Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Frederick Coolidge Crawford


  • Earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard in 1913, then pursued his graduate degree in the Harvard School of Applied Sciences.
  • Enlisted in the U.S. Navy Aviation Corps and was studying at the ground school in aviation when the armistice that ended the war was signed.
  • In 1933, Crawford became president of Thompson Products which developed a valve that could run 300 hours in an aircraft engine without overheating and was used on the famous Spirit of St. Louis.
  • Crawford helped organize the National Air Race Corporation in 1929 and convinced Thompson Products to sponsor the Thompson Trophy, the most sought after aviation trophy.
  • Dedicated to the preservation of aviation history and opened the Thompson Auto Album and Aviation Museum in Cleveland.
  • Under his leadership, Thompson Products were able to solve many aviation problems during World War II and the Korean War.

Interested in learning more?

Fill out the form to receive Frederick Coolidge Crawford's full bio.

"*" indicates required fields