Yesterday           Tomorrow

May 27th, 1939 (SATURDAY)

U.S.A.: Lieutenant Colonel Alfred A. Cunningham, first U.S. Marine Corps aviator, died at his home in Sarasota, Florida. He reported for flight training at Annapolis, Maryland, on 22 May 1912, a day now celebrated as the birthday of United States' Marine Corps aviation; and in a relatively short aviation career, served with distinction in many capacities. During World War I, he organized and commanded the first United States Marine aviation unit, was among those proposing operations later assigned to the Northern Bombing Group and was commanding officer of its Day Wing. In the post-war period, he served as the first administrative head of United States Marine Corps aviation and then commanded the 1st Air Squadron in Santo Domingo.

Top of Page

Yesterday                Tomorrow

Home