Charles A. Lindbergh was one of the most famous aviators of the 20th century. He is chiefly remembered for successfully flying the first solo non-stop flight from New York to Paris in 1927, which brought him instant international recognition. He used his popularity to promote the development of commercial aviation and U.S Air Mail. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1902, Lindbergh from his youth displayed a keen interest in “the mechanics of motorized transportation.” In 1920 he enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but left two years later to attend flight training school. As a U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve officer, Lindbergh was the recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. In 1954 he also received the Pulitzer Prize for his book “The Spirit of St. Louis.” Lindbergh died in Kipahulu, Hawaii, on August 26, 1974.
-John Deeben