Gene Vidal

Gene Vidal is now best known as the father of famed author, Gore Vidal. But Gene Vidal had quite a life of his own. He played quarterback at West Point, making some All-American teams. He later taught aeronautics at West Point and was a pioneer in the aviation industry. He was the Director of the Commerce Department's Bureau of Air Commerce from 1933–1937, and was one of the first Army Air Corps pilots. In one of the biographies of Amelia Earhart, Vidal is described as the great love of her life. Vidal founded three American airlines during the 1920s-30s, which later became Eastern Airlines, TWA, and Northeast Airlines (founded with Earhart). He was also an investor in the Boston and Maine Railroad.

Personal Bests: Decathlon – 5,781 (1920); 6462.320* (1922).