Lancaster in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
John B. "Jack" McKay
Aerospace Walk of Honor
McKay flew the jet and rocket versions of the D-558 Skyrocket. He went aloft in the follow-on versions of the X-1, flying the first 13 of the 17 NACA missions logged with the X-1B. Other aircraft McKay flew included the semi-tailless X-4, the X-5 first swing-wing aircraft, plus the Century-Series Fighters--the F-100, F-102, F-104 and F-107. He was selected as one of the original seven pilots to fly the X-15. McKay flew the X-15 29 times, earning an astronaut rating in the aircraft, taking it to an altitude of 295,600 feet, nearly 56 miles, and achieving a speed of 3,935 mph, Mach 5.6.
Born in Virginia in 1922, McKay flew 82 combat missions as a Navy Fighter Pilot in World War II. He returned home to earn a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1950.
Jack McKay was honored by the Air Medal with two clusters; Presidential Unit Citation; John J. Montgomery Award, National Society of Aerospace Professionals; Award for Achievement, National Aeronautic Association; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Hall of Fame.
Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates test pilots who were associated with Edwards AFB. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment.
Erected 1996 by Lancaster City Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 34° 41.904′ N, 118° 8.278′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on Lancaster Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. This is located in front of the LA Sheriff Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 525 West Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster CA 93534, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henry E. "Hank" Chouteau (here, next to this marker); Colonel Jesse P. "Jake" Jacobs, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Colonel Jack L. Ridley (here, next to this marker); Arthur K. "Kit" Murray (here, next to this marker); Thomas C. McMurtry (within shouting distance of this marker); John A. Manke (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tuskegee Airmen (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 630 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.