Charles Lindbergh

The first person to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean was Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh loved to fly. He started flying at the age of 20. The following year, he bought his own plane. In the beginning, Lindbergh was a stunt pilot. He was paid to do tricks with his plane.

Then, Lindbergh began working as an airmail pilot. He delivered mail by airplane, flying back and forth between St. Louis and Chicago. Lindbergh was gaining experience flying long distances.

In 1926, Lindbergh began thinking about flying his plane nonstop from New York to Paris. This had never been done before. A $25,000 prize was offered to the first person who could do it. Lindbergh gathered a group of St. Louis businessmen to back him. First, he bought a new plane and named it the “Spirit of St. Louis.” He even set a speed record flying from San Diego to New York.

On May 20, 1927, Lindbergh accomplished his goal and crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 33 hours. He became an instant hero and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.