John McDonnell left Boeing's board this week, cutting the biggest remaining link to McDonnell Douglas.
McDonnell's grandfather James McDonnell founded McDonnell Aircraft Corp. on July 6, 1939. The company merged with the older Douglas Aircraft on April 28, 1967.
Douglas had major success in early military and civilian aircraft, and later in missiles, rockets and spacecraft. McDonnell made its name with military jets after World War II.
Over time, Boeing grew to dominate the airliner business, while McDonnell Douglas produced some of the most-successful military aircraft, including the F-15 and F/A-18 fighters and C-17 Globemaster III transport.
Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged in 1997. The resulting company kept the Boeing name and McDonnell Douglas logo. Boeing's defense arm is headquartered in St. Louis, McDonnell Douglas' hometown.
John McDonnell was chairman of McDonnell Douglas from 1988 until its merger with Boeing.
Source: Seattle PI
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