The Hall of Honor recognizes individuals for extraordinary achievements in naval aviation. Since its inception in 1979, the Hall of Honor has enshrined 67 people representing every element of the naval aviation family: Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, civilian and every naval warfare community.

On May 9, 2002 Capt. Butch Voris , USN (Retired) was one of 4 individuals inducted into the Hall of Honor.

Capt. Butch Voris, USN (Retired)
Naval Aviator

A decorated fighter pilot, he shot down seven Japanese aircraft while flying the F4F Wildcat and F6F Hellcat in air battles ranging from Guadalcanal to the famed "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot." Personally selected by Commander Edward H. "Butch" O'Hare to participate in the development of night fighter tactics for the interception of enemy bombers during the Gilbert Islands Campaign, pioneered air combat in this most demanding of arenas. Recognized as an inspiring leader and accomplished aviator, formed, organized and led the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angles, as its first officer-in-charge in 1946-1947 and during its reorganization after service in the Korean War. The Father of the Blue Angels instilled a lasting foundation of precision and professionalism that is today a hallmark of the oldest continuously flying demonstration squadron in the world.

Taken from the Naval Aviation Museum's Hall of Honor program.

 


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The first photo is Capt. Butch Voris , USN (Retired) specking at the Naval Air Museum.

The second is Capt. Butch Voris and his wife Thea.

The third is Cdr. Denny Wisely (Boss 1980-81), Capt. Voris's son-in-law, Hank Nothhaft, and Capt. Voris.

The fourth photo is Capt. Butch Voris, Ed Swearingen, Leo (Johnny) Johnson, and Bob Boudreaux. Ed, Leo & Bob are 1/4 of the original support crew for the first Blue Angel Team and were able to make it to this special ceremony honoring the first Boss.
Photo from Capt. Butch Voris

The Blue Angels Alumni Association would like to thank Mike Biondolillo for taking the first three photos and sending them to us to put on the web site.

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