Born Walton, Ky. 1904. B.A., Hardin-Simmons, 1926; B.S. in mathematics, post-graduate engineering courses, University of Texas, 1928. 1928, Junior Engineer, Army Aircraft Branch, Wright Field, Dayton. Joined Douglas Aircraft in the '20s and helped design the XTBD and other "streamlined marvels" such as the DC-1, DC-2 and DC-3. Atwood led North American into the space age, developing huge rocket engines to be used on the Apollo and Saturn series, and developing the X-15 research aircraft. Since Atwood's retirement in 1972, the company has continued its leadership in aerospace development. He was one of the most respected and honored men in American business life and is widely regarded as the Dean of the Aerospace Industry.