Clarence Christensen, Jr., veteran military flier, made aviation history when he won the Ricks Trophy Race in 1958. Born in Hooper, Nebraska, Christensen joined the United States Army Air Force in 1942 and piloted a B-24 bomber in the European Theater. After the war he remained in the reserves as a flier, then joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1949. Christensen retired in 1978 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

None of his many personal achievements surpassed his winning the Ricks Trophy Race. Representing the 173rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, “Chris” Christensen flew his F-86D Sabre jet over the 850-mile course between Jacksonville, Florida, and Dallas, Texas, in one hour, forty-eight minutes, and twenty seconds.

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