La Jolla son and Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson will be enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame July 15 at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio. Robertson just finished filming “Spider-Man 3,” in which he reprises his role of Uncle Ben Parker. He is also well known as a pilot and aviation advocate.
The board of trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame is hosting its 45th Annual Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony on Saturday, July 15. The black-tie event starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St. Seats are $125 per person.
This year’s inductees include Robertson; Bessie Coleman, the first female African-American civilian licensed pilot; David “Tex” Hill, a WWII Flying Tiger fighter pilot ace; and Maj. Gen. Robert White, an X-15 astronaut and test pilot. Robertson takes his place alongside great names like Neil Armstrong but doesn’t let pride overwhelm him.
“I don’t feel that I deserve such an honor, but I’m certainly terribly touched and grateful for it,” Robertson said by phone on July 3. “I will be there in Dayton on the 15th to accept this great, great honor.”
The Academy Award-winning actor was born on Sept. 9, 1925, in La Jolla. His career in the entertainment industry spans over 50 years. Robertson has played many roles on the screen and behind the scenes as an actor, producer, director and writer. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “Charly” in 1968.
An avid aviation advocate, Robertson is known for his collections of vintage aircraft and has also been recognized for his contributions to the aviation community. His awards include the EAA’s Freedom of Flight award, Soaring Society of America award, and the A.O.P.A. William Sharples Award for Rescue Flying in Africa, for which he organized flights delivering food and aid to a country in the middle of a civil war.
Robertson’s life has led him around the world to witness some of history’s defining moments, including flying over the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“I kept flying in the general area, and 15 minutes later I saw the other building implode,” he said. “I didn’t see the planes that ran into the buildings, but I saw the explosion. Then the air traffic control said, ‘We have a national emergency. Land at the nearest airport.'”
Among his many accomplishments, Robertson was honored as Veteran of the Year by the American Veteran’s Association in 2003. He was also recognized for uncovering corporate corruption in Hollywood in the ’70s.
Robertson’s grandmother moved to La Jolla in 1912. Last year he sold his La Jolla home but still holds close ties to his home town and comes back to visit his “old pals.”
“My roots are still there in La Jolla and I’ll keep coming back as long I’m welcome.” Robertson said.
For tickets to the dinner or information, visit www.nationalaviation.org or call (937) 356-0944, ext. 10.