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1965 Thompson Trophy

Note: This item is currently in storage.

The Thompson Trophy, symbolic of speed supremacy in the air, is one of aviation's most coveted awards. It was first presented in 1929 following the Thompson Trophy Race at the National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio, and was sponsored by Thompson Products, Inc., now Thompson Romo Wooldridge (TRW), Inc.

In 1965, the Thompson Trophy was awarded to Col. Robert L. "Fox" Stephens (pilot) and Lt. Col. Daniel Andre (first control officer) for their YF-12A flight of 2,062 mph on May 1, 1965. This flight recaptured the world absolute speed record for the U.S. from the Soviet Union. 

The trophy was transferred to the museum by Maj. Gen. Alton D. Slay, commander of Air Force Systems Command.

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