thumb|200px|right|the harmon aviator trophythumb|200px|right|the harmon aviatrix trophy the harmon trophy is a set of three international trophies, to be awarded annually to the world's outstanding aviator, aviatrix, and aeronaut (balloon or dirigible). a fourth trophy, the "national trophy," was awarded from 1926 through 1938 to the most outstanding aviator in each of the twenty-one member countries and again from 1946-1948 to honor americans who contributed to aviation. the award was established in 1926 by clifford b. harmon, a wealthy balloonist and aviator. the awards are described by the clifford b. harmon trust as: :"american awards for the most outstanding international achievements in the arts and/or science of aeronautics for the preceding year, with the art of flying receiving first consideration."  ==world war ii and harmon's death== prior to world war ii, the award was administered by the international league of aviators (ligue internationale des aviateurs), an organization founded by harmon to serve as "an agent for peace and national security."  the league became defunct during the war and harmon's death on june 25, 1945 in cannes, france  put the awards in turmoil. harmon left $55,000 of his estate to continue funding the award in "perpetuity," but harmon's relatives challenged the bequest.  ultimately, a trust fund of $48,431 was created in 1948.  during the period the awards were in litigation (1945â1
Aviation_awards Aviation_competitions_and_awards Awards_established_in_1926 Harmon_Trophy_winners