In 2012, Mrs. Fay Bailey established an endowment in memory of her husband, Hop Bailey Jr. We are touched and deeply grateful to Mrs. Bailey for her generous gift, which will support the Center’s mission of public service education through our Veterans Oral History Project, the WWII Archival Collection, guest lectures, and undergraduate internship program. This association with Captain Bailey and his distinguished record of service is truly an honor for us. Captain Bailey was a native of Knoxville and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. During his sophomore year, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and to quote from his brief memoir, “Everybody in my age group knew we were going!” He joined the US Army Air Corps and left for Nashville in 1942, where he was chosen for pilot training. Bailey trained further at Maxwell Field, Alabama; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Walnut Ridge, Arkansas; and Seymour, Indiana. Flying came naturally to Bailey, and he was already prepared. He recalled in his memoir, “I had no trouble flying because I had a civilian license that I got in yellow J3 Cubs at the Island Home Airport.” Bailey went on to pilot C-47s and C-54s with the 9th Air Force, 442nd Troop Carrier Group, 305th Squadron during World War II. He served as a flight leader during the first assault wave over Normandy on June 6, 1944. After World War II, Bailey continued to serve in the US Air Force Reserve during the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War Era. He served his country with distinction and the Center is proud to carry forward his name on this endowment, which will give crucial support to our work.

Col. John Bradley McKinney and Marsha Bonds McKinney

Marsha Bonds McKinney and Col. John Bradley McKinney have been longtime supporters of the Center. In addition to a number of earlier gifts, upon Col. McKinney’s death at the age of 95 in October 2013, the Center received an extraordinary contribution from the McKinney’s estate. This bequest will support the ongoing activities of the Center, including expanding its oral history program.

John McKinney graduated from the University of Tennessee. He then earned a law degree from Memphis State University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard, and a Master’s in International Affairs from George Washington University. McKinney’s tenure in the military spanned twenty-seven years, during which he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After his service, McKinney worked as Chairman of the Board and CEO of ITT World Communications, retiring in 1983.

During his military career, Col. McKinney received a Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, a Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters, an Air Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, and numerous Foreign Service and Theater medals.

Lt. Commander Kyle Moore

The Kyle Campbell Moore Endowment is the Center’s largest financial gift. The Endowment was established in 2000 by Katherine Davis Moore in memory of her late husband, Lt. Commander Kyle Moore, who died during the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis in July 1945. A native of Knoxville, Katherine Davis Moore and her late sister, Betty Davis, have contributed much to the Center’s efforts to preserve the memories of courageous women and men such as Kyle Moore.

A lieutenant commander and the officer-in-charge in the hull department of the USS Indianapolis, Moore was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroism beyond the call of duty.

Edgar and Jerry Wilson

The Edgar and Jerry Wilson Endowment was established by Edgar C. Wilson, UT Class of 1940, in honor of his wife, Jerry Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was a graduate of Milligan College and a registered nurse. It was the first endowment in the Center’s history.

Edgar Wilson served during the Second World War as a Field Artillery Forward Observer and Artillery Liaison Officer with the 80th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army, in Europe. Wilson was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action.