z y THE PHENOMENON OP LINDBERGH rf
? by
Sister Mary Seraphia McGinty, B.S. Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth, Kansas.
Submitted to the Department of Education and the Faculty of Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts.
Approved by:
Summer Session, 1928 / CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION...... 1
II THE ASCENDANCY AND MAGNITUDE OP LINDBERGH'S INFLUENCE...... 7
III THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LINDBERGH'S INFLUENCE...... 38
IV BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 56
312808 ALUM LBRJ 0 3 CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY I. INTRODUCTION
The following study of the Phenomenon of Lindbergh
is made with a view to help one in forming a true estimate
of the nature, magnitude, and effectiveness of his educa
tional influence.
That the Phenomenon of Lindbergh has exercised, and
is exercising a tremendous and far-reaching influence no
thoughtful follower of the press accounts of the flier's
adventures and accomplishments since May 11, 1927 will
deny. On that date, the day of his take-off from San
Diego, California, the natal city of the "We" partner, the
Associated Press gave him a meagre front page recognition, not in an attitude of faith and trust, hut as an advertis ing element, a "dark horse” incident for the story of the pending Orteig Trans-Atlantic Air Race. A history of Lind bergh must needs chronicle the days, May 11-21, 1927, as the
Period of American Incredulity, "the darkest hour before the dawn" of his glory. It was then he stood alone: alone. as Cl) one "in whom no one but himself believed"; alone,-unknown
(1) "We", p. 318 a 2
beyond a small group of friends, backers, airplane build
ers, fellow-pilots and mechanics; alone,-hailed as fool
hardy by the public sentiment of his own native land.
But this chapter of Lindbergh history sheds great glory on the undaunted character ready to dare and to do that in which he himself had indomitable faith. The hours he stood alone were a greater test of character than the thirty-three and one-half hours he "flew alone" in his meteor-flash from obscurity to immortality.
The Associated Press report to the New York Times, some three hours before his triumphant landing, records the psychological setting of the Plying Viking* s entrance to the heart of France:
"Lindbergh’s fearlessness and his will to win have aroused the admiration of the French public....With in tense interest and sincere admiration Paris awaits his arrival". (2)
The landing on LeBourget field at 10:21 p. m. (Paris time) on the dark night of May 21 is, in the opinion of
Fitzhugh Green, "the culmination of what might be called the mechanical aspect of his success" and the starting (3) point of the Phenomenon of Lindbergh. And, as his plane halted under the winner's wire, there stepped from the tiny cockpit of the pioneering ship LINDBERGH, THE MAN.
When, on the following day, from the balcony of the Ameri-
(2) Associated Press Report: May 21, 1927 (5) "We", p. 255, e; p. 255,e 3
can Embassy, impatient, waiting Paris beheld the smiling, ruddy face of the youthful hero, Prance caught the personal
ity of the man. With radio speed the Spirit of Lindbergh flashed out upon the expectant world. His own America, al ready hilarious over the popular venture and the national triumph, began to awaken to the sterling character of her worthy son. On May 22, the public press immortalized "the (4) broad smile that now is widely kno?m". Letters, telegrams, cablegrams, radiograms swept in avalanche mass upon the Ameri can Embassy. His first awakening under the French noonday sky of May 22 found him not alone, but surrounded by thousands and the world in spirit hailing him as a hero; and by admiring
Governments proffering their congratulations and their most distinguished decorations. Encompassed stood the modest, un affected, manly, kindly, inspiring idol of the multitudes, blushing like a girl, with the world at his feet. Popular interest was no longer centered about the glorious venture or its accomplishment. It was the simplicity, the courage, the magnanimity, the invincible coolness" of youth, the personality and the conduct of the boyish Charles A. Lindbergh that was rapidly generating "the greatest torrent of mass emotion ever (5) witnessed in human history".
Prom that hour there has been no diversity of views as to the character and nature of Lindbergh's influence. A
(4) Associated Press, May 22, 1927 (5) "We", p. 236,b Literary Digest, 1/7/28 4
mere chronicle of its trend, ascendancy, magnitude and en
durance through the ensuing months of his almost countless,
glorious accomplishments, of its reaction upon nations at war
or at peace, masses and individuals, kings and peasants, political units, and executive "bodies of republics, commer
cial and national industries, advertising agencies, cultural and educational organizations, above all upon the budding youth of the age,-all these tend unanimously to prove the in
fluence of the Phenomenon of Lindbergh is preeminently edu cational.
This present age which proudly bequeaths to posterity a
Charles A. Lindbergh is one in which the meaning of "educa
tional influence" has taken on a broader and more far-reach
ing significance developed from the mistakes, the struggles and the triumphs of the great educational efforts of all preceding ages. Those educational ideals of the ancients which centered about the individual and the state, and the individual for the state were tempered and perfected by nine teen centuries of the Christian influence of the Church un til today they embrace all that is scientific, true and god like in education.
In the present day acceptance, those influences which are transforming modes of thought, mass activities, social intercourse, civic and national life are educational. 5
Applied to the individual these influences must transform the mind and heart of man giving him power over himself; broaden his outlook on life, providing means of livelihood and leisure- time activities; and fit him for his part in the great civic (6) and industrial activities which now are largely governed by the new developments quite foremost among which is aviation.
Time afforded the individual for his perfection is time destined to give scope to the perfection of the htlman mass.
The education of the mass has its periods of development sim ilar to and simultaneous with those of the individual. His tory is replete with educational factors each specific and distinct to the age in which it operated. Bach has been un folded at the time when in the plan of the Divine Educator it was to play its part in broadening the field of human activities apace with the increase of population; in develop ing human efficiency in the masses, the nation, the World unit; and in advancing modes of interactivity of man with man, industry with industry, nation with nation.
Specific ends of education imply specific factors for their accomplishment. Bducation today is confided to special ists for each particular phase; each particular phase blending into one perfect and complete unit. Bor the moral and the aesthetic is provided a galaxy of ideals. Although no other is needed than the example of Christ, each age has provided
(6) Current Events, p. 38, Vol. 26 6
its living saints and exemplars for the enlightenment and
encouragement of those not able to assimilate the lessons
at the fountain head.
A general consideration of moral and physical or even
intellectual factors as such enters into the sub.iect matter
of this paper but incidentally. Its primary purpose is the
discussion of a specific popular factor emanating from a world-
famed and world-adored idol. He, by the adroit and harmonious
exercises of the sterling qualities attributed to him in the
reports on file in the Militia Bureau of the War Department
long before his famous exploit,..."'intelligent*, * industrious*,
•energetic 1, * dependable', *purposeful•, •alert*, 'quick of
reaction', 'serious*, 'deliberate*, 'stable*, 'efficient',
'frank', 'modest*, 'congenial', * a man of good moral habits and (7) regular in all his business transactions"*,...has unobtrusively
and heartily done more than any one single agency in the world
to exercise a world-wide influence in transforming modes of
thought, creating mass activities, stimulating social inter
course; in developing a growing sense of natioalism; and in
spiring world-wide international good will; in establishing national and international air-mindedness; in speeding the wheels of industry and international business. He has hitched
the chariot of youthful ideals to the stars by an unprecedent ed example of the ideal youth, the ideal American, and a world- idol all their own. This new, attractive, inspiring educational factor is
The Phenomenon of Lindbergh.
(7) "We", p. 275,c 7
II. THE ASCENDANCY AND MAGNITUDE OF LINDBERGH'S INFLUENCE.
"We measure heroes as we do ships by their displace ment. ..Colonel Lindbergh's displacement is beyond all cal culation". (1)
Superlatives of every tongue have been exhausted and new ones coined in attempts to describe the reaction of the
Phenomenon of Lindbergh on the world mind. The universal en thusiasm and ovations which have endured and multiplied be yond the bounds of verbal measurement can be estimated with some relative accuracy through a survey in chronological order of his audacious ride from obscurity to immortal fame and the affectionate admiration of the world.
There was the proverbial "darkest hour" and then a faint dawn before his sunburst of glory. The eight-year- old Orteig challenge to the aeronautical world had incited the pioneering instinct of airmen, tried and new. But when1
(1) Honorable C. E. Hughes, "We", p.Sll 8 the challenge of the $25,000 Orteig prize was accepted ser iously, the entrants were with one exception veterans and world-famed pilots. In the limelight stood Captain Rene
Fonck, the French Ace of Aces; Commander Richard E. Byrd, of North Pole Fame, with his giant Fokker; Clarence Chamber lin and Bert Acosta ready to pilot the Bellance monoplane; while Lieutenant Commander Noel Davis and Lieutenant Stanton
H. Wooster with their American Legion, as also Captain
Charles Nungesser and Major Francis Coli in their White Bird had added already the element of tragedy to the growing world story. Then an Eastern paper mentioned a Charles A.
Lindbergh, a mail-pilot of St. Louis, as "the only pilot properly entered for the Orteig prize". Thereupon he re ceived an occasional press recognition as the "mystery" entrant for the flight; but always "nothing was known about ( 2) him or his plans".
When the little Ryan monoplane which took to its mission of the air-quest at San Diego, California on May 10, alighted at St. Louis some fourteen and one-half hours later, St.
Louisans, with an affectionate claim on both pilot and plane, loosed the strings of genuine enthusiasm and, as a token of honor and farewell, christened the silvery airsteed "The Spirit
(2) "The Lone Scout of the Sky", Chapter Two. "The Boys' Book of Airmen", p.92 9 of St. Louis”. To Lindbergh this was an expression of esteem and Godspeed from the hearts of home and friends.
It failed to awaken in his unambitious imagination the faint est premonition of the overwhelming and enduring lionization that would soon engulf him.
New York to Paris now, or never I was the slogan. The
New York scene of take off was a stir with preparations. News paperdom looked forward to a rich harvest of story-telling; and detailed its best reporters to cover the events.
May 12 dawned at Curtiss Field, Mineola, Long Island with the enthusiastic sport world basking in the sunlight of expectation, and centering its adulations on the popular en trants afield. Suddenly from the clear sky above, The Spirit of St. Louis came to earth as gently as a silvery dove. The handsome, youthful pilot, Charles A. Lindbergh, stepping from the enclosed cockpit, radiated a wave of ardor to the enthu siasm; and fickle public sentiment made him "the favorite for (5) the trans-Atlantic honors”. The unique monoplane with its enclosed cabin; the several records established in the double hop from San Diego to New York; a mere youth posing as a rival to men of great public reputation, his proposal to make the flight alone.-all glutted the excited public mind; and, in its frenzy, it had neither time nor care to search for
(3) "The Lone Scout of the Sky", p.35,c 10. sterling worth. The personality of the true Lindbergh was not to be revealed this side the Atlantic. Accustomed by fixed habit to doing his day's work according to the rules for its accomplishment out of a spirit of pursuing to com- (4) pletion whatever he undertook, this man had set himself a task of perfect trust; and its accomplishment was his one concern. Hence, in this week of waiting, the New York spot lights did not discover the hidden haunt of earnest endeavor where Lindbergh modestly, confidently, and unobtrusively occupied himself with the final details of his preparation.
"He checked over the plane, engine and instruments which re- (5) quired several short flights over the field". His plane, his maps, the details of his course, the Weather Bureau re ports so occupied his every thought that a craving for ovation or fame did not so much as find resonance in his inner con sciousness. This Knight of the Air riding for the interest of Aviation would win the laurels for her. He wished to see
Europe that he might study what she had to offer "of interest ( 6) to American Aviation"; and then return to the air service at home. With prescient concern for this purpose and his be loved airsteed, he secured a passport and purchased an order on a ship company for the return passage for himself and his plane from France. In the last weeks of preparation there
(4) Maitland, J.P.,3/25/28 (5) Lindbergh: "We", p. 213,2 (6) "We", p. 292,b 11
had been designed and enforced endurance tests as to sleep
and food. So, Lindbergh looked forward to Paris as a good
place to rest; and he forearmed himself with a draft on a (7) Paris bank for his expenses.
His true American spirit prompted a desire to meet
the American Ambassador, and to pay his respects to the
civic representatives of the land he visited. But he would
be an utter stranger in France! With boyish trust he sought
out Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, friend and admirer of his
late father, and secured letters of introduction which would
insure his recognition by representatives of France.
On the morning of May 20, 1927, amidst intermittent
showers, while greater New York slept, Lindbergh reached
Roosevelt Field at four o ’clock; superintended the final grooming of his plane; climbed into the lonely cockpit; and amidst a reverent "Godspeed" from the crowd that had gathered (8) at the hangar, he lifted his plane cautiously and grace
fully into the air eastward. At 7:52 a.m. (daylight savings time, New York) Lindbergh was "off on the flight for Paris"
A LOUTS I
"Alone?
Not he at whose right hand indomit-
(7) The Lone Scout of the Sky, p.36,b (8) "We", p.216,a 12.
able Courage sat, and on whose left Ambition eyed the dials, Above hie head Adventure peered into the gloom and Daring urged him on to find the course.
He was not alone for whom the Spirit of Conquest was one of many companions, for whom the calm eyes of Intrepidity sought the goal of Hope.
The tiny cockpit of the pioneering ship was crowded— crowded with the forms that led Alexander on his quests. This modern Argonaut had the company of the sturdy Spirits of all Time to drive him on--diseoverers of long sought continents and frigid Poles.
Alone?
How could that be when God was there to see that Courage won its due reward, and give protection"? (9)
As he sped on, unconscious of the stir he was making in men’s hearts, the half-column press account of the yester day began to grow to a first page...two pages...five pages solid. The eyes of nations were following the log of his progress as fast as the wireless sent in its reports. Stead ily "the fine daring and audacity of youth, and the simplicity ( 10) of action.that amounts to genius" were taking the imagination of millions by storm; the prayers of the millions united with the prayers of a mother for her son's safety and success.
The press, the radial air, the heart of the world were astir
(9) The Anaconda Standard, Mont., 9/4/27
(10) Literary Digest, 6/4/27 13 with a deed in the making--anxious, hopefulI
The frenzied welcome that hurst from the one hundred thousand people who greeted him at LeBourget has been told in every tongue, has occupied whole front pages of the world’s daily papers and leading professional journals. Lindbergh himself with a smile of appreciation and in terms less emo tional, more laconic and penetrating than the words of the professional news writers has told the story of that welcome:
"Incidentally, that reception I got was the most dangerous part of the whole flight. If wind and storm had handled me as vigorously as that reception committee of fifty thousand; (was it one hundred thousand or one-hundred-fifty thousand?); I would never have reached Paris”. (11)
His later impressions of the scene, recounted to and recorded by his intimate friend, Lieutenant Lester J. Maitland, U.S.A., were published March 25, 1928:
"He saw the throng then dimly through the windshield rush ing toward him from all directions like wolves converging upon their quarry.---It carried him off bodily and from that day to this he has been in its hands". (12)
"By this time Prance was alive to Lindbergh; America was waking up". (13)
Before Lindbergh could extract himself from his cramped cabin and set foot upon the soil of Prance the news of his triumph was flashed to America. There followed a nation wide displacement of daily routine. Shops, offices, theatres, movies were disrupted. The streets of every city, town, and11
(11) A.P., Paris, 6/22/27 (12) J.P., K.C.Mo., 3/25/27 (13) "We", p. 240,e 14
village throughout the nation became a pandemonium of cheer
ing crowds, parading, shrieking fire engine and honking
automobiles, screaming factory whistles and steam sirens,
and shouting newsboys with their EXTRAS. "The aspect of the (14) world and all its people had magnificently altered". The
mass reaction created by the daring youth's perfect consum
mation of the Orteig challenge was aglow, and was to reach a
dazzling radiance in the weeks and months to come.
The mass response that greeted him at LeBourget knew no
abating in the week that Paris feted him. Daily, millions
thronged the thoroughfares to pay him homage. The eyes of
Paris were not yet satiated when forced to watch affection
ately and wistfully the silvery "We" circle the Eiffel Tower,
drop the note of farewell to the Place de La Concorde, and disappear on the northern horizon as it winged its way to
Belgium.
At Evere Airdome and in Brussels for a day; at Croydon
Field and in London for several days the mad enthusiasm of
LeBourget and Paris was repeated. *
While seemingly every organization in the three European capitals was putting the uninitiated idol through the crucial test of lionization, America and most of the world afar, impatient for their turn, clamored for the news. The Public
Press, the Broadcasting Stations, the Newsreels surrendered
(14) Literary Digest,6/4/27 15 themselves to Lindbergana. The press was deluged with foreign bulletins, television pictures, skilled creations of a host of clever cartoonists, stories of his life and adventures in serial pictures, camera full-page views and close-ups which often monopolized the pictorial sections, and the continuous 3000-word cablegrams from Europe of Asso ciated Press news recounting every step he took and every (15) word he spoke. Even at an early date of the Phenomenon, "One official association estimated that the tremendous increase of interest in flying developed by Lindbergh's feat caused publications in the United States to use 25,000 tons of news- d o ) print in addition to their usual consumption”. Lindbergh had attracted anfl caught "the full glare of the modern uublicity (17) machine with all its blinding light”.
But the magnitude of the hero’s publicity was admirably matched by the world's reciprocation. Between Elay 21 and
June 17, his mail-bag bulged with 3,500,000 letters, 14,000 postal parcels, 100,000 telegrams and cablegrams. All these were a massive testimony of the influence of Lindbergh upon the minds of the classes: parents and youth, "rulers, presi dents, scientists, educators, business men, soldiers, sailors, (18) clerks, street-cleaners, even tramps and beggars". Crowded into these communications were more than 5000 Lindbergh
(15) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 (16) "We", p. 317 (17) K.Y.World, 6/27 (18) Literary Digest, 10/1/27 16
poems, $10,000 of return postage, messages from 400 Lindberghs, money offers mounting to $6,000,000. The mail which accumulated at Washington, D.C. during his homeward voyage on the U.S.S.
Memphis taxed the capacity of three mail-trucks, one huge
Western Union bus, and ten one-ton parcel-post trucks. Lind bergh acknowledged himself thrilled and obligated by these countless personal tributes. Only on reaching St. Louis, where
"a force of fifteen secretaries of the Chamber of Commerce did manage in six weeks to acknowledge 200,000 letters addressed (18) to him there", and where it was proved to him by forceful argu ments that an expert executive force could not dispose of his mail in less than seventy years, did he give up the cherished (18) idea of personal responses.
Truly, Lindbergh had leaped through the gateway of the clouds into the lap of Fame I "Maturer men and women with years of public training, with a quarter of the attention he received, have become drunk with its flattery and staggered (19), out of its favor". Would Lindbergh endure? Did Fame catch him unawares? Would he suddenly drop back into the obscurity from which he came? It is the unanimous testimony of scruti- ( 20) nizing analysts that Fame did not enter into his plan. During his crowded five years as a pilot he had spent 1500 hours in the air. And, adjusting his perspective, with clear discerning
(18) Literary Digest, 10/1/27 (19) Lone Scout of the Sky, p.53 (20) Herrick: Foreword to "We"; Van Every and Tracy: His Life. 17.
eye upon the world beneath him, he had studied the onward
march of events in the sport world and measured their worth (X) "without cynicism and without illusion". Lindbergh stood
the least moved in all the emotional world about him.
There was another world quite apart from the sport and
emotional masses that turned the spot-lights of trained dis- ( 2 1 ) cernment and "the right standards of history" upon the modest
American youth, and read in his naturalness, simplicity and
poise true greatness, a valiant character, a genuine exemplar
of fine and noble virtues,-one apart from the crowd who was
destined to ■ ( 22) ---walk with kings,— nor lose the common touch".
Rulers and governments, statesmen and peers were to re cognize his worth and out of the fullness of their apprecia tion spontaneously bestow upon him ovations and honors never before offered to any one individual in any age of the world's (23) history, and even those honors heretofore reserved to royalty.
The first to discover the real Lindbergh was American
Ambassador Myron T. Herrick. He, as no other American abroad, was keeping the uncertain pulse of our strained international relations. The approaching air quest triumph had aroused emotional grief-stricken Prance to a white heat of expectation.
(X) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 (21) "We", Foreword (22) Kipling's "If" (23) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 18
Ambassador Herrick's forebodings and unrest grew apace. Every
word and gesture of the inexperienced pioneer would have a
bearing on the solution of the problem between America and
Prance. He found himself impelled to join the crowds at
LeBourget that he might greet the hero, and determine the (24) outlook. When the wheels of the triumphant monoplane came
to rest on the foreign runway, and the tall lithe form in
the cabin door said: "I_ am Charles Lindbergh": when above
the maddening din came the heartfelt request: "Somebody cable mother", the Ambassador grew hopeful. The deferential grip of the hand that clasped his own, the hero's genial smile and general appearance won the Ambassador's admiration to the measure of a full-hearted invitation to share the hospitality (X) of the Embassy.
In the hours that followed, the scrutiny of the Ambassador knew no abating. The youth’s high daring was matched by a code of plain living: a few glasses of milk, toast and a poached egg satisfied the abstinence of some thirty hours. (26) "He started with no purpose but to arrive": forgetful of his own personal needs he must sleep in the Ambassador's pajamas, and he must appear before Paris on the morrow in borrowed clothes. He was oblivious of his own importance: he delivered to the Ambassador the several letters of introduction. The
(24) "We", Foreword (25) Charles Lindbergh: His life, p.220 (26) "We", Foreword (X ) Copyrighted A.P. report, Paris, 5/19/28 19
fatigue that followed the superhuman vigil of some sixty
hours was still outmatched hy the superhuman endurance of
this stalwart conqueror of the seas: with grace and ease
and a smile of fellowship he gave audience to a group of
eager journalists. There was a captivating sense of humor;
no self-consciousness; flying was his business: while the
surge of excitement engulfed Paris, he sat quietly on the
edge of his bed conversing with his country’s Ambassador.
His plane was his paramount concern; and only after great
persuasion did he consent to take his rest before returning
to LeBourget "to take a look at that ship of mine and see X (27) if everything is all right". The unbounded admiration of
Herrick was confirmed! It has found embodiment in his
"Foreword" to "We" which, if no other recommendation of
Lindbergh were written, would place him in the category
of American heroes and exemplars for our youth to feed upon.
It was expressed to the world in the historic message which
on that memorable night, penned at the bedside of the sleep
ing hero, winged its way to the flyer's mother in Detroit:
"Warmest congratulations. Your incomparable son has honored me by becoming my guest. He is in fine condition, and sleeping sweetly under Uncle Sam's roof. (28) Myron T. Herrick".
(27) "Adventurers All", p.27 (28) "The Lone Scout of the Sky", p.50 20
The slim fair-haired youth awoke from that "sweet” sleep
of ten hours to face a life work far more peerless than the
fine deed of flying the Atlantic. The unseen hand of Provi
dence was waiting to place the affairs of nations in his keeping. He was to "set in motion those imponderable forces (29) which escape the standards of the politicians mind".
His first thought was to hop over to London in his plane to talk with his mother by telephone. Two nations conceded to his desire with an international "hook-up" which bestowed upon him the historic honor of being the first man to join (30) those nations by telephone. "His mother? the world rolled the two words around its collective tongue as might a wine (31) connoisseur his nectar".
After finishing an old-fashioned American breakfast, and dressing, he set forth to visit Madame Nungesser; then to smile a cheer to the blind and crippled war veterans; and to place a wreath upon the grave of the unknown soldier.
Like fog before the sun, the bitter international mis trust was dispelled; and kindly feelings replaced the dark forebodings. Nations took notice. Lindbergh in a triple gesture won Prance; he was winning the world. Newspaper correspondents broadcast him as "an anti-hate envoy", and (32) "the ace of American diplomats".
(29) "We", Foreword (30) Adventurers All, p.28 (31) "We", p.239 (32) Literary Digest, 6/4/27 21
Into the days that followed were crowded the highest honors that Prance, Belgium and Great Britain could hestow.
Prance
The Mayor of Paris called at the Embassy to pay the re spects of the city, thus ranking him with royal guests. Sir
Allan Cobham flew over from London to bring to him in person (s) the greetings and good wishes of British aviators. The American flag was flown over the Chamber of Deputies in his honor estab lishing a historic precedent. The Cross of the Legion of Honor was pinned on him by President Doumergue who kissed him on both cheeks. He was given the keys of the city of Paris. At the
Aero Club, in presence of the Minister of War, Paul Painleve, and fifty of the leading aviators of Prance, he received the gold medal of the Aero Club, and was unanimously styled the greatest of aviators. On that occasion, in his first speech,
Lindbergh praised the deed of Hungesser and Coli as ”a far greater thing” than he had undertaken. It was then Ambassador
Herrick and the nation initiated him ’’th e Ambassador without portfolio”. Six hundred Americans— although 5000 clamored to be admitted— feted him at the American Club as their own.
Blériot, the first man to fly the English Channel, gave a lunch
(s) A.P., Paris, May 22,1927 22
eon in his honor where the supreme praise of the grey-haired
veteran flyer was outwitted hy the modest hero's reciprocation,-
"I shall always regard you as my master”. At exclusive lunch
eons given in turn hy Foreign Minister Briand and then hy
Minister of War Painleve were gathered representatives of
Paris, statesmen, generals, and such distinguished guests as
General Gouraud, Marshall Foch, and Marshall Joffre to pay
him a hero's tribute. At the official reception of Paris,
President Bournergue, in the name of France,decorated him with (33) the Gold Medal of the Municipality of Paris.
x Belgium
The world's enthusiasm was taking on the deeper hue of
profound respect for the super-hero. This was manifested in
the quiet dignity of the Belgium reception. The 50,000 people
at Evere Field were controlled hy two regiments of soldiers with orders from the king to see that "at all cost Lindbergh (34) come off the field untouched". Prime Minister Jasper in
terms of warmest felicitations greeted him as a world Ambassador.
The Buke of Brabant received him in the name of King Albert.
Lindbergh's tribute to Belgium's Unknown Soldier, his irresist-, ible personal charm that had won Paris, her statesmen and her
(33) Literary Bigest,6/25/27; "We", Chapter II. (34) Lone Scout, p.61 23
peers held power in the Royal Palace. King Albert received him
with kind informality and decorated him with the coveted Knight
hood of the Order of Leopold. The Queen paid him tribute in in
formal terms: "I am sure your mother is proud of you and that (35) she is the happiest woman in the world”. The Royal pair dated
with him for a trip to Evere to see his plane. There they re
ceived the story of his flight from his own lips; asked per
mission to try the pilot's seat in the historic ship; posed with
him for pictures; showed him the latest types of Belgian planes (35) and personally explained their technical features. He was honored
by the Belgian Aero Club; and received the Belgian Aviator's
Medal'. The American Club gave a magnificent dinner in his honor.
At the civic reception he was adorned with the gold medal of the
city of Brussels.
The crowning tribute of the Belgium reception was the
official speech in English of Bergomaster Max bespeaking the heart of Belgium. He paid tribute to the hero as an air genius,
a diplomat unrivaled; and acclaimed him the "Citizen of the (36) World". In his simple dignified response, Lindbergh confirmed
Belgium's faith in him. He gave assurance of his high esteem and appreciation for Belgium's hospitality, her progress in aviation and her helpfulness in bringing nations together.
His easy bearing, ready smile, simple diction and sincere
(35) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 "We", pp. 248-253 Lone Scout, Chapter V (36) "We", p.251 24
message won for him the heart of another nation, and the lasting personal friendship of royalty. Royalty was for Lindbergh; and (37) Lindbergh-”! am for kings”1
England.
At Croydon field near London amidst a throng of 150,000 (37J Britons who "swallowed up policemen and Reception Committee”
Lindbergh was finally rescued and taken to the Embassy by
Ambassador Houghton. The official reception program of London took form and rival from that of Paris and Brussels. He was feted' by the American Correspondents, the Royal Aero Club, the
American Society, Lord and Lady Astor. He was the guest of
Lord Lonsdale at the world-renowned Derby. When received at
Buckingham Palace, the king chatted informally with him about his flight; and, setting aside all precedent, personally pre- (38) sented him with the Royal Air Force Cross. At York House the youthful hero met the youthful Prince of Wales: kinship of youthful charm, diversity of rank and ideals, and present rivalry in social peerage flashed a new colorful picture of
Lindbergh on the world screen.
The British reception, though more elaborate and over whelming than that of Prance or Belgium, rang with the sincere appreciation of a great deed and, in the words of Sir Samuel
(37) Third article of Charles A. Lindbergh, A.P., Brussels, 5/29/27 (37c) "Lone Scout”, p.62 (38) Quoted in ”W e ”, p.260 25
Hoars, "a worthy representative of our close friends and (38) war allies, the pilots of the United States of America".
Europe, Adieu.
True to his promise, it was from Prance that Lindbergh
took leave of admiring and adoring Europe before departing
for home.
On June 4, in a French Breguet, with an escort of twenty planes, he set off from Paris to Cherbourg. There ir? the an cient square in front of the town hall, the air abuzz with airplanes, the streets flying the Stars and Stripes and lined with cheering villagers, the last affectionate demonstration of the French people for America's son "moved him more than (40) any attentions he had received before". From the unabating applause, the cheery regretful au revoir of the crowds, and the screeching farewell of steamer whistles and sirens, the birdman, was finally whisked away in Admiral Burrage's fast launch, Seine, and carried to the U.S.S. Memphis which Presi dent Coolidge had placed at his disposal for the homeward voyage. As from the deck he watched the fading outline of
France, he pondered in his heart: "My words to all those friends in Europe are inadequate, but my feelings of appreciation are (41) boundless".
(38) Quoted in "We", p.260 (39) "Lone Scout of the Sky", p.59 (40) Associated Press, Cherbourg, 6/4/27 (41) "We", p.228. 26
While the Memphis swiftly and steadily ploughed its way
westward across the Atlantic, in America, the massive home
coming welcome for the boy-hero was taking on magnificent
dimensions. The United Press advertised it as the ’’greatest
show on earth, with the sky as its big top and its rings”
encompassing the nations boundaries and ”extending far out to (42) sea".
(43) America Receives "Our S o n ’’.
(44) It is the unanimous testimony of able editorial writers
that Lindbergh "came back to his own people to be welcomed with
the mightiest, most tumultuous, most spontaneous tribute of (45) affection ever given by a nation to a returning hero".
And it is "the unanimous opinion of President and Governor, of the men of his own profession, of every citizen who saw him pass through crowded streets or listened in on radio de
scriptions of Lindbergh receptions,-and the opinion of America no wise differed from that of Europe”, that the modest un assuming young man was worthy of all the honors bestowed upon (46) him.
(42) Journal Post, K.C.Mo., 6/7/27 (43) Pres. Coolidge quoted in AP report, 6/12/27 (44) Literary Digest, 6/26/27 Fitzhugh Green, "We", p.265 R. Evans, C. Wheeler, W. Hinton, "Outlook", Voi. 146 J. E. West, "Lone Scout of the Sky". Hew York Times, Washington Post, St. Louis Star. Providence Journal, Rocky Mt. News...quoted in Lit.D.,6/25/27 (45) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 (46) Herrick, "We", p.5 27
The spontaneous heartfelt "well-done” arose in full-
throated crescendo...115,000,000 strong, from President to
pauper. The one discordant voice was Lindbergh's own: ”1 (47) wonder if I deserve all this”.
On Friday, June 10, as the cruiser was nearing the
homeland, Lindbergh received a fitting presage of what was
to come. Some fifty miles at sea he was met by four destroyers,
two army blimps, forty airplanes of the Army, Navy and Marine
Corps that served as a convoy to the proud Memphis inward
bound to Chesapeake Bay. While the hero from the deck with
calm and modest mien and an airman's interest watched the
aerial display, the navy dirigible Los Angeles swung overhead
and dropped at his feet a packet of invitations to receptions
and banquets. The schedule therein outlined left no moment unfilled in the two days he was to be the Nation's guest at
the capital.
June 11, 1927 was the rarest June day that ever dawned at
Washington.
At the appointed hour the Memphis moved slowly up the
Potomac towards the Navy yards. A herald of coast guard
vessels preceded thirty minutes in advance; while seven others
kept the swarm of sight-seeing crafts 500 yards in rear of the
(47) Quoted in Literary Digest, 6/25/27 28.
cruiser. The guns roared their customary "15 guns" for Vice-
Admiral Burrage, and a presidential salute, "21 guns", for the
hero. The air was filled with scores of army and navy planes
in perfect formation,-sea-planes, observation planes, numerous (48) bombers, and the brooding majestic U.S.S. Los Angeles. It
was the largest assemblage of aircraft the national capital
had ever seen. The popular demonstration was characterized
by grandeur and dignity which bespoke conventional Washington's.,
(and the nation1s)...profound respect for the noble character
and high ideals of the recipient.
When the Memphis docked, and the gang-plank was hoisted
to her rail, Admiral Burrage accompanied Mrs. Evangeline
Lindbergh, the youth's widowed mother, aboard to greet her son
before yielding him to the impatient hero-worshipers. Then he was received by a host of dignitaries,-cabinet officers, a re
ception committee of high officials including senators of many
states, military and naval dignitaries, the world's greatest military and civilian airmen, his backers from St. Louis, the (49) Justice of the Supreme Court, Postmaster General New.
The four-mile procession by automobile accompanied by bands and troops wound through lines of cheering sailors, soldiers, and civilians to the grand natural amphitheatre of
Washington Monument. 3000 high officials and congressmen,
(48) "We", pp.266-269 (49) A.P. and U.P.. Washington, 6/11/27 "Lone Scout", p.65 (49) Ibid. 29
on a special reception platform; and some 250,000 people,
crowding close to the mound, witnessed President Coolidge
receive the heto in his country's name, and decorate him
with the Distinguished Flying Cross "as a symbol of what — Ttoy" --- he is and what he has done". The President's greetings
voiced anew the munificent eulogies that had been poured
into the hero's ears at every reception in Paris, in Brussels,
in London, and in the numerous congratulatory cablegrams and
telegrams from the heads and representatives of the greatest
nations of the world. Today it found resonance in the hearts
of the 250,000 people present, and the many millions of lis-
teneps-in who took advantage of the unprecedented national
hook-up for the occasion.
This mammoth reception, in itself more impressive than
the usual Washington celebration, was but the background of
the historic picture. Lindbergh was its central figure, its
close-up. His quiet modesty fixed the eye of Washington as
it had held the capitals of Europe. His laconic reply to
the President's greeting stirred deep chords in the heart of
every listener, and reverberated throughout France and
America for days. It was in brief the story of his flight, its
immediate and outstanding achievement:
"On the evening of the 21st of May last I arrived in LeBourget, Paris. During the week I spent in France, the day in Belgium, and the short period in England, the people of France and the people of Europe requested that I bring
(50) Coolidge quoted in "We", p.279 A.P. reports, Washington, 6/11/27 "Outlook", 6/22/27 30
back to the people of America one message from the people of France and the people of Europe. At every gathering, at every meeting I attended were the same words: ’Yo u have seen the affection of the people of France for the people of America demonstrated to you. Upon your return to your country take back with you this message from France and Europe to the United States of America'. I thank y o u ”. (51)
That evening, at the President's dinner amidst the im
posing company of Cabinet officers and their wives, he was
sustained by an inherent sense of dignity; and his simplicity
and modest mien guided him without flaw in word, or look or
deed} and confirmed anew his title to high social prestige.
At the meeting of the National Press Club in Washington
Auditorium 6000 distinguished representatives assembled to
participate in the honors bestowed by the National Press
Club, the Post Office Department, and the State Department,
the Smithsonian Institute; and to hear read the "greetings
from a±4 the cities touched by Lindbergh in his historic (52) flight from San Diego to Paris".
That the personality of Lindbergh is inspirational was brought out strikingly on this occasion by the easy
flow of profound new eulogies. The address on behalf of
the Press Club by Richard V. Oulahan revealed the secret of Lindbergh's power to win spontaneously the sincere affec tion of national and foreign correspondents, and to secure^ uninvited, a publicity service of the press conspicuous for the generosity of its portrayal of his glorious deed,
(51) "We", p.280 (52) Ibid, pp.283-294. 31
of the incredible emotional reaction, and of the finer
story of his "clean living, clear thinking, fair play and
sportsmanship, modesty of speech and manner, faith in a (53) mother's prayer".
The address of Louis Ludlow, president of the National
Press Club, was distinguished as "the finest tribute" yet
bestowed upon the king of the air when on Dec. 15, 1927 it was read before the Senate of the Seventieth Congress and unanimously voted a space, "in the usual Record type", in (54) the Congressional Record of that date.
Postmaster General New, in affectionate terms ^paid tribute to his pilot of the Air Mail service, and presented to him and to his mother the first two copies of the new air mail stamp bearing the pilot's name and a representation of the "We" partner. Proudly did he conclude his speech:
"It is the first time a stamp has been issued in honor of a (55) man still living...a distinction you have worthily won".
The distinction conferred by Secretary of State Kellogg was a memorial volume in which were printed the diplomatic exchanges between the State Department and the Foreign Offices of the world in connection with his flight.
Dr. Charles G. Abbott in official capacity announced to the young hero the high commendation of one of the oldest and finest scientific bodies of the world, the Smithsonian Insti tute; and its decision to bestow upon him the distinguishing
(53) Quoted in "We", p.285 (54) Congressional Record, 12/15/27 (55) Quoted in "We", p. 287 SB
Langley Medal of Pioneers.
Among the greetings from the cities the most significant was that from the British Government, London, which said in part: "The British people regard Colonel Lindbergh with
special admiration and affection not only for his high courage and resource, but also for his equally great modesty in
success and generosity in giving their due to other aviators (56) who have gone before".
After so much eloquence, only Lindbergh could have ad dressed that audience. This he did in terms characterized by sincere appreciation, and an ever present concern for the
thing nearest his heart, the cause of aviation.
But to the young American words were inadequate. He
gave expression to his gratitude in deeds that unite hearts
in common bond. He went to church with President and Mrs.
Coolidge. He placed a wreath on the tomb of the "Unknown
Soldier". He cheered the wounded soldiers of Walter Reed
Hospital. He attended a celebration in honor of the 150th
anniversary of the American flag. At this latter ceremony he received the Cross of Honor from the hand of Charles (57) Evans Hughes. The Hubbard Medal of national Geographical
Society was awarded him. And a life membership in the
National Aeronautical Association was bestowed just before
he took off for
(56) Quoted in "We", p.290 (57) "We", p.294 33
New York.
The city celebrated for its greetings broke all rec ords when receiving Colonel Lindbergh. June 13-17, New
York City was his I A short four weeks before when he hopped from her airdome for Paris he was to her an unknown youth.
But now the confines of the metropolis were far too small for the kind of welcome the big city believed to be justly due the world-famed hero. Air, and sea and harbor, the entire stretch of Fifth Avenue and Broadway to Central Park, the city's most imposing halls became the grand ampitheatre of the triumphal four-day reception. Some 300,000 people were massed near the Battery to catch sight of him aboard the Macom; and 4,000,000 persons lined the streets through which he passed en route to Central Park. The famous New
York "snow storm" that swept down upon that moving cavalcade littered Broadway's frenzied canyons with 1,800 tons of paper. "It took 110 trucks and 2,000 "White Wings" at a (58) cost of $16,000, to clear the streets of that paper blizzard".
Mayor Walker whose welcome was embodied in "the best ( 59) speech of his career" presented a scroll of welcome and pinned on him the city's Medal of Valor. Governor Smith conferred the honors of the State, and its Medal of Valor.
Among other decorations received were: "The Cross of Honor
(58) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 (59) Ibid ■ 34
of the United States Flag Association; The Medal of the
City of New York; the Gold Medal of the French Geographical
Society; the Gold Medal of the German Automobile Club* and (60) the Plus Ultra Medal of the Spanish Government”. At the
Hotel Brevoort reception Raymond Orteig presented him with
the well-earned $25,000 check.
An account of the receptions and honors and eulogies
tendered him during his four days in New York would be a
repetition and elaboration of the stories of Paris, Brussels,
London, and Washington. But New York eclipsed, as Lindbergh
expressed it, ”al l four put together”.
Lindbergh spoke at every reception. Each speech carried
a gracious expression of appreciation and thanks; and a message (61) in behalf of aeronautics.
Through it all one pang ever marred the supreme happiness
of the honored youth,-the ”We " partner was not there to share
and emulate the glorious celebration. After the third night’s
gigantic round of receptions, he stole away from the crowds
at the theatre; and, in evening clothes and borrowed helmet
and borrowed plane, at 3:05 a.m., he winged his way to Washington.
At 7:30 a.m. he and his beloved historic ship were back in
New York.
"We" had leaped from St. Louis to New York en route to
fame: the home coming victor must retrace the same eagle
(60) Ibid (61) " W e ”, pp.297-314 35
course from New York to
(62) St. Louis.
"St. Louis and home" had long been calling her beloved
pilot. Repeated impatient messages reached him at every
turn. At Curtiss Field, 8:00 a.m., June 17, "We" took the
air. What must have been his reminiscences as "We" sped
the sky way bound for Lambert Field! An escort of thirty
fast army planes took up the course at Dayton, Ohio. At
5:00 p.m., Mayor Miller of St. Louis clasped the hand of
the young victor, just thirty-eight days after he had soared
out over her airdome to write a ponderous history chapter in
the skies. Never was a returning Caesar, or Napoleon, or
Pershing welcomed with such loving, home-hearted enthusiasm as St. Louis lavished upon "Slim"1 As the triumphant parade passed along the boulevards, 700,000 St. Louisans shouted until the skies reechoed "Slim"I Every hour of the two days was festive. There were luncheons, banquets, receptions, (63) and wholehearted eulogies.
The unique feature of the St. Louis reception was the
Air Mail Greetings estimated at 2,000,000 letters and 700,
000 telegrams. Again the resourceful air genius thrilled the public mind by his near approach to personal responses through the press:
(62) Lone Scout, Chapter 7 (63) Ibid- 36
"To the Press: As an air-mail pilot I deeply appreciate the sentiment which actuated my country men to welcome me by ‘air mail', and regret only that I have no way in which to acknowledge individually every one of the tens of thousands of ’ai r mail* greetings I have received, for my heart is in the 'air mail' service, and I would like to keep alive the air-consciousness of America which my good fortune may have helped to awaken". ( 64)
The boyish New York-to-Paris flier had reserved for his home people a response more eloquent, more demonstra tive, more unique and personal than any of the world cherished speeches of his brief overcrowded career. It was the crown ing feature of his homecoming reception. Over the historic beauty spot, the World's Pair Grounds, "Lindy" and his famous silver steed thrilled an audience of 100,000 with a poise and grace in dips and bows far more imposing than platform gestures or famed after-dinner speeches. In the air, the taciturn Lindbergh is ever eloquent; his very spirit and high purpose soar in unison with his plane.
Parting, swooping and diving like an inspired thing, "We" etched indelibly upon the minds of the thousands of awe stricken admirers his persistent and sober message of air craft. Twenty-one army pursuit-planes assisted in this great air lecture,-flying, shooting, flocking and dropping (X) "in three and the threes in formation".
A staff correspondent reviewing the event said: "'Lindy' did more for aviation in half an hour than perhaps a year’s
(64) "We",p.316 (X ) Staff Correspondent, St. Louis, 6/19/27 37.
(65) systematic propaganda for air development could d o ”.
Truly, the newly initiated "ambassador of peace" may equally he styled the precursor of air transportation on a great scale. ( 66) Charles A. Lindbergh made St. Louis "air mad"J
(65) A.P., St. Louis, 6/19/27 (66) Ibid, 38.
III. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LINDBERGH'S INFLUENCE
"He started with no purpose hut to arrive. He remained with no desire hut t£ serve". (1)
( 2 ) "Ich Dien" is the motto of the Prince of Wales. Ich
Dien is graven in the deeds of the nohie Charles A. Lindbergh.
The service to which the youth hy choice has pledged himself
is aviation. "The flight was not made for the purpose of
making money. Its main object was the advancement of aero- (3) mautical science".
In his initial speech in Paris he struck the keynote
of his cherished cause linking it with ease and dignity to
his more reserved expressions of appreciation and gratitude
for the world's ovations. It was the keynote of every one
of the many hundreds of speeches which have graced his pub
lic career. It is a theme to which he returns incessantly
with a fresh enthusiasm that gives a new impulse to world
interest, emulates the creative instinct of the aeronautically
minded, and stimulates international business in the air
(1) Herrick, Foreword to "We" (2) "I serve" (3) Lindbergh,quoted in "Lone Scout", p.23 39
service. No orator ever pleaded his cause with more con
vincing eloquence. When with sheer words he has aroused
hearers and readers to greater faith in the possibilities
of air-travel he clenches his cherished pleas with a pon
derous series of syllogistic arguments set forth in a ser
mon from the skies. These, like his world-famed after
dinner speeches, are impromptu, the easy external expressions
of those profound convictions born of experience and "pre
paredness". Over Paris, in an unfamiliar little French
Nieuport he gave an exhibition of his mastery of the tech nicalities of aircraft that thrilled the populace, held
French expert fliers spellbound, and merited from them the
coveted title of "genius of the air".
Only a few months later when over Detroit he exhibited
the possibilities of the new Ford flivver he sold aviation to the world's great industrial magnet, Henry Ford, and won
from him a high commendation:
"That boy is a genius,...He flies as gracefully as a bird....He knows planes through and through... I am going up with him".
So%with the king of the air at the controls, the motor king took his first airplane flight. And as the Spirit of
St. Louis with its first passenger mounted high in the heav- (4) ens the aeronautical industry too took a leap skyward.
The super-dominance of aviation in Lindbergh's mind was
(4) "Popular Aviation", 12/27 40
openly expressed to the world when during the New York re ception he modestly avowed that New York was tendering a magnificent tribute to aviation:
"The purpose of the flight was to advance aviation, and while this welcome was for me personally, I know it is going to help center the attention of the public upon aeronautics, and 1 hope to keep it there long enough to do a lot of permanent good". (5)
"I hope to keep it there long enough to do a lot of permanent good". And Lindbergh was at the forge ready to strike while the iron was hot I On June 11, while the mind of Washington was delirious with its enthusiastic welcome, this loyal son of aviation stepped aside from the crowds into serious conference with Harry Knight and several rep resentatives of the American aviation business for an ini tial step forward in the organization of a massive national (6) aeronautical program.
Lindbergh had proved his Ich Lien . ■ Courteously, firmly, persistently he had refused million-dollar business proposi tions and movie contracts, legitimate and honorable enter prises. In his simple direct refusals he had stated that if it meant that he would have to give up flying the trans-
Atlantic flight would never have been undertaken. His whole hearted devotion to the cause of American aviation was the unanimous conviction of every man of his profession. With out formality its most potent advocates turned to him for leadership.
(5) Lindbergh, quoted in Literary, Digest, 6/25/27 (6) A.P. report, Washington, 6/ll/27 41
When on June 20, the Associated Press, St. Louis, announced "Spotlights of Air Hero" and his respite from welcoming committees, newspaperdom was really telling the world that America's Knight of the Air, who had pledged himself to serve his country and defend the honor of Lady
Aviation, had given himself over to a concentrated service.
On that date he held consultation with his hackers. June
24, he was called to Washington, and then to New York, to (7) further the plans of the great program.
His was not a full-time, hut a double-time service.
Somewhere in the twenty-four hours of those busy days, he found time to compose and write in long-hand the real story of "We", he himself being "the articulate member of (8) the famous partnership". The purpose of the book was to (X) advertise and advance aeronautics. It went to press early in July while the plans for his next great undertaking were in the making. Between that date and the end of August, nine distinct impressions were off the press. And still the demand for copies taxed the publisher.
(9) The United States Tour.
The forty-eight states of the union had sent their rep resentatives to greet the hero at the great national home coming welcome in Washington. Still, forty-eight states of
(7) A.P. report, 6/24/24 (8) Publisher's note, Cover (X) "We", Foreword, p.ll (9) The National Geographical Magazine, l/28 42 the union clamored for sight of the great hero and his fa mous air steed.
Under the auspices of the "Guggenheim Foundation for the Promotion of Aviation", on July 20, Colonel Lindbergh and the Spirit of St, Louis set out to tour the United States.
The story of that achievement is but the story of an almost perfect execution of the detailed plans which Lindbergh and his associates had outlined for it. After a profound study of the field, and tracing with his own hand a lengthy zigzag line upon the United States map, he announced to his fellows:
" W e ’ll cover about twenty-two thousand miles. That includes 82 stops (68 overnight stops), and flying over cities where we can't land; we can make it in about three months". (10)
Under the Colonel’s supervision, a standard program was outlined for all cities: an open-air meeting at which the transatlantic flier would speak on commercial aviation, a street parade, luncheon, a press interview, a rest hour, a banquet, and preparations for the next day's flight. These preparations included measuring the distance between cities, calculating the time with a margin of one-half hour, and with two hours allowance for "dressing, breakfast, packing, (10) driving to the airport, and warming up the engines". Sub tracting the total from two o'clock gave the hour for rising.
Exactly two o'clock p.m. was to be the arrival hour at each city. Colonel Lindbergh insisted that the most important
(10) The National Geographical Magazine, 12/27 4 3
consideration was to be on time« It is such preparations
that have won for aeronautics the high commendation that (1 1 ) "flying is ninety per cent man"I
On October 23, at 1:59 p.m., one minute ahead of
schedule, the Spirit of St. Louis came to rest on the run
way of Mitchell Field, New York, which it had left a little
more than three months before. The air engineer's calcula
tion was verified to a close margin. The Spirit of St.
Louis had covered 22,350 miles in 260 flying hours; and
"about three months". Lindbergh had "attended 69 dinners
in his honor, dropped 192 messages, made 147 speeches and (12) paraded 1,285 miles." And 30,000,000 enthusiastic admirers
had seen "Lindy". The wild and unvarying cordiality with
which he was greeted on every occasion seemed in itself a
part of the standardized program. The newspaper publicity
which he received in the first weeks of his fame was eclipsed.
It seemed too a standardized procedure that each local press
of the day devote its news, and even its advertising sections
to eulogistic Lindbergana.
If all the lovely and inspiring things which the ador
able youth accomplished on that tour were written this sur
vey would become a massive volume. The achievement is its
own best commendation: it proved what it set out to do; namely, the safety, the reliability and the durability of11
(11) Henry Ford quoted in Popular Aviation, 12/27 (12) Current Events, 11/41/27 4 4
modern aircraft.
This perfedt service in the cause of aviation only-
emulated public interest in Lindbergh. His remonstrances
alone stayed New York from another enthusiastic demonstra
tion. Yet, he could not escape impromptu demonstrations
everywhere, and
(13) Honors.
Honors undreamed of were in store for him. The Guggen heim Foundation for the Promotion of Aviation retained him on its staff "with absolute authority to undertake anything, or to devote his time to any cause he felt would further the (13) cause of Aviation";
On the evening of Nov. 14, 1927, before the most notable gathering in the history of Washington, from the hand of
President Coolidge, Lindbergh, still America's son "unspoiled and unspoilable", received the National Geographical Society's (14) Hubbard Medal.
On Dec. 10, 1927, the House of Representatives breaking all precedents, amidst the spontaneous enthusiasm of the legislators, received Lindbergh. He was introduced by Senator
Longworth as "America's most attractive citizen". He stood alone on the Speaker's dais as the "House turned court,
(13) "Lone Scout of the Sky", Chapter 19. (14) The National Geographical Magazine, l/28 4 5
anc$ members and workers and spectators formed a line to come (14) up and shake hands and congratulate him". On that same day,
the House unanimously voted to confer upon him the Congression
al Medal of Honor. The Senate confirmed the action of the
House.
On Nov. 15, St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia awarded
Lindbergh its first honorary degree. Master in Science of
Aeronautics.
The International Aeronautical Federation bestowed on
Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh its gold medal for the outstand- (X) ing feat in aviation for 1927.
The Latin American Flight.
The eyes of nations center on the man who serves his country's cause. Mexico saw in Lindbergh the embodiment of
"all the formidable boldness of the most powerful people on (15) earth". President Calles, whose interest had mounted to a curious desire to Know the aerial hero personally, sent
Colonel Lindbergh an invitation to fly to Mexico.
On "December 13-14, in nonstop flight, America's son wrote his Ich Pien on a 2000-mile *.rc of the heavens from the capital of President Coolidge to the capital of Presi-
(14) The National Geographical Magazine, l/28 (X ) "Lone Scout of the Sky", Chapter 19. (15) El Universal, quotdd in Aviation Stories, 7/27 46 dent Galles. The War Department announced his take off to his official host in Mexico City. A Knight of the Air hy choice, Lindbergh now went forrth as Ambassador of Good Will by official determination.
The reception at the Mexican airdome was the drama of
LeBourget reacted in the rosedecked amphitheater of Yalbuena
Flying Field, and eclipsed in natural setting, mass numbers, joy, and instantaneous transformation of international feel ings. A picture which has received a popular nation-wide reprint, Lindbergh, as diplomat, greeted by General Alvarez of Mexico, portrays the secret of that personal charm and v (16) feeling of fellowship which captivates the hearts of nations.
With the keys of Mexico City in his possession, Lind bergh went about filling the days of that short week with events marked by high official honors, too numerous to be recorded. A stream of unanimous appreciation and handsome compliments ran through the press of Latin-America. Volumi nous editorial columns recounted the story to his own people.
President Call es, the Mexican Congress in special session, and all America sat at the feet of the great master diplomat learn ing the profound lesson of international diplomacy. The diplo matic exchanges between the capitals are the official docu ments that stand proof that again Charles A. Lindbergh had
(16) Reprint in Literary Digest, 1/7/28 47. brought to a perfect consummation a noble undertaking.
The call from the Caribbean countries was so insistent, and Lindbergh's desire to see them and to carry to them his message of aviation and goodwill was so irresistible that again he yielded his Ich M e n . .
Following that labyrinthine course; meeting and impress ing his message of aviation and good fellowship upon the masses became a matter of a d a y ’s service with Lindbergh.
The reaction of the birdraan's personality upon the hearts of peoples was itself so standardized that it established a standard program of welcome and acclaim.
Lindbergh's Latin-American itinerancy was nearly tabu- (17) lated in the Hew York Times:
Date Arrived at Distance in Miles
P qq ■t•# ****** PA...... jsn.,,,,,..... 3 an . !••• •••••••• 7, r _ T T t...... 5 ...... 7 ...... 9 t T...... Panama City...... IP,,,.,...... 2 6 ...... 2 7 ...... Bogota, Colombia...... 425 PQ , ...... 31 . T ......
fPab. ?r. t t t ...... 4 1 T t , ...... ft t,, , t ...... H a i t i ...... A t ...... IS ......
Total 9 7 Ü 5 Ü
(17) Quoted in Literary Digest, 5/3/28 48
On Feb. 13, two months from the day of his take off on the "Good Will" flight, the youthful Ambassador was home in St. Louis. He had added 9,060 miles to his log making a total of 41,965 miles since his first move Parisward from (18) San Diego.
St. Louis tendered a fitting welcome to her returning victor enriched wjzth the spoils of goodfellowship from six teen nations. He was greeted too by the Air Mail department with a call to fly a roundtrip service on his old mail route to Chicago. The Government issued a special stamp for the event. The capacity of three planes was taxed with that burden of honor mail.
Again America pondering the services of her most mag nanimous citizen; and ,casting a fine discrimination upon the relative merits of his outstanding achievements, voted the supremacy to the Ambassador without portfolio. This decision ------(19) is expressed by an able analyst in "The New York American:
"Lindbergh has done more to make the United States known and liked than has been done by all our diplomats since the na tion was formed".
As a tribute of recognition the award of the Woodrow
Wilson Foundation, one of the most coveted honors in the world, was bestowed upon him. It consists of $25,000 in cash, and a medal bearing the inscription: "for meritorious
(18) Ibids (19) Quoted in Literary Digest, 1/21/28 49
service of a public character looking toward the establish e d ) ment of peace through justice".
The endurance of the world-idol's popularity was in it
self unprecedented. This happy contrast with the fate of the
ordinary hero became a popular theme with journalists. Unan
imously they predicted that when the fickle public did con
sign its favorite idol to the oblivion of complete indifference he would adjust himself thereto with his characteristic modesty and poise.
Once more the ingenuity of the world-famed hero offset
the popular anticipation, and established another precedent.
x As Knight of the Air he had served the cause of Aeronau
tics by the perfect accomplishment of its most coveted con
quests.
As "Peace Pilot of the Skies" he had slackened the strain
of financial and political imperialism, strengthened firmer
spiritual and material ties between nations, and revealed to
the peoples of every country visited the true spirit of the
people of the United States.
As an American pilot serving his country in the cause
of commercial aviation, in 147 speeches and 28,350 miles of
perfect schedule flying, he sold aviation to millions of
his own people, and opened the American airways to commerce
and industry.
(20) Current Events, 3/12/28 50
Now, as "Slim" Lindbergh, with well-defined plans and purposes unannounced, he set out to evade the limelight and retire to private life. "No matter what it costs, I am go- Í 21) ing to retire". This he said with the same determination that put him safely across the Atlantic.
He had not scorned public attention, «or had he courted it. Resignedly, graciously, and courteously he had accepted (22) it as long as he could thereby do "a lot of permanent good".
His inner consciousness now sensed the consummation of that service.
M a n y professional heroes have courted the flattery of concentrated public attention as an end in itself. This inter-national hero sees in it only an obstacle to his in dividuality, to his liberty as "pathfinder and pioneer" in the cause of aeronautics.
Those who have followed press accounts since early
March, 1928, appreciate with what one-hundred-percent per fection Lindbergh is accomplishing this admirable new con quest. It has been a game of hide-and-seek with newspaper correspondents. They have shadowed him persistently, lov ingly, respectfully. His high and noble determination to cast off the one shackle to his wholehearted service to aviation only intensifies the admiration with which he cap-
(21) Quoted in J.P.,3/25/28 (22) Quoted on p.40 51
tivated them at the beginning of his public career, and
whets their desire to exploit him, and to satisfy the
public demand for news of him.
Theirs became a service of announcing take offs to
unknown destinations, and surprise landings at various
airdomes. The one exception was the historic event of the
farewell "We" flight from St. Louis to Washington on April
30, 1928 where the romantic partnership was dissolved, and
the faithful famous airsteed was delivered to the Smithsonian
Institute.
The Impact of Lindbergh's Personality.
The youthful Lindbergh who has swayed the minds of millions has left on them the impact of his personality.
Mothers and fathers revere him as the symbol of their own hopes for their boys. Women see in him the perfection of man. To men he stands the embodiment of what they would like to be, what they would like to have done, what they wish they had the courage to do.
Diplomats of the greatest nations of the world hold him in highest reverence as their exemplar and teacher. (23) Rulers claim him as a world asset, "Citizen of the World".
Rations pay him tribute as the embodiment of the highest
(23) Quoted on p. 23 52
(24) ideals of the great educational system of America. His own United States exploits him as "a gallant flyer and an admirable example of American idealism, character and con- (25) duct".
Every birdman, from highest official to the lowliest mechanic, looks up to him as the Lone Eagle of his profession; yet, a "buddy" in intimate fellowship.
It was Lindbergh who stood before the American World
War veterans ready to embark for the Paris Convention of the Legion and vouched for the goodfellowship of Prance.
He left with them the parting inspiration that theirs was a great opportunity "to help make that spirit a permanent one between America and Prance, between America and all (26) Europe".
To the Post Office Department of the United States he has long been the living Herodotus of the air mail service I
"Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, mor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed (27) rounds".
Journalists have found in him the inspiration for their most voluminous, attractive and historic revelations of the (28) real spirit of America.
(24) Literary Digest, Vol. 93 (25) Ambassador Herrick, "We", Foreword, 6/16/27 (26) Lindbergh in American Legion Monthly, 9/27 (27) Suggested by the facade inscription, N.Y. Post Office (28) "We", p.285 53
Story tellers and biographers have found inspiration
for their best sellers; and they have enriched library
shelves with such volumes as: Heroes of the Air; Adventures
All; Lindbergh, the Lone Bagle; Charles Lindbergh; His Life;
The Lone Scout of the Sky; The Boys1 Book of Birdmen.
To the world of verse makers he is "the Bellerophon of (29) - the ancient myth mounted upon the modern Pegasus; and his audacious flight is his master poem, "sung to the rhythm (29) of his motor and the zoom of his propeller". He is the
Pierian inspiration of thousands who have told his deeds in song.
To high officials of army, navy, and air-corps; of in dustry and of commerce he stands authority and prophet for the feasibility of efficient aircraft as wartime asset, for the economic importance of transoceanic air service, sea dromes, improved air personnel, government subsidies, and (X) capitalists' investment.
He brought to the Department of Commerce a valuable in crease in its activities, and opened the foreign markets to ( 3 0 ) American aircraft products.
Capitalists have yielded to his persistent arguments for the investment of large sums for the development of aviation. As the concluding paragraphs of this paper are
(29) John H. Finley quoted in "Lone Scout of the Sky" (X ) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 (30) Literary Digest, 6/25/27 54
(51) being written the Associated Press announces that a new and
independent company with $5,000,000 capital, has organized
a combined plane-and-rail service that will speed transporta
tion between New York and the Pacific Coast on a forty-
eight-hour schedule. "Colonel Lindbergh when approached
with an offer to become an official of the company" again
refused to identify himself with any commercial project
because his purpose is to interest himself in "all programs ( 51) ( 52) that would aid aviation". One week later, the Associated
Press announces Lindbergh in business as "Chairman of the
technical committee of Trans-Continental Air Transport. I n c ,".
Thus, without commercializing his life-purpose, he has re
ceived the coveted award of being placed in a position to
control and develop the technicalities of aeronautics that
will give his beloved country world supremacy in commercial
aviation.
Boy Scouts, four million strong, have made him their
Lone Scout of the Sky, and an honorary member of the various
local organizations throughout the land. His was the execu
tion of their dreams of pioneering, of romance, of high ad ventures. Although he had never taken their Promise, he
stands before them the ideal of the "physically strong, men- (55) tally awake and morally straight".
(51) A.P. report, 5/15/29 (52) May 22, 1928 (55) John C. Finley quoted in "The Lone Scout of the Sky",p.258 55
There are still other millions of youth in the forma
tive age into whose young lives has flashed this new Columbus, new Lincoln. To them, he is the animating spirit of lessons in patriotism, in history, in geography, in science, in aircraft, in literature, in creative English; the genuine exemplar of high and noble virtues; and the genius of the airways.
This survey of the ascendancy, magnitude and effective ness of Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh's influence has served its purpose if it has characterized the Phenomenon of Lind bergh as educational. The unanimity of such vast evidence favors the conclusion th- t no other single factor has been so powerful in swaying the minds of nations, so formative of the ideals of peoples, so potent in meliorating inter national diplomacy, so inspirational to creative genius, so kinetic in speeding industry and commerce. No other single educational influence has attracted so unanimously and powerfully the budding minds of an age to the f u l l meaning of all that is high and noble in patriotic symbolism, character and conduct. The achievements of generations yet unborn will bear the impact of the Phenomenon of Lindbergh.
"Though time will change his youthful face It never will his deed erase"! (34)
(34) John H. Finley, "The Lone Scout of the Sky", p.££ IV. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Crump, Irving, The Boy's Book of Airmen.
Finley, John H., The Saga of Charles Lindbergh.
Green, Fitzhugh, A Little of What the World thought of Lindbergh, "We"appendix.
Lindbergh, Charles A., "We".
Moore, Education, World Building.
Ruediger, Principles of Education.
Van Every and Tracy, Charles Lindbergh: His Life.
Wade, Mary H., Adventurers All.
West, James E., The Lone Scout of the Sky.
Current Literature:
America, July 2, '27 p,286 v . July 16, '27, p. 331. .
Associated Press Reports, May 19.,'27 to June 1, 1928.
American Legion Magazine, Sept., 1927,
Aviation Stories, July, 1927. Catholic World, July, 1927
Catholic School Journal, Sept, 1927
Current Events, Vols. 26, 27.
Extension Magazine, Sept. 1927
Independent, The, Vol. 118
The Literary Digest, Vols. 93, 94, 95, 96.
National Geographical Magazine, The, Jan, 1928
Nation, June 6-15, 1927
News Outline, The: Vol. VI, Sept., * 274.-June 128
New Republic, June 15, *27
The Outlook, Vol. 146, Mayr-Aug., 1927
Popular Aviation, Vol. 1; Sept.r-Dec., 1927 Vol. 2: Jan.t -Ju n e , 1928
Popular Science, April, 1928 Donald E. Keyhoe: "Lindbergh tells Future of Aviation".
Review of Reviews, July, 127
Scientific America, Aug. 127
St. Nicholas Magazine, Vol. 54.
Time, Jan. 2, '28
Woman Citizen, July, 127
World's Work, Vol. 54, May-Oct., 1927