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What is Their Claim to Fame?
On June 21, 1966, seven pioneer aviators made their hand impressions in plaster at the Sutton Theater in New York City. All but one of these aviators, Colonel Bernt Balchen, were members of the LIEFC. They are shown above with their hand in wet plaster.
From left to right in the photo they are:
Ernest P. Cross: Crew member of the first airship flight across the Atlantic Ocean – flight of the R-34 – in 1919, William C. Diehl: Army flight instructor in World War 1, Beckwith Havens: Pioneer aviator, Harry A. Bruno: Pioneer aviator, author, and press representative for Charles A. Lindbergh, Elmo N. Pickerill: Early LIEFC president d member of the Early Birds. Was first to transmit and receive radio signals in flight, Colonel Bernt Balchen: one of the greatest pilots in the world. Flew over the South Pole with Admiral Byrd. Great benefactor to USA and Allies during World War II. Made many exploratory flights, Clarence D. Chamberlin: Flew across the Atlantic Ocean with passenger Charles Levine in Bellanca a few weeks after Lindbergh.
© 2004 The Long Island Early Fliers Club, P.O. Box 221, Bethpage, NY 11714-0221 • info@longislandearlyfliers.org |
