Terhune, Charles H., Jr., 1916-2006.

Charles H. Terhune, Jr., was born on May 7, 1916 in Dayton, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 from Purdue University, and an Aeronautical Engineering degree from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1940.

Terhune joined the Army Air Corps in 1938 and received his pilot wings in May 1939 at Kelly Field, TX. As an Army Air Corps pilot in 1939, he tested bullet-proof fuel tanks for aircraft at Wright Field, OH, and was associated with development of the first jet aircraft for the Army Air Force in the early 1940s, serving at Wright Field. During the latter stages of World War II, Terhune participated in combat missions from the Philippines and Okinawa as Executive Officer of the 58th Fighter Group, Pacific Theater, and after the War he served as Commander, 49th Fighter Group, Japan. From 1947-52, Terhune served in various positions involving guided missile development, stationed at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters, then in the Office of Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.

From 1952-54, Terhune was assigned as Director of Development, Air Force Special Weapons Center, Kirtland AFB, NM. During this time he was responsible for Air Force development associated with installation of nuclear weapons in aircraft and guided missiles. From 1954-60, he was stationed at various locations in the Los Angeles, CA area, and was instrumental in the implementation of intermediate range and intercontinental ballistic missiles to operational status. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1959. From 1960-64, he served in various managerial positions at Hanscom Field, MA, attaining the position of Commander, Electronic Systems Division. From July 1964 to May 1967, he served as Commander of the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and beginning in May 1967, he served as Vice Commander, AFSC, Andrews AFB, MD.

General Terhune retired as a Lieutenant General in 1969. From 1969 to 1971, he was manager of administration at National Cash Register's Data Processing Division in San Diego. In 1971, he was named JPL Deputy Director, assuming his duties on July 19, 1971.

General Terhune served as Acting Lab Director for four months after the resignation of Lab Director Bruce Murray, from July 1 to October 14, 1982, when General Lew Allen assumed the position of Director. Terhune retired as Deputy Director of JPL in December 1983.

Terhune earned several decorations and service awards in the U.S. Air Force, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Air Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster. He was awarded NASA's Distinguished Service Medal in 1982.