Cook Cleland

Cook Cleland (December 24, 1916 – July 13, 2007) was a United States Navy officer, World War II flying ace, and civilian air race pilot.

After graduation he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp flying the Vought SB2U Vindicator and Douglas SBD dive bombers, providing close air support for the initial Guadalcanal landings.

The 1948 Thompson saw Cleland return with more modifications to the previous years plane, but the experimental fuel, rated at 200 octane, proved too volatile and caused the induction scoops to be blown loose, taking him out of the race.

Wanting to expand his air charter service, Cleland and his partner purchased three surplus PBY Catalina Flying Boats with the intent to modify them for the Alaska hunting and fishing trade.

In February 1951, he returned to active duty as commanding officer of carrier-based Fighting Squadron 653 and flew the Chance-Vought F4U Corsair in 67 combat missions over North Korea.

Cleland held numerous United States Navy staff positions after the Korean War and played a key role in establishing the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Cook Cleland's Race 57, winner of the 1949 Tinnerman Trophy that was flown by Ben McKillen