Thornton Arnold “T.A.” Wilson (1921 – 1999), known to friends and colleagues as just “T,” was the Chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of Boeing corporation. Born in Missouri, Wilson earned his B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Iowa State University and a M.S. degree from the California Institute of Technology.

Following his graduation from Iowa State, Wilson joined Boeing in 1943 as an engineer, and worked on bomber programs, notably the swept-wing B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress, and also led the proposal team that won the contract for the Minuteman missile. He became company president in 1968, chief executive officer in 1969, and chairman in 1972. Wilson stepped down as CEO in 1986, and retired as chairman at the end of 1987, though he served as chairman emeritus until 1993.

Wilson was awarded the NAS Award in Aeronautical Engineering in 1985 from the National Academy of Sciences. In 1992, he was the recipient of the Tony Jannus Award for his distinguished contributions to commercial aviation. Wilson belonged to many professional societies and won numerous awards, including being named to the National Aviation Hall of Fame for engineering and managerial achievements. The main glass gallery of the Museum of Flight in Seattle, opened in 1987, is named for Wilson.

Interview conducted by George C. Martin, George Shairer, and Robert L. Twiss on March 1 and 15, 1985 and May 2, 1985. This interview is part of the Donald Schmechel Oral History Collection. Don Schmechel, who was a member of the Seattle Public Library Foundation board, began this project with Seattle Public Library in 1984, with the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) brought on board as a partner in early 1985. Schmechel himself worked to raise the funding for the project, and volunteered his time to manage the project, and to conduct interviews along with a crew of volunteers. Originally titled the Videotaping Historic Figures (VHF) Program, the project interviewed 91 people, and MOHAI holds the interviews for 32 of these individuals.