Lieutenant Colonel Boyd David “Buzz” Wagner was born October 26, 1916, in Emeigh, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Nanty-Glo, near Johnstown, and studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh for three years before joining the Army Air Corps. Wagner was a local hero and a U.S. Army Fighter Ace. He was given the nickname“Buzz”because it was said he could “buzz” the camouflage off a hangar roof.

Many locals across Cambria County had pictures of Wagner in their homes, and he was seen as a beacon of hope in the American military campaign against the Japanese during WWII. Buzz gave the nation hope that we could in fact beat the Japanese. Wagner received several honors during his military career including the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and others.

Buzz tragically lost his life in November of 1942 when his plane disappeared during a routine flight out of Eglin Florida. What was left of the plane was recovered and Wagner’s remains were buried at Grandview Cemetery here in Johnstown. His funeral service was nationally covered and over 15,000 people were in attendance. In 2008, the original crash site was found near Eglin Airforce Base in Florida containing pieces of Wagner’s plane and human remains. These additional remains were confirmed to be that of Buzz and were repatriated in 2010 at Grandview Cemetery. The repatriation also featured a flyover performed by the U.S. Airforce, as Wagner was unable to have a flyover in 1943.

A replica Curtiss P-40 Warhawk honoring Buzz Wagner is proudly displayed at the entrance to the John Murtha Cambria County Airport. This project was spearheaded by the local Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 221. This chapter is also named for Lieutenant Colonel Boyd David “Buzz” Wagner. There are also several other items related to Wagner on display inside the airport itself.