Around the World in 1924: The Epic Flight of Eight Army Pilots

In 1924, the world was still a vast and mysterious place. Aviation was in its infancy, and only a handful of pilots had ever flown across the Atlantic Ocean. But the U.S. Army Air Service was determined to prove that it was possible to fly around the world.

The mission was assigned to eight Army pilots:

• Major Frederick Martin: Commander of the expedition
• Captain Lowell Smith: Pilot of the Chicago
• Lieutenant Erik Nelson: Pilot of the New Orleans
• Lieutenant Leigh Wade: Pilot of the Boston
• Lieutenant Henry Ogden: Pilot of the Seattle
• Lieutenant James Breeden: Navigator of the Chicago
• Lieutenant George Noville: Navigator of the New Orleans
• Lieutenant Ennis Whitehead: Navigator of the Boston

The pilots were all experienced aviators, but they knew that the journey would be fraught with danger. They would be flying over vast oceans, deserts, and mountains. They would face extreme weather conditions and mechanical problems. But they were determined to succeed.

Four Planes Started Only Two Finished: How Eight Army Pilots Circled The Globe in 1924

by Norm Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	728 KB
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The aircraft chosen for the mission were four modified Douglas World Cruisers. The World Cruiser was a single-engine, biplane designed for long-range flights. It was powered by a Liberty L-12 engine and had a cruising speed of 100 mph.

The World Cruisers were modified for the flight with extra fuel tanks, navigation equipment, and survival gear. The pilots also installed machine guns on the aircraft, in case they were attacked.

The World Cruisers took off from Seattle, Washington, on April 6, 1924. They flew east across the United States, then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to England. From England, they flew across Europe, the Middle East, and India. They then crossed the Pacific Ocean to Japan and Alaska. Finally, they landed back in Seattle on September 28, 1924.

The journey took 175 days and covered 26,345 miles. The pilots faced many challenges along the way, including bad weather, mechanical problems, and political unrest. But they never gave up.

The World Flight of 1924 was a major achievement in aviation history. It proved that it was possible to fly around the world in a single flight. It also helped to promote aviation around the world.

The eight Army pilots who completed the World Flight were hailed as heroes. They were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Their story continues to inspire aviators today.

The World Flight of 1924 was an epic adventure that captured the imagination of the world. It was a testament to the courage, determination, and indomitable spirit of the eight Army pilots who completed it. Their story is one that will continue to be told for generations to come.

Four Planes Started Only Two Finished: How Eight Army Pilots Circled The Globe in 1924

by Norm Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	728 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE