Carroll A Hochwalt was a talented chemist who made significant contributions to commercial, retail and government projects. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1920. From the early 1920’s, when he was a chemical engineer at General Motors, until his retirement from Monsanto in 1964, Hochwalt developed 92 patents. At G.M., he developed tetraethyl lead, which increases octane in motor fuel. In 1926, he co-founded Thomas & Hochwalt Laboratories in Dayton, Ohio, a chemical company that was acquired by Monsanto in 1936.
At Monsanto, which is based in St. Louis, Hochwalt was director of central research and coordinator of research, patents and developments.
In World War II, Hochwalt worked on the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb. Later he led a study commissioned by the Atomic Energy Commission examining chemical problems in the field of atomic energy.
Hochwalt talents were applied to many household uses as well, including making the first practical chemical fire extinguisher for Fyr Fyter, iodizing Morton’s Salt, creating a low suds washing machine detergent called “All” and developing a fast aging technique for the National Distillers’ Association.
Honors Bestowed Upon Carroll Hochwalt
1956 Midwest Award, American Chemical Society, St. Louis Section
1962 Honorary D.Sc., Washington University
1963 Knight of Malta, Pope Paul VI
1964 Honorary D.Sc. St. Louis University
1967 Distinguished Alumnus Award, University of Dayton
1969 Brotherhood Citation, National Conference of Christians and Jews (St. Louis)
1970 Cardinal Gibbons Award, Catholic University of America
1971 Society of Chemical Industry Medal (American Section)
Carroll A. Hochwalt died of a heart attack at his home in St. Louis in 1987 at age 88. You can visit his gravesite in Section 28, Lot 31.
