Octave Chanute

Octave Chanute was born in Paris Feb. 18, 1832, and came to the United States as a child. He became a respected civil engineer and spent most of his adult life as an engineer in the railroad industry, but later gained international fame in the study of aeronautics.

Octave Chanute

Octave Chanute came to the United States as a child. He spent most of his adult life as an engineer in the railroad industry, but later gained international fame in the study of aeronautics.

Gen. Frank M. Andrews

Gen. Frank M. Andrews, theater commander of U.S. forces in the European theater of operations, was responsible for direction of the American strategic bombing campaign against Germany and planning the land invasion of occupied western Europe in 1943.

Major General James E. Fechet

EARLY YEARS -- James E. Fechet was chief of the Army Air Corps from 1927 to 1931. During his long career, he saw America's air arm grow from three men to more than 2,300,000. Considered one of the founding fathers of the independent Air Force, he helped airpower prove its promise.

Bebe Daniels and Lt. Col. Henry H. Arnold

Early Years -- Bebe Daniels and Lt. Col. Henry H. Arnold, Long Beach, California. (10/30/32)

Wright B Airplane

Early Years -- Lieutenant Henry H. Arnold in Wright B Airplane, College Park, Maryland, 1911.