Born Detroit, Michigan, October 1, 1881, William Boeing
learned to fly under Glenn Martin in 1911. In 1916 he
founded Pacific Aero Products Corporation, after building
and flying his first aircraft.
During World War I Boeing provided the U.S. Navy with 50
trainer aircraft. A postwar U.S. Army Air Services order
for 50 pursuit planes assured the future of the now Boeing
Airplane Company. In 1919 he became involved in U.S. mail
flying which developed into future airmail contracts. In
1927 he founded Boeing Air Transport Services airline and
helped establish parameters for all future U.S. air
transportation. He was awarded the Guggenheim Medal in
1934 for these outstanding achievements.
In World War II he assisted in fulfilling the vast military
aircraft production requirements. The company he founded and
led developed into the aerospace giant, the Boeing Company.
He died September 28, 1956.
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