Lancaster in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Henry E. "Hank" Chouteau
Aerospace Walk of Honor
Chouteau logged more than 7,300 flight hours in more than 80 models of aircraft. He piloted first flights in nine aircraft including the YF-5A, F-5A, F-5E, the CF-5A and CF-5B in Canada, the NF-5 in the Netherlands, and the YF-17 prototype for the F-18 Navy Strike Fighter. He helped develop the F-18L Cobra, F-89J atomic weapon equipment interceptor, the T-38 supersonic trainer, the A-9 ground attack fighter, the F-5A Freedom Fighter and the F-5E international Fighter.
During World War II, Chouteau was assigned to the European Theater as a member of the Army Air Corps’ 587th Bomb Squadron. He returned to the Air Force in the Korean War flying 100 sorties with the 12th Fighter/Bomber Squadron in the F-51 Mustang; he later flew sorties in Vietnam in the F-5.
Chouteau was born in Oklahoma in 1924. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming, and graduated from the USAF Maintenance Officer School and Test Pilot School.
Chouteau has been honored by the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four clusters, four Battle Stars, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the South Vietnamese Cross of Honor, the Award of Pilot Wings by the United States, Vietnamese and Ethiopian Air Forces.
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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
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. Located in front of the Sheriff's 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. John B. "Jack" McKay (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 November 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 43 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.