Aviation
Birth of Claire Chennault
Aviator Claire Lee Chennault was born on September 6, 1893, in Commerce, Texas.
Happy Birthday Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, was born on August 5, 1930, near Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Discovery of the Inverted Jenny
On May 14, 1918, stamp collector William Robey discovered the now sought-after Inverted Jenny, #C3a.
Death of Billy Mitchell
On February 19, 1936, Billy Mitchell, often considered the father of the United States Air Force, died in New York City.
China Clipper Inaugurates Trans-Pacific Airmail
On November 22, 1935, the China Clipper made its first airmail voyage across the Pacific Ocean.
Nellie Bly Begins Record-Setting Trip Around the Globe
On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on a trip around the globe, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days.
First Official U.S. Airmail Flight
On September 23, 1911, Earle Ovington made America’s first airmail delivery between Garden City and Mineola, New York.
Graf Zeppelin Begins Round-The-World Journey From New Jersey
On August 8, 1929, the Graf Zeppelin departed the airfield in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to return 21 days later.
Death of WWI Ace Eddie Rickenbacker
On July 23, 1973, Eddie Rickenbacker died in Züruch, Switzerland. Rickenbacker had received a record eight Distinguished Service Crosses and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.