TERRELL, Texas — A Kaufman County man has been honored with a prestigious award from King Charles III.
William (Bill) Huthmacher was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his work as Chairman of the No. 1 British Flying Training (BFTS) Museum in Terrell, Texas.
The city may seem like an odd place for a British flying training school, but the museum honors a little-known chapter of World War II history featuring artifacts, logbooks, training materials, and more.
The BFTS museum tells the story of the cadets 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.
More than 2,200 Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Corps cadets earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945.
Huthmacher, the son of a 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 British Empire Medal is awarded to individuals for achievement or contribution of a very “hands-on” service to the community. Since Huthmacher has been the BFTS Chairman there has been an 85% increase in visitors and the launch of several flagship fundraising efforts.
“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," Huthmacher said.
Recently, Huthmacher went to the U.K. to meet the heroes who trained at the BFTS or their descendants. He recorded interviews to capture the cadet's memories for future generations and brought back several pieces of memorabilia to display at the museum.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be receiving such a prestigious award," Huthmacher said.
He was told that each medal is custom-made and it will take a few months before he receives it.
Recognition of Huthmacher’s work 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.
To learn more about the unique part of Texas history, you can find more information on the museum's website here.
The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
