Byrd, Richard Evelyn

Dates

• Existence: 1888    

Biography

Richard Evelyn Byrd, one of the pioneers of polar region flying, was born October 25, 1888, in Winchester, Virginia. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1912, and flying with the Aviation Service in World War I, he flew in the Arctic and later commanded four expeditions to the Antarctic. In 1930, he attained the rank of rear-admiral, and during World War II served with Admirals King and Nimitz in Washington and the Pacific. From 1946 to 1947, he commanded US Navy "Operation Highjump" in the Antarctic. Byrd won many honors and decorations, both naval and civilian. He was also the author of five book about his explorations including "Skyward" (1928), "Little America" (1930), "Discovery" (1935), "Exploring with Byrd" (1937) and "Alone" (1938). Byrd died on March 11, 1957 in Boston.

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