2021 Inductee
Dallas O. Adams
Born on August 14, 1960, in Keyser, West Virginia, Dallas Odell Adams, Jr., knew early on that he wanted to fly. In fact, the small grass strip located on his family farm helped solidify his dedication to aviation. On his sixteenth birthday, he successfully completed his first solo flight in his father’s Cessna 150 from Miller Field in Keyser. His instructor was Bill Pancake, a 2014 Inductee to the WV Aviation Hall of Fame, who called him a "joy to instruct" and recognized he had a passion for flying. Following his graduation from Keyser High School, Dallas attended Potomac State College before graduating from West Virginia University. He subsequently entered the United States Air Force (USAF). Dallas was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi where he completed his undergraduate flight training. Dallas went on to solo the T-38 Talon in 1983 before being reassigned to the 34th Tactical Airlift Training Group at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. He officially received his Certificate of Training in the C-130P and C-130E in 1984. Later that same year, Dallas received his certification in the C-130PTVF Pilot Tactical Mission Qualification PDS Code Z54.
His keen flying skills would serve him well as he was awarded the Daedalian Airmanship Award for safely landing his C-130 during adverse weather conditions near Goose Bay, Labrador. The award was created to honor members who demonstrate extraordinary skill while coping with an aircraft emergency and avoiding a catastrophic incident. During his time in the USAF, Dallas was also awarded the Outstanding Airmanship Award. His service to his country brought him to West Virginia where he joined the West Virginia Air National Air Guard 167th Airlift Group in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
On October 7, 1992, Co-Pilot Adams, Jr. was practicing touch-and-go landings at Dulles International Airport with five of his comrades when Air Traffic Control requested the group remain in a holding pattern for heavy traffic arriving and departing the airport. The crew chose to practice low altitude maneuvers over the eastern panhandle of West Virginia rather than wait in the holding pattern, a decision which would prove to be fatal. As the crew proceeded to practice their maneuvers on the sunny, fall day, they did not see a power line spanning two small mountains. The aircraft caught the power line 381 feet above ground, and in less than one minute had pulled roughly three miles of wire and power poles from the ground. With the aircraft fully engulfed in flames, it crashed into a field near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, killing all onboard. Dallas was laid to rest across from his parent’s home in a small cemetery in Keyser.
Captain Adams, Jr. was survived by his parents, Dallas (who passed away in April 2022) and Arlene Adams, and two children, Taryn and Dallas “Trey” III. His love for life and aviation will never be forgotten. His awards and accolades are abundant and include the Combat Readiness Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the South West Asia Service Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon in addition to those mentioned previously. The State of West Virginia is proud to honor Captain Dallas O. Adams, Jr., by inducting him into the West Virginia Aviation Wall of Valor as his service exemplifies him for this designation.
2019 Inductees
Major General Joseph E. Turner
Born on September 2, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia, Joseph Ellis Turner dreamed of becoming an aviator at an early age. After seeing a movie newsreel in 1947 about Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier, Joseph knew he wanted to fly. Through his dedication, perseverance and quick thinking, he achieved his dreams and paved the way for future pilots. After completing high school, Joseph attended West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University) and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). In 1961, after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps, marking the start of his military career.
Turner went on to earn his wings for both Fixed Wing and Helicopter platforms at the Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. His first tour was served as an aviator with the 1st Air Calvary Division during which he flew the de Havilland Army Caribou (CV2B) aircraft, the largest in the Army inventory at that time. Additionally, he served as a Signal Officer with the 17th Aviation Combat Group. Turner’s second Vietnam tour saw him serving as Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 210th Combat Aviation
Battalion. Joseph left active duty military service in 1970, entering the Army Reserves until his mandatory removal in 1998. His military career continued to soar in the Reserves with numerous promotions and - in 1988 - Joseph became the first African American U.S. Army Brigadier General in the south, breaking barriers for generations to come. This was not the last of his accomplishments. In 1992 Turner was promoted to Major General and later assumed the Vice Director position of the Information Systems for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers in the Pentagon. The position was the second highest in the Army Signal Corps in the Defense Department. Turner retired from military service in 1998 after more than three decades of dedicated and decorated service to the United States of America.
Some of Joseph’s awards and accolades include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, eleven Air Medals, three Army Meritorious Service Medals, one Army Achievement Medal, authorization to wear the Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medals (including nine bronze service stars) and the Master Army Aviation Badge. It is imperative to note that Joseph’s commitment to aviation did not stop with the military. He also flew as a commercial airline pilot for twenty nine years with Delta Air Lines, the fourth African American pilot to be hired by the airline. Joseph and his wife, Norma, maintain strong ties to West Virginia and together attend numerous community events each year. They are the parents of three sons, Alan Todd Turner, MD, Radiologist; Brian DeWilde Turner, Printer and Author; and Joseph Ellis Turner, Jr., automobile body shop owner. His career, consummate integrity, selfless actions in the face of danger during combat, and commitment to community exemplify the essence of the Wall of Valor. The state of West Virginia is proud to recognize and honor Major General Joseph Turner’s contributions to aviation through his induction to the West Virginia Aviation Wall of Valor.
Captain Larry L. Ernst
Born on July 19, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, Larry L. Ernst was a man meant to fly. His humble beginnings prepared him for the hard work necessary to accomplish his dreams, a true example to all those who know him. Larry worked 8-hour days during his high school years and still graduated in the top 10 of his class. Following his graduation from high school, with the help of a U.S. Navy ROTC scholarship, Larry attended The Ohio State University, graduating in 1966 as an Aeronautical Engineer. He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in June 1966 and then began his illustrious naval career.
His first naval mission took him to Vietnam where he flew 136 combat missions in the legendary F-4 Phantom with Fighter Squadron 114. Larry's understanding of aeronautical engineering, coupled with his impeccable flying skills, earned him a spot as a U.S. Navy Test Pilot at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, in Maryland. There he tested over 40 different aircraft for operational suitability. In December 1972, Larry was assigned to the United Kingdom’s Empire Test Pilot School, one of only four tutors from around the world .
He went on to become an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the same school that was made famous in the movie Top Gun.
Other notable assignments included Commanding Officer of an F-14 Fighter Squadron, Replacement Air Group Commander in charge of training all F-14 crews on the East Coast, and as commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Milwaukee. One of Larry’s last assignments included his command of the carrier USS Midway. As the final commanding officer, Larry’s belongings still reside within the ship as a living memorial to all those who served aboard her. Public tours are available at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. A testament to Larry’s leadership and command skills is that, in his four Command Tours, not a single individual was lost to an operational accident. In addition, every aircraft piloted by Larry returned safely, a demonstration of his professionalism and commitment to safety. Nominated by his peers, he was awarded the Admiral James Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership while in command.
During his career, Larry had the opportunity to participate in a number of highly-respected and noteworthy events, including graduation from Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), the National War College, and the Harvard University Senior Officials in National Security (SONS) program. He flew over 4,600 total flight hours and logged 680 carrier (ship) landings without an incident. The level of respect Larry has earned from not only his military peers, colleagues and classmates, but from all who know him, epitomize the character he is known for. His patriotism for our country shines through his actions. Larry’s career flourished with the support of his wife, Bobbie, and their two daughters, Jackie and Jenni. The state of West Virginia is proud to recognize and honor his contributions to aviation and in service to our Country.
Colonel Dayton C. Casto, Jr.
Born on May 21, 1917, in in Huntington, West Virginia, Dayton Celia Casto, Jr., coupled his love of country with his enthusiasm for aviation as he developed his career while selflessly serving his country. After he graduated from Huntington High School and Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1939, he was awarded a scholarship to Case Western Reserve Law School and attended for two years. Dayton delayed pursuing his law degree to enlist in the U.S. Army. He first entered the military in 1941 as an aviation cadet and was subsequently transferred to Puerto Rico prior to the start of World War II.
Casto’s distinguished flying career took him all over the world, including to England as the Flight Commander of Fighter Squadron 375FS and 361FG, as well as over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day where he flew 9 hours and 20 minutes in two separate missions. He flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and the agile P-51 Mustang, achieving 295 hours of combat flying time and earning over 3,100 hours in a four-year period before he was released from active duty in February 1946. Casto went on to acquire his LLB (law) degree from West Virginia University Law School in 1947. He incorporated his aviation knowledge into his professional career by serving as an attorney for the Civil Aeronautics Board in Washington, DC, until he was recalled to active duty in 1951 after the start of the Korean War.
then served as the Fighter Squadron Commander and the Base Commander of the Dover Delaware Air Force Base. With his level of education and military commitment, he was sent to Iran in 1953 to serve as Advisor to the Royal Iranian Air Force for two years before being transferred to the Pentagon as the Directorate of Manpower and Organization. The next several years saw Casto serving in various capacities including the Congressional Liaison to the Pentagon for the U.S. Air Force. This last post required Casto to brief then-President Johnson and Secretary of Defense McNamara on targeting bombing runs during the Vietnam War. After 31 exemplary years of service, Dayton C. Casto officially retired at the rank of Colonel in 1968. At the time of his retirement he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for the second time.
Dayton married Georgia Lacy, and together they had one son, John Nicholas. After his military retirement, Dayton continued to be active on various boards and advisory committees in West Virginia in support of his civic duty. He passed away on May 11, 1995. His ashes were scattered over the highest mountain of the family tree farm on Little Mountain in Great Cacapon, WV, as Colonel Casto directed, to ensure he would be “near the clouds.”
Colonel Casto’s military accomplishments are far greater than can ever be captured in this brief biography but include the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice awarded), the American Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal Army/Air Force Command Wings, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars. His support for the U.S. military is unparalleled, and the State of West Virginia is proud to recognize his contributions in service to our Country.
2018 Inductees
CW4 Brent Scott Cole
Born on August 12, 1970, in Morgantown, West Virginia, Brent Cole showed a lifelong passion for aviation and love for his country. As a youth, Brent expressed a desire to join the military after listening to his grandfather's stories about his experiences during World War II. He joined the National Guard at the age of 17 and graduated from high school in 1988. He then attended Fairmont State College (University) where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1992. After graduation, he entered full-time military service and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in the Military Police Unit.
In 1997, Brent was selected for flight training at the US Army's Warrant Officers Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and assigned to fly the AH-64A Apache helicopter. In 1998, he served with a multi-national peace keeping force stationed in Bosnia. Between 1999 and 2005, he was deployed with units in defense of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. While on these deployments, he was a pilot in command as well as his unit's safety officer and instructor pilot. Brent was known for his ability to convey the most detailed information with precision and humor.
In April 2004, while conducting a reconnaissance and security mission, Brent's AH-64A came under direct fire, rendering the aircraft nearly non-flyable. He identified the enemy's position, sent the report to ground crews and safely landed the aircraft, saving the lives of his commander and himself. For these actions, he was awarded the Air Medal with Valor and the Combat Action Badge. Once he completed his deployments in 2005, he served as an instructor at the Army Aviation Flight School in Fort Rucker. In 2007, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Combat Brigade at Fort Bragg, continuing to serve as a pilot in command, instructor pilot and aviation safety officer.
On May 22, 2009, while on deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Brent was flying an escort mission for Black Hawk helicopters when his Apache, fully loaded with fuel and armaments, experienced a mechanical failure. His co-pilot attests that Brent's actions in maneuvering the helicopter and jettisoning its load saved his life.
CW4 Brent Scott Cole’s own life was taken in the crash. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa; son, Carson; and his parents, Jack and Helen Cole. During his career, he was awarded numerous military decorations and accumulated over 2,785 total flight and combat hours. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. CW4 Brent Scott Cole was a devoted aviator and patriot who served our country with honor and valor.
Brig. Gen. Herbert C. "Herb" Wheeler
Herbert C. “Herb” Wheeler was born on January 25, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, and soon after moved with his family to West Virginia. After graduating from Concord College in 1965, Herb was commissioned an officer in the U. S. Navy as an Ensign and went on to complete Naval Flight Training in 1967. He served in the Navy until 1970. During this time, Herb completed two combat tours in Vietnam, including 187 tactical combat missions in the F-4 Phantom II Fighter/Bomber while stationed on the USS Constellation and completed over 300 day/night carrier landings.
On Herb’s 119th combat mission over northern Laos, near the North Vietnam border, he was forced to eject from his aircraft while executing an attack on enemy positions, but he successfully evaded enemy combatants, avoiding capture.
In 1970, Herb returned to West Virginia where he entered business as the President/General Manager of Carolina Foods (WV). He joined the 130th Tactical Airlift Group, West Virginia Air National Guard, based in Charleston, WV, initially flying C-119s Boxcars and later C-130 Hercules aircraft. In 1990, he was activated during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and served 7 ½ months in the Desert Theater.
After his return, he sold his business to remain full time in the military, flying missions in the C-130 Hercules throughout the world, and accumulating more than 7,760 total flying hours, including 388 combat flying hours and 129 combat support flying hours. In 1994, Herb was named the Wing/Base Commander of the Air National Guard 130th.
Herb retired with the rank of USAF Colonel and was placed on the Retired Brigadier General's List in the West Virginia Air National Guard in 2000. Upon retirement, he was presented the Distinguished West Virginia Award by the Governor of WV.
Herb has served on the Board of the Raleigh County Airport Authority since 1995 and provided leadership in the development and completion of a new Business/ Industrial Park at the Raleigh County Airport.
Herb's military honors and commendations are numerous and include Legion of Merit; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal (9); Aerial Achievement Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; AF Commendation Medal; AF Achievement Medal; Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and Kuwait Liberation Medals (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait).
Brigadier General Herbert C. Wheeler is a devoted aviator who continues to serve our country and community with honor and valor. The state of West Virginia is proud to honor his contributions to aviation through the Wall of Valor.