10 Facts About Cliff Henderson

Clifford "Cliff" Henderson was the managing director of the National Air Races from 1928 through 1939.

Cliff Henderson served in the 35th Ambulance Unit, in France during World War I, then transferred to the 101st Aero Squadron.

In that same year Cliff Henderson became manager of the National Air Races, promoting aviation with competition trophies, including the Thompson, Bendix and Grieve Trophies.

Cliff Henderson retired from the National Air Races in 1939.

In World War II, Cliff Henderson served in the Army Air Corps, rising to the rank of colonel.

Cliff Henderson was involved in planning the Burma Hump air route, and served as military governor of Dakar in North Africa.

Cliff Henderson was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, a male-only aviators' social club.

Cliff Henderson died on March 26,1984, in Rancho Mirage near Palm Desert.

Notable recipients of the Cliff Henderson Trophy include Wesley L McDonald, Walter J Boyne, Thomas H Miller, and Eugene Peyton Deatrick.

In 1978, a bust of Cliff Henderson was completed and dedicated in Palm Desert.