Floyd Bennett (October 25, 1890 April 25, 1928) was a United States Naval Aviator, along with then USN Commander Richard E. Byrd, to have made the first flight to the North Pole in May 1926. However, their claim to have reached the pole is disputed.
Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (October 25, 1888 – March 11, 1957) was an American naval officer and explorer. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for valor given by the United States, and was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights in which he served as a navigator and expedition leader crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau. Byrd claimed that his expeditions had been the first to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole by air. His claim to have reached the North Pole is disputed. He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley, the largest dormant volcano in Antarctica.
1926May, 9
Admiral Richard E. Byrd and Floyd Bennett claim to have flown over the North Pole (later discovery of Byrd's diary appears to cast some doubt on the claim.)
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Events on 1926
- 16Mar
Robert H. Goddard
History of Rocketry: Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket, at Auburn, Massachusetts. - 4May
1926 United Kingdom general strike
The United Kingdom general strike begins. - 18May
Aimee Semple McPherson
Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson disappears in Venice, California. - 14Jun
League of Nations
Brazil leaves the League of Nations - 20Aug
NHK
Japan's public broadcasting company, Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK) is established.