Born Bremen, Germany, September 12, 1888. Received the
first aeronautical degree awarded in U.S., Columbia
University 1910. Assistant to Orville Wright and plant
manager of Wright's Dayton Factory in 1913. Formed his
own company in 1917 to build navy ship launched airplanes.
Built the first amphibian with practical retractable
undercarriage widely used by military and private owners.
A respected aviation consultant serving industry and government
through the 1950s. Author of numerous books and papers on
aviation matters.
Recipient of the Collier Trophy in 1921 for his "Flying Yacht",
the Presidential Medal of Merit in 1946.
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