Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh is one of the most respected heroes, not just here in the U.S. but around the world, when he made the first transatlantic flight in 1927. This was a big deal as many had tried and failed. Through his accomplishments and actions he showed great braveness, a caring heart, and a humble man.

Charles Lindbergh shows he's a national hero through his braveness. Charles Lindbergh's braveness didn't go unnoticed when he flew over the Atlantic Ocean."He had made the first flight across the North Atlantic from New York to Paris, a distance of 3,610 miles, in 33 hours, 29 minutes, and 30 seconds." He was the first ever to fly over the Atlantic Ocean which spanned 3,600 miles, the longest flights ever attempted at that time period making him one of the bravest men at the time. The plane that Charles Lindbergh had custom built, The Spirit of the St. Louis, was pushed to its limits, going through storm clouds, skipping on the top of the Atlantic Ocean, fighting ice, fog, and navigating the plane by the stars. Charles Lindbergh had the plane to carry 450 gallons of gas for the flight, 2,710 pounds! Apart from being the first to fly over the Atlantic Ocean he served in World War II. "Lindbergh flew more than 50 combat missions, including one in which he brought down an enemy fighter. The 42-year-old Lindbergh often bested men half his age in feats demanding intense physical ability. Drawing on his extraordinary piloting skills, Lindbergh instructed others on how to conserve fuel and extend their flying range by up to 500 miles." Despite applying to fight in the Air Force during World War II he was rejected due to his isolate views on the war, but still found a way to fight his country, without being paid. Most people would have been stubborn and not have helped the war effort if it went against their views let alone putting their life on the line to fight in the war without a paycheck. He did something where others would have failed and served our country proudly.

Not only was Charles Lindbergh a fearless, brave person, he was a kind and caring person. He got involved in the medical world. "Anne's sister, Elisabeth, had recently suffered a heart attack that permanently damaged her heart's valves. Lindbergh, ever the mechanical wizard, came up with an idea for a heart pump that he revealed to Carrel. Carrel was impressed. The two men collaborated on research and published a book together in 1938, "The Culture of Organs." Lindbergh following his wife's sister's heart attack, being the caring loving person he was, invented the heart pump to help people with damaged hearts. This invention further extended the knowledge of the medical world. He went on to serve in the war. "Lindbergh, however, wasn't satisfied. He soon was able to secure a position as a consultant for United Aircraft in 1944 and was sent to the South Pacific to help and train pilots with Corsair aircraft. In spite of his official civilian title... Lindbergh also showed young pilots half his age tricks on how to conserve fuel and extend their flying range." As said before in paragraph one, he cared for his country so much he felt it necessary to serve his country during a time of war, teaching young World War II pilots tricks of his trade. He was a very charismatic person putting his peers and citizens before himself.

Despite being one of the most famous and respected people in the world, Charles Lindbergh was a humble man; starting with the end of his record breaking flight. "Even after Lindbergh's heroic flight over the Atlantic Ocean, he never sought recognition." Lindbergh was modest and never sought attention even though he had achieved such an incredible thing. After his stunning transatlantic flight he took a job. "Lindbergh was an intensely private person who was put off by the degree of his popular fame. After his marriage, he took a job as technical adviser to several of the new commercial airline companies." Even with all the money he had gained from his fame he found himself with a normal job advising commercial companies. He treated himself as just another normal citizen; not thinking he was above others such as modern day celebrities.

Lindbergh was the first ever pilot to fly solo and non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, flying from Roosevelt Airfield, New York City to Paris on May 20-May 21, 1927 in his mono engined airplane The Spirit of St. Louis which had been custom built by Ryan Airlines. This is a great example of: if you work hard for what you want, you can accomplish anything. With these great successes came braveness, kindness, and humbleness.

Works Consulted:

"Charles A. Lindbergh." Http://ic.galegroup.com. Gale, 27 Apr. 2004. Web. 21 Jan. 2013.

"Charles Augustus Lindbergh Home Page." Charles Augustus Lindbergh Home Page. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. .

"Charles Lindbergh." Charles Lindbergh. Ed. Jim Bredmus. Traces. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. .

"Charles Lindbergh." Wikia. Wikia. Web. 15 Feb. 2013.  .

"Fallen Hero: Charles Lindbergh in the 1940s." PBS. PBS. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. .

Jordan. "History of the Roaring Twenties." : Charles Lindbergh the Spirit of St. Louis. Web. 15 Feb. 2013. .