Buzz Aldrin, Clay Lacy, Si Robin, and Royce Williams will receive the Aviation Sword of Excellence at the International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala on Nov. 21, 2026, at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
“The Aviation Sword of Excellence honorees and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2026 represent the true pioneering spirit of aviation exploration, from American icons in the skies over countless cultural and historic moments, to record-setting flights, legendary fighter aircraft, and groundbreaking revolutions in commercial and business aviation innovation,” said Jim Kidrick, president and CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
The four Aviation Sword of Excellence recipients are being recognized for notable contributions to aviation and aerospace history:
- Buzz Aldrin: Apollo 11 Lunar Module pilot, Gemini 12 astronaut, aeronautical engineer, and the second person to walk on the Moon.
- Clay Lacy: Pioneering air racer, aerial cinematographer, and founder of Clay Lacy Aviation, who has logged more than 50,000 flight hours across more than 300 aircraft types.
- Si Robin: Aviation innovator and co-founder of Sensor Systems, who earned dozens of patents for aircraft antenna technology used across general, commercial, and military aviation.
- Royce Williams: Decorated Naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient who engaged seven MiG-15 fighters during a solo 35-minute dogfight on Nov. 18, 1952.
In addition to the four sword recipients, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes aerospace executive Dr. Mark Albrecht; aviation entrepreneur Doug Matthews; former NASA and Naval test pilot Robert Rivers; Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) veteran Nell “Mickey” Stevenson Bright; International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) President and CEO John Cudahy; and OMEGA Watches.
For more information: SDASM.org
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