Biographical note: Ralph G. Vaughan was a pilot and aviation instructor during World War I. He joined the Army Air Corps Reserve in 1919. He operated an automobile garage in California, married Ruth Lewis, purchased an airplane and established a flying school and aviation business. He taught Reserve Aviation Officers in Ontario, California in 1925 and 1926. In 1929, they moved to Globe, Ariz. and started the Apache Airlines commuter service providing connections to Phoenix, Ariz. The airline closed during the depression and Vaughan supported himself by performing barnstorming events throughout the western states. In 1940 he was recalled to active duty with the Army Air corps. Assigned to Boeing Aircraft at Wichita, KS as the Army representative, Vaughan worked on developing the B-29 bomber for the war effort. After the war, he transferred to Fort Worth, TX to work on the B-36 bomber. Released from active duty, he moved to Tucson, Ariz. and opened a salvage business. Called back to service during the Korean War, he worked with the Strategic Air Command revising maintenance procedures.
From the description of Ralph Vaughan family papers, ca. 1854-1994 (bulk 1925-1960). (Arizona Historical Society, Southern Arizona Division). WorldCat record id: 78226389
