Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
Enshrined 2008
Laurence Gesell has been involved with aviation for most of his adult life. In 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private and accomplished the rare feat of rising into the officer ranks, eventually becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. He flew helicopters with the Army in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and 39 Air Medals. His military service continued in the Naval Reserve, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve until his retirement in 1999.
Dr. Gesell received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 1990 where he has served on the faculty for more than 22 years as Professor of Air Transportation Management. He has published 17 books on aviation management, aviation law, and ethics. He is a dedicated community volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America and the LDS church. In addition to his aviation publication, he has published 2 non-fiction documentaries relating to the history of Arizona and the Southwest.
Note: An aviator, air traffic and airspace officer, civil airport manager, professor of air transportation management, author and publisher.
