The Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame celebrated the induction of two notable figures from Delaware State University during its banquet on Oct. 27. Lt. Col. Michael Hales, a distinguished military aviator, and director of the DSU Aviation Program, joined the late Dr. Luna I. Mishoe, former DSU president, who was honored posthumously for his contributions as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
Lt. Col. Michael Hales
Lt. Col. Hales was recognized for his impressive 25-year career in the U.S. Army, during which he served as a combat pilot across five deployments. Hales held key positions, including aviation advisor and director of the Iraqi Flight School. His leadership and vision have been pivotal in transforming the DSU Aviation Program. Under his guidance over the past seven years, the program has seen its student enrollment triple from 57 to 163.
In addition to significantly increasing enrollment, Hales spearheaded the acquisition of 15 new aircraft and the establishment of a helicopter flight training program in collaboration with the U.S. Army ROTC. His fundraising efforts generated $4 million for the program, and he played a crucial role in obtaining FAA self-examining authority for four of six certifications/ratings, saving students over $6,000 each in Designated Pilot Examination fees.
The Late Dr. Luna I. Mishoe
Dr. Wilma Mishoe and her sister, Rev. Rita Paige, accepted a plaque and medal for their late father, Dr. Luna I. Mishoe, whose significant contributions to aviation were long overlooked. A First Lieutenant and photographic intelligence and communications officer during World War II, Dr. Mishoe served as part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, a fact that remained unknown until an independent researcher uncovered his connection to the prestigious group. Following confirmation from the national office of the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Mishoe’s family received a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal.
Dr. Mishoe’s legacy extends beyond his military accomplishments. He served as the president of then-Delaware State College for 27 years, from 1960 to 1987, before passing away in 1989.
The Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame, established in 2000, has inducted 126 individuals. Lt. Col. Hales and Dr. Mishoe marked the sixth and seventh African Americans to receive this honor. Past inductees connected to DSU include the late Dr. Daniel E. Coons, the founding director of the DSU Aviation Program, and Hans Reigle, a former instructor and assistant director.