Field Eugene Kinley, from Gravette, Arkansas, was honored posthumously by Arkansas Tech ROTC cadet Peter Ryan of Rogers. Kinley, Arkansas's only air ace of World War I, died tragically at 23 as an Army Air Service captain. He earned two Distinguished Service Crosses and the British Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and skill. Commanding the 148th Aircraft Squadron in France, he was credited with 12 confirmed kills in 1918, ranking him third nationally for aircraft shot down.

Kinley's career began modestly, ferrying aircraft to the Western Front. In May 1918, he crashed into the White Cliffs of Dover due to fog but recovered to demonstrate exceptional flying ability. On June 26, he shot down a German unit commander on his first combat mission. His most remarkable day was September 27, 1918, when he bombed German transports and destroyed an observation balloon and enemy infantry. Despite running out of ammunition, he scared off German planes attacking an Allied aircraft, earning his second Distinguished Service Cross.

He is buried in Gravette, Arkansas, and was the subject of Jack Ballard's 2007 book, "War Bird Ace: The Great War Exploits of Capt. Field E. Kinley."