Halvor Ekeren

Halvor Martin Ekeren graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1947.  His appointment to the United States Naval Academy began his exciting and challenging career in aviation–a career that would end tragically with his death only 11 years after graduation.

While attending Lincoln High School, Ekeren excelled in academics, the arts, and athletics, participating in a variety of activities in the school, church, and community.  He continued to distinguish himself at the Naval Academy, graduating 48th in a class of 818.

In 1951, Ekeren was selected for duty in the US Air Force and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. For the next several years, Ekeren was stationed at five air force bases including Langley Field in Virginia and Komaki Air Force base in Nagoya, Japan.

In 1958, Ekeren went to Edwards Air Force Base for six months of high performance jet training. As the top pilot in his class, he was chosen to test state of the art military aircraft.

It was at Edwards that Ekeren’s skill caught the attention of NASA. He was picked as one of the original 100 astronauts for the Mercury Astronaut Program and remained under consideration when the field was narrowed to 18.  However, Ekeren decided to take his name out of consideration for the Mercury space program. He wanted to continue the test pilot work that he loved and planned to pursue the astronaut opportunity at a later time.

On April 8, 1959, Ekeren’s life was tragically cut short when the engine of his F106 military fighter jet failed during a demonstration at the World Congress of Flight Air Show. He is buried with high honors at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Ekeren was a model of high standards and hard work, perseverance and balance, humor and resolve.