Mr. William (Bill) Huthmacher receives the Award in recognition of his work as Chairman of the No.1 British Flying Training School (BFTS) Museum in Terrell
His Majesty King Charles III has awarded the British Empire Medal to Mr. William (Bill) Huthmacher in recognition of his outstanding work as Chairman of the No.1 British Flying Training School (BFTS) Museum in Terrell, Texas.
The museum tells the story of the 2,200 British pilots who came to Terrell during World War II to learn their craft in the warm Texas weather, free from attacks by German fighters, before heading into aerial combat over the skies of Europe.
Huthmacher, the son of an US Army Air Corps Captain who was stationed in the UK in 1942, joined the Board of the Museum in 2017 and became Chairman in 2019. The Award recognizes the work of Mr. Huthmacher since becoming Chairman, a period which has seen visitor numbers increase by 85%, the launch of several flagship fundraising efforts and the recent visit to the UK by Mr. Huthmacher to meet with a number of living cadets who trained at the BFTS in Terrell, or their descendants. During that visit Mr. Huthmacher recorded interviews with cadets to capture their memories for future generations and secured several pieces of memorabilia for display at the museum.
In response to the award, Mr. Huthmacher said, “I thank the British Consulate in Houston for nominating me for the British Empire Medal. While this may be an individual honor, it really recognizes a group effort that involves the people of Terrell, our volunteers and staff, as well as, my wife, Gerrie, who have supported the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum. I am deeply honored and humbled to be receiving such a prestigious award.”
Commenting on the award, the British Consul General in Houston Sujeevan Satheesan said, “I have been blown away by the fascinating story of the young British airmen sent to Terrell in the 1940s and the hospitality shown by the people of Terrell, as well as the leadership and dedication that Bill shows in his role as Chairman. I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit this wonderful museum and learn about a unique part of Texas’ role in World War II, a story that Bill has done so much to preserve and promote.”
Recognition of Mr Huthmacher’s work by His Majesty King Charles III follows the passing of a resolution in the Texas legislature last year celebrating the museum’s 20th anniversary and its role in preserving the story of Terrell’s role in WWII.
For Texan’s wanting to learn more about the unique part of Texas history, more information is available at https://www.bftsmuseum. org/. The museum is open Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm.
The British Empire Medal
The British Empire Medal is awarded by His Majesty The King to individuals for achievement or contribution of a very “hands-on” service to the community in a local geographical area. This might take the form of sustained commitment in support of very local charitable and/or voluntary work that has delivered real impact but that is relatively short (three to four years) in duration.
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