G.G. Atkinson

Gwen Grover Atkinson, better known as "G. G.," is a native of Texas who joined the Army Air Corps in 1936. As a World War II pilot, he was shot down over Clark Field outside of Manila. Sleeping in the daytime and running at night for 21 days, he made his way back to where he could be rescued.

Among his many awards, he received the Distinguished Service Cross for injuries he incurred while rescuing a fellow pilot from a burning aircraft. After retirement from the Air Force, he joined Liberty National Bank where he became a senior vice president. His long record of community service includes the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, where he is one of very few honorary life members; the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Camp Classen, the Omaha Home for Boys, and Boys and Girls Town.