Donald Lopez | Space museum chief, 84

Donald Lopez, 84, deputy director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and a veteran World War II fighter pilot, died of a heart attack Monday in Washington.

Mr. Lopez joined the Smithsonian in 1972 and was part of the team responsible for planning and opening the museum in 1976. Administrators said he provided much of the aviation knowledge that guided the museum for decades.

He was a legend as a pilot in the 23d Fighter Group of the 14th Air Force in China. He flew 101 missions and tallied five victories to become a World War II "ace."

- AP