On Oct. 1, 1943, Capt. Don Scott, a two-time All-America quarterback at Ohio State University, died when his bomber crashed while he was training as a pilot in England during World War II. The following month, OSU trustees named the school's new airport after him.

In 1939, OSU became part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program sponsored by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. Its purpose was to foster private flying, but it quickly became part of the war effort. The School of Aviation and the Graduate Aviation Center were created in November 1942. To date, more than 5,000 students have received flight education through the program.

A star at Canton McKinley High School, Scott led OSU to the Big 10 title in 1939. He was selected to the All-America team that year and in 1940. The Chicago Bears drafted him in the first round in 1941, but he went to war instead of playing in the National Football League.

Rebecca Goodman

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com or call (513) 768-8361.