the ice in Hudson Bay, Canada.

• He became a bush pilot.

• He collected, restored and flew retired warbirds.

• In addition to flying he also homesteaded and gold mined in Alaska.

Military pilot, bush pilot, entrepreneur, gold miner, and homesteader. Hunt was the "Jack of all Trades." He never quit in the face of great adversity. He went on to live out his life doing what he loved most – flying his warbirds, prospecting, hunting and fishing. He has been honored with many awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alaska Aviation Museum Hall of Fame. The Alaska Wing of the Commemorative Air Force was named The Colonel Howard “Mike” Hunt Alaska Wing in his honor.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him, as a man who lived with passion and purpose.