As a tribute to all branches of service, the bronze sculpture of “The Aviator” honors our American Pilots who soar in our skies defending our freedom. This statue pays tribute to all U.S. Armed Forces Aviators for their courage, duty and Sacrifice in defense of our nation and way of life. It is meant to signify Huntsville’s strong ties to aviation as well as commemorate Huntsville’s only casualty of the Persian Gulf War. The US Armed Forces Aviator Statue, sculpted by local artist Dan Burch, was fashioned after Marine Captain James N. "Trey" Wilbourn III who was killed in action on February 23, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.  Capt. Wilbourn was from Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.