John Munnerlyn Donalson completed Army Air Corps flight training in 1925. Establsihed early flying school in Birmingham, Alabama. Became first Director of Aeronautics, state of Alabama, under Governor Bibb Graves in 1935. Distinguished himself as a military leader while a Transport Group Commander during World War II. Flew lead aircraft in the Normandy invasion, June 6, 1944. Participated in all major airborn operations in Europe. Organized and commanded post-war Alabama Air National Guard. Retired as Major General in 1961.