ESCANABA - The generosity of an anonymous donor has led to a local pilot being honored with a plaque on the Delta County Airport's Memorial Wall.

While most people are familiar with the location of the Delta County Airport, they may not realize the airport had originally been located in Wells.

The original Delta County Airport hangar still stands today, as the main building used by U.P. Pipe and Concrete.

Arntzen said his father convinced the Michigan Board of Aeronautics the existing 1,400 foot runway at the airport needed to be expanded, leading to the relocation of the airport to its present location.

It was after the new runway at the airport was constructed that the airport terminal was built.

"My father also worked tirelessly to acquire the necessary funding allowing for the construction of the north-south runway in the early 1930's," said Arntzen.

Recently, one of Delta County's first aviators was honored with a memorial plaque which is on display at the Delta County Airport.

Wally Arntzen was the first Escanaba resident to own his own plane after earning his pilots wings in 1925 when he attended the U.S. Army Air Cadet Flying School based out of Brooks Field, Texas.

Achieving the rank of captain, he was at home throughout the world serving as part of the Army's Air Transport Command.

During his time with the Army Air Transport Command, he flew thousands of hours and countless miles to where United Nations forces were in need of Flying Fortresses and other bombers.

After returning to Escanaba, he started his own flying school and worked as a barnstormer around the peninsula in his OX-5 or 'Jenny'.

As a freelance aviator, Arntzen would thrill residents with his loop the loops and tailspins. During this time, many residents paid the $5 fee for their first plane rides.

Norm Arntzen, who was notified of the honor being bestowed upon his father, noted that it was his grandfather who was the first architect in the state to utilize an airplane for on field supervision trips to construction jobs.

"My grandfather used to fly to construction sites with dad as the pilot," said Arntzen.

He also notedmhis father flew several mercy flights, of which 15 saved the lives of lost hunters, marooned fishermen, and people in need of surgery.

"Through his flying school, he also taught more than 100 students to fly," said Arntzen.