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3UHVHUYLQJ WKH /HJDF\ RI 0DULQH $YLDWLRQ Newsletter of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
SUMMER 2022
WILLIAM JOSEPH FOX Brigadier General, United States Marine Corps Reserve Marine Aviator, Civil Engineer, Stuntman, Charro By Major Mike Wifler, Board of Directors
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ith the relocation of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Great Park in Irvine, The Log Book will be publishing a series of articles about the history of MCAS El Toro, and the people that contributed to that amazing legacy. This article focuses on the Marine that originally selected the site for the air station during the early days of World War II. His name was Brigadier General William J. Fox, USMCR.
William Joseph Fox was born 23 December 1897. He was a pioneering Civil Engineer for the County of Los Angeles, and a reserve Marine Aviator. Fox distinguished himself professionally in both capacities. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, “Bill” Fox enjoyed his childhood. He graduated from high school in 1915, and completed a carpentry apprenticeship before finding his true calling in drafting. He sought work on Survey teams to Continued on page 3
MUSEUM RELOCATION UPDATE By Executive Director Brigadier General Michael Aguilar Dear Supporters, Considerable planning and discussion continues with the City of Irvine, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, MCAS Miramar, and potential vendors for the build out of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Great Park. The MOU is now signed, which allows us to move forward with the development of a contractual agreement with Irvine. This agreement will layout specific responsibilities of the city for the refurbishment of Hangar 296 and the Foundation’s responsibilities for tenant improvements, exhibits and displays. Once the city and Foundation complete the agreement, we can move forward with demolition plans and the updating of the building to current safety/fire and building codes. Continued on page 3