July 24, 1897
Overview:
Amelia Earhart is a true heroine of the 20th century. Her accomplishments in flight are only surpassed by the goodness of her heart. Disappearing without a trace while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, her disappearance remains a mystery while her global impact will forever remain in our history books and hearts.
Country:
United States of America
Type
of hero: Trailblazer
Attributes:
Serenity, Bravery, Quiet Strength, Courageous
Biography:
Amelia Earhart’s achievements are only surpassed by the power of her heart. Her incredible records speak for themselves and like her records her timeless personality will last forever. She became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic in 1928 (she did not pilot the plane) and finally became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. In 1935 she became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific ocean. Although her flying career came to a tragic end, her legacy continues as she is remembered in books, stories, magazines, biographies, memorials, schools and buildings sporting her name.
Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897 in Atchison, Kansas. She first began to fly at the age of 24, before that she served as a nurses aid in World War I. After her successful flight across the Atlantic in 1928 (she did not pilot the plane) she began to travel the country as a very popular speaker, giving lectures to clubs, organizations, and colleges. Amelia Earhart became a household name when she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1928. She was promoted as a world-class pilot yet, had not spent that many hours in the air. However, along with her experience her reputation grew and she promoted various products including her own brands of luggage, clothing, and stationary.
Amelia soon planned to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. It would be the longest global flight in history– 29,000 miles. The whole journey was planned in stages so that she could stop for rest and fuel. Her aircraft was damaged during her first attempt in March 1937. On May 20, 1937 she took off with Fred Noonan in a second effort. They flew a good three quarters of the trip with only about 7,000 miles remaining, all over the Pacific ocean. On July 2, 1937 they took off from Lae, New Guinea, Earhart made radio contact twenty hours after take off and was unsure of her position, but was near the Howland Islands, her final destination. They were never heard from again as they disappeared without a trace. Japanese and American searches came up empty. Her disappearance still baffles experts but researchers and her family generally believe that her plane ran out of fuel and she and Noonan died at sea.
Amelia Earhart served as an inspiration to millions, not only as a pilot but as a person. She was a class act and remains a role model for all. Her strong set of morals and values, ethics, loyalty, character, integrity, perseverance, and spirit make her a true heroine. Her memory will always be remembered and honored.
Citations
& References:
Budman, Matthew and Jay Stevenson, Ph.D. American Heroes. New York: alpha books, 1999.
Rolka, Gail Meyer. “Amelia Earhart” 100 Women Who Shaped World History. San Francisco: Bluewood Books, 1994, p. 89.
Links:
"Amelia Earhart, 1907-1937." Operational Archive Branch - Naval Historical Center. 9 December 1998 http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq3-1.htm (July 2000)
"Amelia Earhart: First Woman to Solo the Atlantic." Women in Aviation. 2 Feb. 2000 http://www.womeninaviation.com/amelia.html (July 2000)
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