John Leland "Lee" Atwood (October 26, 1904 – March 5, 1999) was an American aerospace engineer who worked as Chief Engineer/Executive at North American Aviation for over 35 years, succeeding Dutch Kindelberger as president and CEO. He developed the P-51 Mustang during World War II, the F-100 jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and oversaw the Apollo program.

Early life

Atwood was born in Walton, Kentucky, on October 26, 1904, to Reverend Dr. Elmer Bugg Atwood and Mabel Bagby Atwood. His younger brother was the linguist Elmer Bagby Atwood. He studied at Hardin-Simmons University from 1924 to 1926, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then took postgraduate engineering courses at the University of Texas, to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in 1928.

Career

Atwood worked for Douglas Aircraft Company in Southern California, and joined North American Aviation in 1934. He quickly became a vice-president and in 1938 was appointed deputy general manager of North American Aviation. In 1941, he became First Vice President.

In 1960 he became CEO and in 1962 he became chairman of the board, following the death of Dutch Kindelberger in 1962. In 1967, Atwood partnered with Willard Rockwell to form North American Rockwell. He was president and CEO of the new company.

Atwood retired in 1970 and held a position on the board until 1978.

Atwood was on the cover of Newsweek magazine, December 21, 1964; the cover title was "Apollo and the Moon Men - North American's Lee Atwood."

In 1984, Atwood was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

References

7. John Taye Roberts, Henry Wojnicki, editor.

Atwood wonders. The Atwood Hall of Fame.

Blackishwood Co. Publishers, 2003.

Further reading

  • Boeing - Executive Biography of John Leland Atwood
  • Five-part oral history interview with Atwood
  • Mike Gray (1992), Angle of Attack: Harrison Storms and the Race to the Moon
  • Interview with John Leland Atwood for NOVA series: To the Moon WGBH Educational Foundation, raw footage, 1998