-Med-My-
MEDDOCK, Dodds USA (1940? (SM/HB)
See APPENDIX-L/BK/BI/BL. Sport balloonist.
Brother of Professional balloon & airplane pilot "Gary."
b: 23 Mar.1940 Lebanon, OH.
e: Univ.of Illinois; Univ.of Indiana, Masters in Philosophy.
p: Philosopher, Professor of Philosophy; Professional balloonist & B-Builder; Co-Founder (w/T.BARNES & K. STEFAN) of "The Balloon Works"; Administrator, Duke University post-1984.
f: First B-Flight 1966 (solo); More than 500 B-Hours by 1986; FAA B-License #1854215 issued 9 Apr.1969, Sailplane pilot.
l: Participated in many B-Events 1965-84.
m: BFA, Awards Chairman. ***Epic flight 1976 from Statesville, NC. Broke foot on landing.
a: 10/1986, Duke Univ.Credit Center; 108 Jones St; Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 919/9334429.
r: Bio-data form.
MEDEMA, David USA (1944- (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BO/BK; Semi-Professional balloonist1970-75, .
b: 10 Apr.1944, Des Moines, IA.
s: U.S.Navy, 4-years.
p: Technical Illustrator.
f: First B-Flight Spring 1968 (solo) from Muskegon, MI; Self-taught balloonist; FAA B-License Mar.1970; More than 780 B-Hours, including 6 gas flights, by 1983.
l: 1968-83, Built & flew 4 Hot-Air, & 4 Gas balloons; 1986, Aide (to D.LEVIN) in G-Bennett B-Race. ***Epic flight 20 Mar.1975 from Racine, WI. Successful Trans Lake Michigan flight of 192 Sm. in 6:55 (Shortest distance=100 S.m.).
r: Bio-data form.
MEEKER, Paddy (?) USA (1890?1940) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Resident of New York City.
p: Professional balloonist; Stage name: Prof. Padnut. ***Epic flight 17 Jul.1907 from Sulzers Harlem Park (NYC). Ascent was normal, but the parachute would not release. He climbed back up the cords and cut the envelope with a knife. He jumped onto a bridge as he neared the ground.
r: NY.Evening Journal 17 Jul.1907; NY.Tribune 18 Jul.1907.
MEEKER, Scott USA (1960?1990) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist.
b: 15 Dec.1963, place unk.;
d: 11 Dec.1990 Columbus, OH.
e: Senior Ohio State University, Marketing Major; Awarded his degree posthumously (only student so honored).
p: Professional balloonist; Owner/Operator of B-Ride-business.
f: Early flight history unk.; Instructor was E.INGWERSON; FAA-Commercial B-License #[redacted]; Over 150 hours TT in 5 years; 60 in the last 12 months.
m: BFA; Ohio Balloon Club, Treasurer. ***Epic flight 11 Dec.1990 (See E.INGWERSON). All aeronauts died after contacting a television tower in downtown Columbus, OH.
a: Resident of Worthington (Columbus), OH at date of death.
r: D.O'Brien, C.Frantz archives; NTSB-Report.
MEEKS, USA (1870?1940) (SM)
See APPENDIX-S/L. Professional balloonist.
Resident of Wapakoneta, OH.
p: Associate of Ed HILL.
r: Cincinnati Enquirer 30 Aug. 1894.
MEISINGER, Clarence Leroy USA #-828 (1895-1924) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/AR. Military/Scientific balloonist.
b: 30 Apr.1895 Plattsmouth, NB;
d: 3 Jun.1924 Illinois.
e: Univ.of Nebraska, BS-Astronomy-1917, George Washington Univ. MS-1920, PHD-Meteorology-1922.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army, Commissioned 2 Jun.1917, discharged July 1919; Inspector of meteor-logical facilities for the U.S.Signal Corps.
p: Research Meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau; Specialist in low altitude synoptic weather patterns; died testing his theories in violent weather conditions.
f: First B-Flight April 1919; Received B-Training at Ft.Omaha, NB; FAI-ACA B-License #828 issued 11 Jun.1919.
l: Assistant Editor of "Monthly Weather Review" 1919-24; Contributor of many weather articles to scientific publications; Accomplished musician, piano/French horn; Dramatic actor, Artist.
m: ROTC Cadet, Univ.of Nebraska; Active in many school activities; American Meteorological Society, Fellow-1920; AMS-Aeronautical Committee Chairman.
h: AMS-Award given annually in his honor since 24 Jun.1924. ***Epic flight 3 Jun.1924 (see J.NEELY-PIC); Killed when his balloon was struck by lightning and exploded while on a scientific flight near Bement, Illinois.
r: ACA-files; Aviation Magazine-1921; NT-4 Jun.1924p1 (T); J.Lewis report, National B-Museum archives.
MELANDRI, Antonio ITALY (1872?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-U/AT/AV. Sport balloonist 1878-98.
b: 1872 Hastings England, Son of a famous artist.
e: Early Schools in Paris; Oxford & Cambridge in England; Studied science and meteorology.
f: First ascent 1878 (age 6) in GIFFORDS's captive balloon; Bought first balloon 1887 from M.MALLET; FAI B-Licenses in France and Italy.
s: Served as an Italian Aerostier in Rome 1891-94.
l: Built his own "aerodrome" at Spontini 1897.
r: l'Aerophile-Sep.1903.
MENIER, ? ?USA/CAN? (1865?1920) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L/S/CE. Professional balloonist.
High dive specialist from towers & bridges (into water).
f: First B-Flight 1882; Toured the NE-USA for O'brian's Circus; Reportedly flew in Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota; Toured England about 1890.
l: Spectacular career with many injuries; Boasted to be "World Champion High-Diver." ***Epic flight 29 May 1898 from Winnipeg (CAN). Launched in a strong wind, his parachute barely opened before landing. The impact rendered him unconscious, but he recovered with only a sprained ankle.
r: Winnipeg Tribune 27 & 30 May 1898; Winnipeg Free Press 28 & 29 May 1896.
MENIER, Jean Sebastien A. ENGLAND (1840?1900) (HP)
See APPENDIX-BT. Inventor.
l: 1874, Issued patent #1144 on the use of circular burners fueled by liquid hydrocarbon for hot-air balloons. It was flown successfully that year by J.SIMMONS. (see J.BACON & MASKELYNE).
MESSNER, Emile SWITZERLAND #+7 (1875-1942) (GB)
See APPENDIX-K/AH/AV/AX/CH. Sport balloonist, 1900-1936 era.
b: 11 Sep.1875 Winterhur.
d: 29 May 1942 Geneva.
p: Meteorologist, Engineer; Airline pilot, Co-Founder, and first Vice Pres. of "SwissAir" airlines.
f: First B-Flight 1900; Swiss B-License #7 issued 1 Jul.1905.
m: President of the Swiss Aero Club; Vice President of the FAI. ***Epic flight 11 Oct.1908 (w/T. SCHAECK) from Berlin, Germany (G-Bennett B-Race). Spent 14 of 43 hours over the North Sea before safe landing. ***Epic flight 17 Oct.1910 from St.Louis, MO (G-Bennett B-Race). Landed in the "wilds" of Canada, took two days to get out. Retrieved balloon by cutting it into two pieces.
MESSNER, Martin SWITZERLAND (1952- (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BO (3). Sport balloonist 1972-1986 era.
Grandson of balloonist "Emil"; Nephew of Regula HUG-Messner; Cousin of C.HUG.
b: 4 Apr.1952 Feldbach;
p: Electronics Engineer, Marketing Mgr.
f: Swiss B-License #220 issued 21 Dec.1979 for Gas balloons.
l: 1985, Participant in the World HB-Champion-ships; 1986, Declared European HB-Championship.
a: Gut Rosenberg; CH-8714 Feldbach; 055/42-10-80.
r: Tel-Con.
MEYER, Alexis GERMANY (1879-1978) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AU. Sport balloonist.
b: 15 Dec.1879?Frankfurt.
d: 14 Sep.1978?Koln (age 99).
p: Court judge; Law school Professor, New York University-1950; Director of the Flight Research Institute in Koln-1956.
f: FAI-German B-License issued 25 Jun.1909; Airship pilot.
m: Frankfurter, Niederrheinischer, and Mittelreinscher B-Clubs; Kolner, Kaiserlicher, and Frankfurt Aero Clubs.
r: Freiballonfurher und Anwarter p102.
MEYERS, Herman Jr. USA (1889?1960) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Reluctant aeronaut.
b: 1879, Schoolboy, Reluctant pilot. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1901 from West Liberty, IA. A gust of wind prematurely launched the balloon with Herman clinging to a handling line. He ascended to a "considerable" height before landing safely three miles downwind.
r: New York Herald 7 Jul.1901.
MICHEL, ? ENGLAND (1800?1860) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S/X. Professional Balloonist.
p: Worked for Vauxhall Gardens in London.
l: Made flights in the USA in 1819.
MICHEL, Frederik SWITZERLAND #+64 (1906-1992) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AV/CH. Sport balloonist.
b: 23 Dec.1906 Biel.
d: April 1992.Geneva.
f: Swiss B-License #64 issued 8 Sep.1931; Last flight 1953.
l: Aide (to E.TILGENKAMP) in the 1935 G-Bennett B-Race.
r: Frei-ballonfuhrer und Anwarter p102.
MICKEL, Ernst GERMANY (1880?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AU/CH. Sport balloonist.
s: Officer in the German Army B-Corps, Leutenant-1910; Captain-Charlottenburg Luft-chiffer Bataillon-1914.
f: German B-License issued1909; Last flight 1914.
l: Aide (to Paul MECKEL) in the 1909 G-Bennett B-Race.
m: Kolner, Berliner B-Clubs; Kaiserlicher Aero-Club. r: FuA p103.
MIDDLEKARF, William A. USA (1880?1904) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional Smoke Balloonist.
f: Teamed with L.M. ODELL. ***Epic flight 19 Mar.1905 (w/L.M.ODELL) from Wallace, IN. The weight of the two aeronauts was too great for the strength of the balloon. The lower portion tore away from the envelope on ascent. Both aeronauts fell from about 200' back into the crowd and sustained massive injuries. Odell is said to have survived the impact, but was not expected to live.
r: NT-20 Mar.1905/8/6; Denver Post 20 Mar.1905.
MILARCH, Ernst GERMANY (1869-1932) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AG/AU. Sport balloonist, 1900-10 era.
b: 12 Jul.1869.
d: 7 Jul.1932 Friedrichshafen.
s: Observation Balloonist-1914-18.
p: University professor.
f: German B-License issued 1905; Last recorded flight 1930; More than 200 B-Flights in his lifetime.
l: Author of "Aus dem Reich der Lufte" on German ballooning; Co-Author of "Wir Luftschiffer" (We Aeronauts).
m: Augsburger, Nieder-rheinischer, Kolner, Braunschweigischer, and Westfalisch-Lippischer Balloon Clubs.
r: FuA p103.
MILLER, Frank CANADA (1880?1940) (SM/GB)
See APPENDIX-CS. Professional balloonist.
f: First recorded flight 14 Sep.1902 from Vancouver (BC); Reportedly had considerable experience before that time.
r: Vancouver (BC) Province 15 Sep.1902.
MILLER, Harold E. USA #-149 (1892?1970) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 19 Feb.1892 Woodsville, NH; Res.of NH in 1969.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1917-37; Naval Aviator #3322; Outstanding military aviation career; Balloon & Airship (Rigids & Non-rigids) pilot & instructor; Retired Admiral.
f: Received balloon & Airship training at Akron & NAS-Pensacola; FAI-ACA B-License #149 issued 17 Oct.1917. ***Epic flight 12 Feb.1935 (w/83-crew) in the USS Macon airship. Survived (2-died) the crash off the So.California coast. He was the only FAI licensed balloonist aboard.
r: Who's Who in Aviation 1942-43; Contact Profiles p569; BF-V32#2p3.
MILLER, Lester T. USA #-962 (1894?1960) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AE/AR. Military balloonist.
b: 24 Sep.1894 Marietta, OH.
e: Command & General Staff School; War College.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army Air Force; Outstanding military aviation career; Lt.Col.1943; General Staff of Army Air Force.
f: B-Training 1921; Airships 1923; Airplanes 1924; FAI-ACA B-License #962 issued 4 Jun.1923.
r: Who's Who in Aviation 1942-43.
MILLER, Roman J. USA #-814 (1883?1950) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 17 Jun.1883 Lemars, IA.
d: 25 Feb.1973 Chehalis, WA.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy; Deep sea diver 1902; Parachute tester, Balloon & Airship Pilot; Last LTA duty 1926; Naval Aviator # 2516; Ret. Ltcr. NAS Pensacola Florida 1955.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #814 issued 14 May 1919.
r: US-Navy files; Contact Profiles p512; BF-M/J 1973p6.
MILLS, Brian L. USA (1959? (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B). Professional balloonist. (Bio-data unknown)
b: 1959.
p: Balloonist for Balloons-of-the-Rockies; Manager of McDonalds Restaurant, 1991.
f: Early B-History unknown; More than 318 B-Hours, 60% in AX-10's in career. ***Epic flight 21 Mar.1987 (w/7-pax) from Park City, UT. Pilot was training a student (Gary Lawton) and was overriding the controls during a descent when the balloon contacted powerlines near Jeremy Ranch. The resulting conflagration severed the basket from the envelope, and all aeronauts fell 50' to the ground. In spite of his numerous injuries, including a broken pelvis, he pulled the other passengers to safety, all of whom suffered serious injuries. One person (James D. Ferrell), went into cardiac arrest and died about 30 minutes later. NOTE: Balloon (Raven S77A-107) owned by Mike Bauwens, was later cut in half at the equator and rebuilt by mating with another damaged balloon of similar size.
r: LAT-22 Mar.1987p2:1; Daily Breeze-22 Mar.87pA6; PN-Nancy Wickham; NTSB-Report DEN87FA069.
MILLS, Charles USA (1912- (GB)
Military aeronaut.
b: 12 Aug.1921 Memphis, TN.
e: Annapolis Naval Academy 1938.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy; Balloon & Airship Pilot & Instructor; Retired 1963 as Lt.Cmdr.; Outstanding LTA Career.
f: Received initial training at NAS Lakehurst; No FAI-license; Military brevet.
p: Project leader of the Helistat Project.
m: LTAS; Naval Airship Assoc.
r: Pers.interview.
MILLS, James USA (1790?1835) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist.
Resident of Baltimore, MD;
d: 16 Aug.1835 York, MD; Died of suspected poisoning from toxic balloon varnish.
p: Mechanic, Balloonist & B-Maker 1830-35 era; Worked for "Mr. Stanley's Observatory" & "Fairmont Gardens."
f: Observing student of C. DURANT; self-taught; First flight 3 Apr.1834 from Baltimore, MD; Made nine flights in his lifetime; last on 25 Jul.1835 York, PA (others from Philadelphia (PA), Baltimore (MD), & Lebanon (PA). ***Epic flight 26 Jun.1834 from Philidelphia, PA. Balloon covered 40 miles in 90 minutes. Attempting to land, the anchor dragged violently thru a marsh, with little likelihood of stopping before open sea. Pilot jumped from the basket, and balloon was lost.
r: Niles Weekly Register 5 Apr.1834.
MILNOS, Ralph Leslie USA # 456 (1895?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military Balloonist.
b: 6 Nov.1895 Carthage, MO.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army; Business Manager of "The Balloon Pilot" newspaper at Camp Wise; Discharged 19 Jan.1919.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #456 issued 6 Mar.1918.
a: Springfield, MO.
MINA, Luigi ITALY (1880?1830) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Military balloonist.
s: Officer in Italian Army 1905-14 era.
f: First B-flight 5 Jun.1905 from Turin in "Spes."
l: Owner of balloon "Pr.Lactitia" 1906;
m: Italian Aero Society. ***Epic flight 10 Aug. 1909 (w/Piacenzo) from Turin in "Albatross." Flight reached a record 11,800 meters (37374') altitude. The aeronauts used a great amount of breathing oxygen, and experienced cold of minus 24F, and landed safely at Abbiategrasso. NOTE: Standard temp. for -24F=23,500' (press reported 27,625'), but it is doubtful if that flight & the one on 30 Aug. exceeded previous record claimed by COXWEL & GLIASHER in 1862.
r: NT-13 Aug.1909/3/3.
MINCKELERS, J.P. GERMANY (1760?1820) (GB)
FIRST to use "Coal-Gas" for toy balloons in 1783.
r: Journal fur Gasbeleuchtung und Wasserversurgung, 1913.
MIOLAN, Abbe LUXEMBURG (1760?1820) (HB)
***Epic flight attempt 11 Jul.1784 (w/JANIENT) at Paris. Attempt to inflate a unique (it used jet-ports for propulsion) hot-air balloon resulted in the balloon being destroyed. ***Epic flight 12 July 1785 (w/JANIENT) from Luxembourg in a hot air balloon.
MITCHEL, Ada (F) USA (1870?1930) (SM)
See APPENDIX-S/L. Professional balloonist.
***Epic flight 13 Oct.1894 from Rutland, VT. Ascended in a gale, flew 26 miles in 25 minutes. Encountered severe wind shears and lightning to 8000'.
MITCHEL, Archie USA (1918-1962) (HP)
See APPENDIX- (B). Historic person.
p: Missionary, minister. ***Epic event 5 May 1945 (w/Wife Elsie, E.Engen, J.Gifford, Dick & Joan Patzke) near Bly Oregon. Spotting an unusual object in the trees, the group was pulling on a Japanese (Fo-Go) balloon bomb when it exploded. It killed all but Archie. It was the FIRST, and only casualties on the mainland USA during WW-2. NOTE: Archie (and his second wife) were serving as missionaries in Vietnam, were captured, and presumed killed as "foreign spies."
r: The Oregonian 3 Nov.1987/B3/2. Ref.T.TAKADA.
MITCHEL, Zebulon USA (1810?1850) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist.
f: First flight 22 Mar.1835; Last flight 1837 from Baltimore, MD.
l: Trained Jane WARREN as pilot with 10 minutes verbal instruction; Trained most pilots of his era.
r: Baltimore Chronicle 23 Mar.1835.
MIX, Edgar W. USA #- 26 (1866-1911) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AF/AH/AR/AX. Sport balloonist 1900-11 era.
b: 1866 Columbus, OH.
d: 16 Nov.1911, English Channel; Committed suicide by jumping from a ship in English Channel; Resident of Columbus Ohio & Paris France.
e: Ohio State University, 1888.
p: Electrical engineer; Engineer for the Paris Electric Company 1890; Chief Engineer for General Electric Co; Export Manager for General Motors Co. of Detroit.
f: Learned ballooning in France.
l: 1907, Flew for the Aero Club of France in the G-Bennett B-Race; 1909, Winner of G-Bennett B-Race for the USA (see Epic Flight). ***Epic flight 3 Oct.1909 (w/ROUSSEL) from Zurich in "America-II." Flight in the G-Bennett B-Race encountered dense fog. Peasants seeing the drag rope coming from the sky, pulled the balloon to the ground. Incident caused much consternation, as the aeronauts were almost disqualified for making an intermediate landing. They were eventually declared winners (1121 Km/507 S.m.).
r: NT-22 Oct.1909/2/1; 8 Oct.1909/5/3; 15 Nov/2/2; 16 Nov/2/1.
MOCK, Robert A. USA (1937-1989) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist, 1980-1989 era.
b: 27 Mar.1937 Kansas.
d: 5 Aug.1989 Baton Rouge, LA (age 52); Resident of Paonia (CO) at time of death.
e: Education unk.
p: Professional crop dusting pilot (retired), Carpenter; Owner of "Scenic Aviation" (Blanding, Utah).
f: Early B-Experience unknown; FAA Com.B-License #1449043, also AS&MEL & helicopters; More than 7730 TT, 180 B-Hours, 143 in last 12 months.
m: BFA.
l: Owner of Balloon Works Firefly-6B (N27113). ***Epic flight 5 Aug.1989 (solo) from Baton Rouge (LA) in "Chariot of Fire Too." Aging envelope (12 years old) deflated at 2000' during the U.S. Nat.Hot-Air B-Championships. The envelope streamer and crash were witnessed by an estimated 10,000 spectators (including his wife). He was pronounced dead 30 minutes after impact.
a: Last known residence: POB 957; Paonia, CO 81428; Wife, Charlote, living in Denver/Boulder area 1990.
r: L.A.Times 7 Aug.89p2, NT-8 Aug.p14, Sunday Advocate (Baton Rouge) 6 Aug.89p8A; BL-Sep.89p8; Skylines V17#9P4; NTSB-Report FTW89FA143. NOTE: The balloon was previously maintained, and sold by Ed Clemmins. Serious maintenance deficiencies were found by accident investigators.
MOEDEBECK, Herman W. GERMANY (1857-1910) (GB)
See APPENDIX-U/AL. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
b: 10 Jun.1857 Berlin.
d: 1 Mar.1910 Berlin.
s: Officer in Prussian B-Corps 1983; Retired Obersleutnant 1908.
p: Meteorologist; Teacher of Aeronautics, 1895-1908.
f: Made 50 accident-free balloon flights in his lifetime.
l: 1885, Author of "Pocket Book of Aeronautics" (republished 1907);1896, Author of "Taschenbuch fur Flug und Luft-schiffer"; 1897, Author of "Illustrite Aeronautische Mittelungen"; Republished as "Luftfahrt-25 Jahre" (25 years of flight); 1906, Author of "Die Luftschiffahrt ihre Vergangenheit"; 1909, Author of "Fliegende Menschen" (Flying Machines).
m: Ober-rheinischer, Augsburger, Ostdeutscher, Berliner, and Kolner B-Clubs; Kaiserlicher Aero Club; Aero Club of France; Berlin Navigation Society (FM); International Commission for Scientific Aeronautics; FIA, President of Cartograpgy Commission.
r: FuA p103.
MOFFETT, William Adger USA (1869-1933) K (GB)
b: 31 Oct. 1869, Charleston, SC;
d: 4 Apr.1933 off New Jersey.
e: U.S. Naval Academy, 1890.
p: Officer in U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral in 1923; Developed Great Lakes Naval Air Station, 1914-18; Chief of Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, 1921-33.
f: Early B-Training Akron, OH, 1914; Balloon, Airship, & Airplane pilot; Ship commander.
l: Crusader for Naval Aviation, but NOT aviator rated.
h: ?Medal of Honor 1914?; Distinguished Service Medal, 4 Dec.1915. ***Epic flight 3-4 Apr.1933 (as observer) from Lakehurst, NJ in the "Akron." The airship was caught in a violent storm and crashed in the Atlantic. Three crewmen survived, but The bodies of most were never found.
MOINEAU, Rene FRANCE (1885?1940) (GB)
h: Received the "Grande Prix de l'Aero Club" 1923 (second highest award of the French Aeroclub, given exclusively for outstanding service to aerostation).
r: FAI-Award records.
f: Bio-Data unknown.
MOLAS-Marcia, Benito P. SPAIN (1890?1928) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/P/AH/AV/CH. Military balloonist.
s: Officer in Spanish Army, Major in 1928.
l: Competitor in 1926 G-Bennett B-Race. ***Epic flight 15 Sep.1928 from Madrid Spain. His Barograph showed he had reached an altitude of 11,000 meters twice. His Body was found in the basket near Caravaca. Death was attributed to a malfunction of his breathing equipment.
r: NT-19 Sep.1928/19/3.
MOLLER, Boris SWEDEN #=9 (1880?1940) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Military & Sport balloonist.
s: Officer in the Swedish Army, Capt. in 1908; Chief of Balloon Department.
f: SAK-FAI B-License #9 issued 23 May 1908. ***Epic flight 16 Apr.1908 from Stockholm. Flight ended near Saint Petersburg, Russia.
r: N.Y.Tribune 18 apr.1908; Akerstedt files.
MOLTKE, Frederick DENMARK (1880?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AV. Sport balloonist.
Count in Royal Family (Graf von); Brother of the Danish Minister to the USA, 1909.
m: Berliner B-Club; Kaiserlicther Aero Club; Royal Aero Club of Denmark. ***Epic flight 12 Jul.1909 (w/A.C.KREBS) from Copenhagen. Flight ended in Posen Germany after covering 360 miles across the Baltic Sea in 10 hours.
r: NT-13 Jul.1909/1/6; BuA.
MONEY, John ENGLAND (1752-1817) (GB)
See APPENDIX-A/T/X. Military aeronaut.
p: Officer in British Army, General in 1796; Served with Gen. Burgoyne in American Revolutionary War; Major Gen. at the 2 June 1794 battle of Fleurus (Belgium). ***Epic event was the FIRST use of a balloon for reconnaissance, that decisively determined the outcome of battle (see MORLOT and G.MORVEAU).
f: First B-Flight 3 Jun.1785 (w/LOCKWOOD & BLAKE); Published first treatise on military ballooning, 1803. ***Epic flight (first solo) 22 Jul.1785 from Norwich. Landed in the sea and almost drowned. Spent seven hours in the water before rescue by cutter Argus.
MONTGOLFIER, Etienne Jacques FRANCE (1745-1799) (HP)
See APPENDIX-A/P. Historic aeronaut.
Brother of Joseph.
b: 1745, Annonay;
d: 1799. Son of a paper-maker.
p: Paper maker in family owned mill; Partners with brother.
f: Made one recorded free-flight (date disputed).
l: Co-developer/builder (w/brother) of first hot-air balloons; 1783, Built & flew many model balloons for experiments; 1783, Built tethered balloon flown by ROZIER (5 June, also reported as unmanned to 6000 feet); 1783, Built & launched unmanned toy balloon 8 September, from Versailles for King Louis-XVII; 1783, Built & flew unmanned (sheep/cock/duck) 19 September, from Versailles for King Louis-XVII; 1783, Built tethered balloon successfully flown by ROZIER 15 Oct.1783, Built first manned balloon flown by ROZIER & ARLANDES on epic 25 minute flight of 21 November.
MONTGOLFIER, Joseph Michael FRANCE (1740-1810) (HB)
See APPENDIX-A/H/P. Scientific balloonist.
Brother of Etienne; Son Of a paper-maker.
b: 1740, Annonay.
d: 1810.
p: Paper maker in family business; Father of aeronaut Freres.
f: Participated in all early balloon launchings; Made only one recorded free-flight (19 Jan.1784, w/ROZIER).
l: Co-developer /builder (w/brother) of first hot-air balloons; Considered originator of Hot-Air balloon idea. ***Epic flight 19 Jan.1784 (w/ROZIER, Pr.LIGNE, LAURENCHIN, DAMPIERRE, d'ANGLEFORT, & FONTAINE) in 545,000 Cf."l'Flesselles" from Lyon.
MONTGOMERY, Harry E. USA #-390 (1893?1960) (KB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR/Aw/CS. Military balloonist.
b: 24 Aug.1893 Boone, IA.
s: Officer in the Balloon Corps; 2nd & 26th Companies.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #390 issued 20 Feb.1918. ***Epic ascent 7 Aug.1918 (w/G. PHELPS) over France during the Aisne-Marne offensive of WW-I. The balloon was ignited by bullets from a German Fokker. Both aeronauts parachuted to safety.
r: NAABCV-files; The Balloonitics.
MONTGOMERY, John Joseph USA (1858-1911) K (SM/HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-B/L/S. Professional aeronaut.
Son of a lawyer.
b: 15 Feb.1858, Yuba City, CA;
d: 31 Oct.1911, Santa Clara, CA.
e: St.Ignatus College; San Francisco University-1879. Masters in Science-1880.
p: Newswriter, 1864; Smoke-balloonist 1880-82; Balloon & glider builder, 1882 (San Diego, CA); Science teacher at Santa Clara University 1911.
f: Early flight history sketchy; seems to have been self-taught; Owned 5 hot-air & 1 gas balloon, mostly used to drop gliders; Had glider acrobatic school in Santa Clara, 1905.
l: Employees were MALONEY, Wilkie, & Defalea; Made successful controlled glider flight 22 Apr.1905; Glider shop on Mt. Hamilton destroyed in the 1906 S.F. earthquake; Inventor of many electrical devices.
h: Monument commemorating his first flights of 1883-4 at Otay Mesa in S.San Diego; Movie made of his life (Gallant Journey, Columbia Pictures, 1946) ***Epic flight 31 Oct.1911 from Santa Clara, CA. Ascended by balloon astride a hang-glider. Launch and release were normal. But he had an apparent heart-attack in flight, lost control on landing, and hit his head on a protruding bolt on impact. NOTE: Glider is on display (1988) at the San Diego Aerospace Museum.
r: Univ.of California-Berkley archives.
MONTOYO, Juan SPAIN (1860?1920) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/CH. Military balloonist.
s: Officer in the Spanish Army Aerostiers.
f: Received B-Training at the ALFONSO academy. ***Epic flight 11 Oct.1908 (w/SOTOLONGO & Vejede*) from Berlin in "Castilan." Competing in the G-Bennett B-Race, they landed in the North Sea, and had to be rescued. NOTE*British newspapers listed his rescued passenger as "Romero de TOJADA." ***Epic flight 20 May 1908 (w/Cortades) from Barcelona in "Quo-Vadis." Caught in a squall, the balloon was dashed to the earth near Sastago. The pilot fell out of the basket and broke his foot. Contades (on his first flight) jumped from the basket as it neared the ground the second time, and broke his thigh. He laid on the open ground for 36 hours before he was found by a Shepard.
r: Daily Express 21 May 1908.
MOORA, Charles Shelton USA #-609 (1896?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 25 May 1896 Montelair, NJ;
d: 11 Jan.1951 Darien, CN.
e: Union College.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1917-21 (Ens); Naval Aviator #1759.
f: Balloon and Airship training at Akron and NAS-Pensacola; FAI-ACA B-License #609 issued 5 Jun.1918.
a: 14 Bloomfield Ave; Verona, NJ.
r: Contact Profiles p447.
MOORE, Alfred E. USA (1858-1890) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Semi-Professional balloonist 1880-90 era.
Resident of Winsted, CN.
b: 1858 Winsted.
d: 1890.
p: Owner of "Franklin-Moore-Boit Company; President of Norway Iron & Carriage Works; Flew balloon belonging to the St.Louis Post Dispatch.
f: Witnessed first flight 10 Sep.1877 resulting in the death of Frank HAINUR, on a balloon-trapeze act; First flight with S.M.BROOKS from Canton Ohio; Protégé of H.M.SPENCER; First recorded B-Solo 25 July 1885 from St.Louis, MO in "New York World."
l: Made many aerial photographs from balloons (1885). ***Epic flight 29 Jul.1885 (w/S.M.BROOKS) from Hartford, CN. Launched into an approaching thunderstorm, the pilot realized he was in trouble within 3-minutes. Carried aloft at an uncontrollable rate, and buffeted about within the black cloud. Frightened by the quiet-ness of being able to hear the tick of his pocket watch, and the next instant the roar of the rain. The flight of terror lasted less than one hour & landed safely. ***Epic flight 17 Jun.1887 (w/Hazen. Doughty, Duffy) from St.Louis in the "Post-Dispatch" Scientific flight reached 15,000' and covered 55 miles in 2.5 hours. r: St.Louis Post Dispatch 19 Jun.1887; American Magazine. 1 Nov.1907.
MOORE, Charles Bachman USA (1920- (GB)
See APPENDIX-C/AP/BS. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Resident of Socorro, NM.
b: 28 Oct.1920, Maryville, TN;
d: 1986 Socorro, NM.
e: New York University, BS-Chemical Engineering. s: Officer in U.S. Air Force, Weather service Meteorologist.
p: Professor emeritus at New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology.
f: Self-taught gas balloonist; Made more than 30 flights by 1983; CAA B-License Nov.1950.
l: Scientific advisor on many overt/covert Strato-projects (1947-67) incl. Project Mongol; 1949, Made the FIRST manned flight under a polyethylene balloon. ***Epic flight 27 Nov.1959 (see ROSS) as scientific observer (transmitted live television from space; see ROSS/LEWIS-1957).
a: P.O.Box 1333; Socorro, NM 87801.
r: Tel-con 1983 & 93.
MOORE, Michael BRITAIN (1935? (HB)
See APPENDIX- (B) Professional Balloonist.
Pilot for Balloon Safaris Ltd. Kenya. ***Epic flight Apr.1995 from Keekorok Lodge in the Masi Mara Game Park. Pilot made an intermediate landing to exchange passengers. A wind gust caused the balloon to ascend prematurely with a native ground crewman (John) holding onto the trail rope. The balloon rose about 60’ before John let go and he fell to his death.
r: P.LANGFORD, D.Weiler archives.
MOORE, Samuel Taylor USA #-106 (1892-1974) (OB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AR/Aw/CM/CS. Military Balloonist 1917-19.
b: 24 Jun.1892, Westfield, MA;
d: 13 Nov.1974 Falmouth, MA.
p: Reporter, Asoc. Press, Fox Movie-tone News, Boston Post, International Daily News, New York Daily News.
s: Enlisted U.S.Army 1914 for Gen.Pershing's Mexican Campaign; Officer, Commander of 7th B-Company 1917-19; Served in combat on Toul Sector; Colonel in WW-2, served in China-Burma-India; Commander of USAF Ground Operations School 1950-53.
f: Received B-Training at Ft.Omaha and Saumur (France); FAI-ACA B-License #106 issued 12 Sep.1917. m: NAOBCV, 33 years; Washington (DC) Press Club.
l: Author of 10 Aviation books; many published aviation articles.
h: Silver Star, Two Bronze Stars, Legion of Merit. ***Epic ascent Sep.1918 in combat over Montfaucon, France in a Kite balloon. Attacked by 8 German fighter planes, two shot up his winch, while another ignited his balloon. He made a successful parachute jump as the other 3 planes tried to shoot him on his descent. NOTE: This story appears in The Balloonatics p185-6" Official reports said the balloon did NOT burn.
a: 90 Elm Street; Westfield, MA.
r: NAOABCV-files; The Balloon Section; Who's Who in Aviation 1942-43.
MOORE, Thomas USA (1887-1912) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional Balloonist.
b: 1887 Jacksonville, FL.
p: Balloonist for Hillside Amusement Park 1908-12.
f: First flight 1907 from New York City. ***Epic flight 26 Jun.1910 (see TAYLOR). Landed on roof of a house. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1912 (w/GILLEN) from Bellville, NJ. Flight was a 3-parachute jump, but his third parachute failed to open. He died on impact, but Gillen sustained no injuries.
r: NT-5 Jul.1912/1/5.
MORAT, Alexander J.B. de USA (1820?1890) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Prof. balloonist 1846-62 era.
e: St. Cyr Academy; Resident of New Orleans, LA.
s: Chief engineer for French Army Aerostiers during 2nd Republic.
f: Claimed a flight in Canada (unsubstantiated); Claimed 185 flights by 1862 including Muscatine (IA), Keokuk (IA), Hartford (CN); First U.S. flight 31 Dec.1856 (w/H.Paine & J.Lane) from New Orleans, LA (reportedly Made 60 flights prior to this flight). ***Epic flight 8 Feb.1858 (w/S.S.SMITH) from New Orleans, LA. Flight was made astride an alligator; they landed in a swamp and had to be rescued. ***Epic flight 15 Feb.1858 in a two balloon race against Richard Wells.
MORELL, Charles A. USA (1870?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional aeronaut.
Resident of New Orleans, LA.
p: balloon & airship pilot 1905-10 era; Made balloons & airships in Berkley, CA. ***Epic flight 10 Aug.1904? (w/16 pax) from Berkley, CA. Airship was 50' in diameter, by 450' long. The craft turned vertically shortly after launch, due to faulty design and poor loading. All passengers suffered moderate injuries. NOTE: John Byrne, the pilot, broke a leg and dislocated his hip. Airship was financed by Morrell's fiancée at a cost of $60,000.
r: F.POST interview; All Oakland & SanFrancisco papers.
MORET, Chevalier de FRANCE (1760?1810) (HP)
See APPENDIX-X. Prof. balloonist, 1784-85 era.
f: Made many successful flights in France; Launched an "aerostatic globe" from London Jan.1784. ***Epic flight attempt 10 Aug.1784 from Chelsea failed when balloon was consumed in flames. Irate crowd proceeded to destroy all remaining equipment.
MORGAN, A.H. USA #-16 (1885?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AG/AT. Sport balloonist 1908-10 era.
p: Banker, Industrialist; Resident of Cleveland, OH.
f: First recorded flight 1907 with STEVENS; Second recorded flight 8 Aug.1908 with J.WADE; First solo flight (w/Wife) 16 Sep.1908.
f: FAI-ACA B-License #16 issued 1909.
r: NT-9 Aug.1908/3/4.
MORGAN, J.Belden USA #-385 (1899-1958) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military Balloonist.
b: 1 Oct.1899 Hartford, CN;
d: 18 Mar.1958 Glastonbury, CN.
s: Officer in U.S. Army Balloon Corp 1917-19.
p: Advertising Executive; Promotion Dir. for "Hartford Courant."
f: FAI-ACA B-License #385 issued 20 Feb.1918.
m: ACA; Advertising club; Nat. Newspaper Advertising Association.
r: NT-19 Mar.1958/31/2.
MORLONI, Alberto ITALY (1870?1902) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B. Professional balloonist 1900-02 era.
f: Made more than 200 flights in his career; Broke his neck on final flight in 1902.
MORLOT, ? FRANCE (1750?1810) (OB)
See APPENDIX-C/J. Military Balloonist, 1794-95 era.
p: Balloon observer for French Army Aerostiers; Made epic 9-hour ascent 24 June 1794 over the battle of Charleroi, in Belgium.
MORRISON, Dora USA (1885?1902) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional Smoke Balloonist.
***Epic flight 4 Nov.1902. Balloon was released before pilot could reach the trapeze, but was attached with a safety rope. Fell from an estimated 2000' and died on impact.
r: Aeronautical World 1902.
MORROW, Thomas Irwin USA #-642 (1894-1965) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military balloonist.
b: 17 Sep.1894 Brooklyn, NY;
d: 28 Jun.1965 Brookhaven, NY.
e: Cornell University-Chemistry.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1917-21 (Ens.); Naval Aviator #695.
p: Sales Manager for Benjamin-Moore Paint Co.
f: Balloon and Airship training at NAS-Pensacola & Paimboeuf (FRA); FAI-ACA B-License #642 issued 17 Jul.1918.
r: Contact Profiles p447.
MORTON, Grant USA (1857?1920) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist. (Bio-Data unknown)
b: 1857.
f: Made numerous ascents & para-descents in the SW 1900-10 era.
l: Made a para-jump from a "Wright Model-B" airplane over Venice (CA) in 1911; Known for his unique para-packing method: rolling it into a ball, and throwing it away from him for deployment.
r: The Parachute Manual, D.Poynter-1972, ch.5.
MORTON, John ENGLAND (1850?1910) (GB)
See APPENDIX-X. Military balloonist.
p: Officer in British Army, Captain in 1882.
f: Made many recorded flights 1878-85. ***Epic flight 11 Sep.1862 from Wolverhampton. Broke his collarbone on landing.
r: Aeronautics in Great Britain.
MORTON, Walter W. USA #-644 (1886-1928) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-B/AH/AI/AJ/AR/AX. Professional aeronaut 1905-15 era.
Name sometimes listed as "Charles."
b: 24 Feb.1886, Delphos, OH;
d: 31 June 1928.
p: Considered fearless; Expert rope splicer; Worked for T.S.BALDWIN 1905-10 era; KNABENSHUE 1910-15 as airship pilot; Balloon & airship maker for Goodyear, 1916-28.
f: Started Career as a smoke balloonist; Made more than 200 jumps; FAI-ACA B-License #644 issued 24 Jul.1918.
l: Struck by lightning as a small boy. ***Epic flight 30 May 1928 (see ORMAN). Died as a result of an in-flight lightning strike. The pilot survived with injuries.
MORVEAU, Guyton de FRANCE (1737-1816) (GB)
See APPENDIX-A/E. Scientific balloonist.
Son of an Aristocrat, Baron before the revolution; Official name: Louis-Bernarl Guyton de Morveau.
b: 1737 Dijon;
d: 1816.
p: Scientist; Chemist/Physicist; Professor for the Academy of Lyon; Member of the French War Committee in 1794; Responsible for producing hydrogen for the observation balloon "Entreprenant." Developed mobile hydrogen producing facility, using water passed over hot iron.
f: First recorded flight 25 Apr.1784 in a "winged balloon"; Experimented with many steering devices; Unsuccessfully tried Coal-Gas as a lifting agent; Experimented with dropping bombs from a free-balloon in 1793.
MOSMENT, M. FRANCE (1780?1806) K (GB)
See APPENDIX-A/B. Sport balloonist.
Made one recorded flight. ***Epic flight 7 Apr.1806 from Lille, France. Ascended on a platform (instead of the normal gondola) and dropped an animal by parachute. Witnesses saw him fall from a great height, shortly thereafter. His body was found almost buried in sand.
MOSS, Ellen (F) USA (1841?1895) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Pseudonym: Nellie Thurston, adopted from deceased balloonist (Ira) also from Adrian, MI; Stage names: Queen of Cloudland & Queen of the Air.
b: 13 May 1846 (41?) Lansingburg, NY; Daughter of express man from Troy, NY; Resident of Adrian, MI; Married name LaMOUNTAIN; Divorced from John 26 Apr.1865 (she was also a relative of his).
p: Professional balloonist 1871; Partners with H.SQUIRE in Canada.
f: First B-Flight 8 Sep.1858 /J.LaMOUNTAIN from Saratoga Springs, NY; First B-Solo 4 Jul.1871 in "Satellite"; Made 110 Free flights by 1879, 133 by 1881.
l: 1879, FIRST woman to fly in Canada. ***Epic flight 8 Sep.1871 (1st solo) from Watertown, NY. Landed in a tree at night. Fell about 30',attempting to slide down a rope. Fall knocked her unconscious for about an hour.
r: Almonte Gazette (ONT) 7 Sep.1967; BM-Sep.90p16 (M.Mullen).
MOSSOP, Noel Raymond BRITAIN (1890?1960) (OB/GB)
See APPENDIX-AS. Military balloonist.
s: Officer in the British Army 47th Balloon Section; Outstanding military career.
h: D.S. O. for making 4-para jumps in 300+ hours aloft. ***Epic flight 27 Sep.1917 in WW-I combat. Kite B-Cable broke in a 54 mph wind at 1500'. He bailed out successfully, but the balloon was lost to the enemy. ***Epic flight 10 Aug.1918. Hit by an enemy bullet while on a para-descent, he returned aloft promptly after landing.
MOUCHET, R.P. FRANCE (1750?1800) (HP)
See APPENDIX-A; Scientific balloonist, 1784-85 era.
p: Professor of physics at Paris Oratory University. ***Epic flight 26 June 1784 (w/Massi) from Nantes to Poitou. Flew 9-leagues in 58 minutes.
MOUNT, Eugene "Sparky" USA (1934-1979) K (HB)
See APPENDIX-B. Sport balloonist.
b: 1934, place unknown.
d: 7 Feb.1979 Lake Michigan (age 45).
p: Estimator for wrecking company.
f: No training verified; Little previous B-Experience; No FAA-License.
l: Owner of AX-3 parachute harness balloon (N51880); Brand unknown (registered as a Piccard, also thought to have been Raven or Thunder & Colt); Estimated an unofficial AX-3 altitude record of 9400' on 14 Nov.1978; Last flight was to establish a new FAI-Distance record. ***Epic flight 7 Feb. 1979 (solo) from Rock-Cut Park (N.Rockford, IL). Launched in a small "chair-balloon" in a blizzard to establish a new World distance record, he overshot his landing area, and was last seen crossing Lake Michigan. His body was never recovered.
a: Wife with a Son & Daughter reported living W.Chicago area. NOTE: Chase crew: Marvin Koehn of Carol Stream, IL, and Russ Hardy of Barrington, IL.
r: Chicago Tribune 8 Feb.79p8:1, Rockford Register p1:2; NTSB-report.
MOUTON, ? FRANCE (1870?1920) (GB)
l: Sport balloonist. ***Epic flight 28 Aug.1900 (w/Cahn) from Vincennes (Paris). Balloon was caught in a gust of wind at launch, brushed against electrical wires, and exploded over a large crowd. Pilot & pax climbed down a power pole with severe injuries.
MOYER, Glen USA (19- (HB/GB)
p: Journalist, Newscaster, Marketing Dir. for Thunder & Colt Balloons.
b: TX.
f: First HB flight Nov.1976 w/W.MURTORFF from Houston.
m: Plano B-Assoc., BFA (V.P. & Treasurer), North Texas B-Association.
l: Editor of B-Life (1987-93), and Ballooning Magazine (Oct.2000-); Director & announcer at hundreds of B-Events.
a: Shreveport, LA.
r: Ballooning Fall 2000 p5-6.
MOYER, Max F. USA #-479 (1894-1969) (GB/KB)
See APPENDIX-AI/AR/CM. Military aeronaut.
b: 4 Nov.1894 Halleck, NB.
d: 22 Aug.1964 Winter Haven, FL.
e: Yale University-1917.
s: Officer in the U.S.Army, Engineer, Balloon & Airship pilot; Director of Army Air Staff College in WW2.
p: Goodyear 1926, Ret.1960.
f: Early B-Training at Ft.Omaha; FAI-ACA B-License #479 issued 13 Mar.1918.
r: BF-Oct.1969p6.
MUDIE, Colin Crichton BRITAIN (1926- (HP)
See APPENDIX-I. Historic balloonist.
b: 1926 Edinburgh, Scotland. Husband of Rosemary.
p: Naval Architect, Yacht designer.
e: Edinburgh, London, & Southhampton Universities.
f: Not a pilot; No flight experience before 1958 (only flight).
l: Designer of Transatlantic balloon and Gondola (sailboat). h: Certificate of Appreciation, BFA Gas B-Events Committee-1989. ***Epic flight 12 Dec.1958 (see A.EILOART). Successfully navigated & the balloon "Small World" from the Canary Islands, arriving at the Barbados Islands on 5 Jan.1959. The navigation required his expertise over 2700 NM (1200-air, 1500-water) of open ocean.
a: Bywater Lodge, Pierside, Lymington; Hants. SO41-5SB.
r: Bio-Data 22 Jan.1991.
MUDIE, Rosemary (F) BRITAIN (1928- (HP)
See APPENDIX-I. Historic person.
b: 1928 England; Wife of Colin.
p: Naval Architect, Yacht designer (partner with husband).
f: Made only one recorded flight in lifetime. ***Epic flight 12 Dec.1958 (see A.EILOART). First woman to attempt a Trans-Atlantic crossing by balloon. Served as organizer of food & medical supplies, and official photographer.
r: National Geographic Magazine Jul.1959; C.MUDIE.
MUELLER, Auguste E. USA (1860?1920) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AI. Sport balloonist 1908-10 era.
Name & credits constantly confused with H.L.MULLER.
b: Paris France.
f: First recorded B-Flight 1889 from France; First recorded US B-Flight 1908 in balloon owned by FERRIS; Personal friend of Dr.J.P.THOMAS. ***Epic flight 4 Jul.1908 (w/Gray, Gillian, Parker, Debschutes, & Halstead) from Chicago, IL in "Ville de Dieppe." Flight nearly ended in disaster near Benton Harbor, MI. ***Epic flight Aug.1908 (w/J. THOMAS) from Minneapolis, MN. Details unknown, but it was an "eventful" balloon race. ***Epic flight 1 Sep.1908 (w/P.& G.Gregory) from Columbus, OH in "Villie Dieppe." Pilot landed in a whirlpool of Niagara Falls gorge. The aeronauts were rescued after a hard landing; all sustaining severe injuries. ***Epic flight 27 Nov.1908 (w/J.K. Hutchinson) from Los Angeles, CA in "United States." Landed in Ehrenburg (AZ) after 312 miles.
r: Chicago Tribune 6 Jul.1908/1/3; N.Y.Herald 28 Nov.1908.
MULLENAX, Kit USA (1882-1956) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AI/CH. Sport balloonist.
b: 2 Oct.1882 Wilson, KA;
d: 14 Sep.1956 Bay Pines, FL.
s: Boson in the U.S.Navy 1899-1944; Naval Aviator #557; Enlisted 1899, Ret.1931; recalled 1941, Ret.1944 (33 years); Balloon & Airship pilot & Instructor.
f: Balloon & Airship training at Akron & NAS-Pensacola; No record of FAI-ACA B-License.
l: Participated in 1922 Nat.B-Race, and G-Bennett B-Race.
r: Contact-Profiles p174.
MULLER, Hollis Leroy USA #-60 (1887?1930) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Sport balloonist 1908-10 era.
Name sometimes confused w/"MUELLER."
b: 31 Oct.1887 Birmingham, AL. ***Epic flight 22 Mar.1909 (w/4-pax) from Tournament Park (Altadena, CA) in "America." Flight disappeared into the mountains in an approaching storm. They landed on Strawberry Peak, and were not heard from for more than 50 hours.
r: NT-2 Sep.1908/1/2; 23 &24 Mar.1909.
MULLER, R. O. SWITZERLAND #+28 (1872-1954) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AH/AV/CH. Sport balloonist.
b: 27 Jul.1872 Zurich.
d: 27 Jun.1954 Zurich.
f: FAI-SAC B-License #28 issued 17 Jan.1910.
l: Avid and skilled mountaineer; Pilot in 1912 & 1922 G-Bennett B-Race.
r: SAC-Records.
MULLER, Walter GERMANY (1940? (GB)
Editor of the German BALLONSPORT Magazine 1996. Bio-data unknown.
MULLIKEN, Edward Henry USA #-275 (1896?1970) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military aeronaut.
b: 21 Jun.1896 Boston, MA. Res. Palm Beach (FL) 1968.
e: Booth Preparation School.
s: Officer in the U.S.Navy 1918-21; Naval Aviator #1868; Balloon & Airship pilot & Instructor.
f: Balloon & Airship training at Akron & NAS-Pensacola; FAI-ACA B-License #275 issued 2 Jan.1918.
a: Palm Beach Yacht Club #1911; W.Palm Beach, FL.
r: Contact-Profiles p471.
MUNRO, Henry USA (1810?1850) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Professional balloonist 1835-37.
f: First flight July 1837 from Brooklyn, NY.
l: Arrested for pickpocketing in New York City Aug.1837; Disappeared from history thereafter.
r: New York Daily Express 18 Aug. 1837.
MUNRO, Raymond A. CANADA (1922-1944) (HB)
See APPENDIX-BA/BB/BC. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Nicknames: Roy Zebulon.
b: 14 Jul.1921 Montreal QUE;
d: 29 May 1994 Oakville ONT (age 72).
s: Officer in the Royal Air Force, Captain 1945; Pilot in "The Battle of Britain"; Ace w/10 enemy kills.
f: Received one day of instruction from M.WEIDERKEHR; Canadian B-License #ULB-1 issued 1 Sep.1969.
l: Active sport balloonist 1968-72 era. Established 60 B-Records in one year, 21 still standing at time of death.
h: Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Sport B-Association; Received National recognition for saving the lives of pilots downed in the wilderness, after all others gave them up as lost; Canada’s' most honored citizen; More than 400 awards, commendations, and citations. ***Epic flight Summer 1970 from Brittas Bay Ireland. Landed in Cumberland England after 4-hours, 55 minutes. FIRST hot air balloon to cross the Irish Sea. See W.SADLER-1785 (gas balloon).
r: BM-Su.1970/4; BL-Feb.93, July 1994p8 (T); A.Brookes archives.
MURIE, ? NEW ZEALAND (1880?1940) (GB)
f: Made many successful flights. ***Epic flight 1907 from Southland in self-made balloon. Landed in mud at Invercargill after a flight of twenty miles.
r: High Adventure; Alexander, R.T.; 1968 NAC.
MURPHY, Fred W. USA #- 74 (1878-1937) (GB)
See APPENDIX-AR. Military Balloonist.
b: 1878.
d: 22 Jan.1937 New York, NY.
e: Brown University; Harvard Law School.
s: Officer in the U.S. Army Balloon Corps 1917-19.
p: Lawyer.
l: Football coach at Amherst College.
m: Touchdown Club.
r: NT-23 Jan.1937/17/5.
MURPHY, Leo M. USA (1895?1970) (OB)
See APPENDIX-AM/CP/CS. Military Observation Balloonist.
s: Artillery Officer in the U.S.Army B-Corps 1917-19; Commander of 26th B-Company. ***Epic ascent 6 Jul.1918 (w/SEDGEWICK) over France (Champagne-Marne Offensive). FIRST American Observation Balloon to be shot down by enemy artillery.
f: Neither observer had B-Training or a FAI B-License.
h: Croix de Guerre.
r: The Balloonitics.
MURPHY, William USA (1890?-1940) (HP)
Convicted 3 Jul.1908 at Battleboro, VT. for shooting at (and hitting) a balloon on the evening of 19 June. Sentenced to 6-18 months by Judge Ernest W. Gibson (see C. GLIDDEN).
r: Aeronautics, July 1908.
MURRAY, John H. USA (1880-1943) (SM)
See APPENDIX-L. Professional balloonist.
Stage name "Charles Broadwick."
b: 1880, Michigan;
d: 9 Mar.1943 Palo Alto, CA.
p: Smoke balloonist, 1900-15 era; Expert parachute maker; Worked for Johnny J. Jones Carnival; Worked as partner with G.THOMPSON (Tiny Broadwick); She was apprenticed to him at age 12, but they never married.
f: Made more than 1000 B-Jumps in his lifetime; Learned ballooning from T.S.BALDWIN.
r: Getting Off the Ground.
MURTORFF, William C. USA (1934-1998) (HB)
See APPENDIX-BD/BK/BR/BU/BX. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
b: 17 June 1934, East Chicago, IN.
d: 25 Mar.1998 Mexico.
e: Del Mar College.
s: U.S. Army, 1955-58.
p: Owner/Operator of a Sea Sports store in Corpus Christi, TX; Professional Balloonist.
f: First B-Flight May 1971 with Derek Howard; First B-Solo June 1971; FAA B-License July 1971; More than 1840 B-Hours by 1983; Designated FAA B-Pilot examiner since 1975.
l: 1971-83, Participated in all U.S. Nat. HB-Championships; 1972-83, Participated in all Albuquerque Fiestas; 1975-97, Editor of HBPA-Newsletter; 1981, Participated in World HB-Championships.
m: BFA-1971, President 1979-81; HBPA-1975; Texas Aeronauts.
h: Sid Cutter trophy, 1977.
r: Bio-Data 1983; Pers. interviews.
MUSKAU, Puckler P. GERMANY (1790?1850) (HP)
See APPENDIX-A. Historic person.
German Prince of Berlin Aristocracy.
l: Sport aeronaut, patron of the sport; Made only one flight (w/REICHARD) as passenger Sept 1817; Wrote eloquent dissertation on the beauty of B-Flight shortly thereafter.
MUZZI, Muzzio ITALY (1810?1860) (HP)
b: 17 Dec.1809 Bologna.
d: 26 Aug.1846 Cuba.
f: First flight 12 Mar.1835 from Bologna.
l: Came to the USA Jan.1845 to promote his airship company; Demonstrated successful flying AIRSHIP models 10 Oct.1839 (Pisa), 14 Nov.1839 (Florence), 30 May 1841 (Leghorn); Built an unsuccessful airship in 1844; Received a U.S. Patent 16 Oct. 1844; Design was exposed by Rufus PORTER.
MYERS, Carl Edgar USA #- 5 (1842-1925) (GB)
See APPENDIX-C/E/H/S/AF/AR. Aeronaut extraordinaire.
Husband of balloonist Mary; Father of aeronaut Elizabeth Ariel; First name actually "Charles"; Maximum weight in lifetime was 115 pounds.
b: 2 Mar.1842 Herkimer, NY.
d: 30 Nov.1925, Atlanta, GA.
p: Banker, Telegrapher, Photographer; Professional balloonist & Rain maker, 1870-1910 era.
f: Reportedly made successful experiments w/manned kites 1854; First B-Flight 25 Aug.1880 from Sherburne, NY fairgrounds; Received B-Instruction from R.WALLISON; FAI-ACA B-License #5 issued 1908; Claimed to have carried 250,000 passengers in his lifetime (most all included were in tethered ascents); Last B-Flight (w/wife) 5 Jul.1907 (age 65); Retired 1919, moved to Atlanta (GA).
l: Established balloon farm in Frankfort, NY (near Utica); Demonstrated successful "Sky Cycle in 1881 (see CAMPBELL/RITCHEL); FIRST to successfully use an internal combustion engine (Curtis-Hercules) in controlled free flight (airship-2 Nov. 1903); Sold to C.BENBOW after test flight. (see WRIGHT's 15 Dec.03); Credited with the development of Linseed-oil coated B-Fabric; Made & sold first commercially available meteorological balloons in 1892. Made 21 Military Observation balloons for the U.S. Army in 1898 (mostly for meteorological purposes); Patented, made, flew, and sold many skycycles (claimed 120 pedal-powered airship ascents by 1900); Holder of many patents in Meteorology, Photography, Electricity, Metallurgy, Telegraphy, and Aviation.
r: St. Nicholas-Mar.1901/p387-400; M.Lynch archives.
MYERS, Clara (F) USA (1874-1907) K (SM)
See APPENDIX-B/L. Professional balloonist.
b: 1874 Springfield, MA.
d: 14 Sep.1907 Orlean, NY.
f: Made three ascents in her career: #1 = 11 Sep. (sprained her wrist); #2 = 13 Sep. (slipped from life belt). ***Epic flight 14 Sep.1907 from Orlean, NY. Launch was normal, but she lost her grip on the trapeze-ring on descent, and died on impact.
r: NT-15 Sep.1907/1/4.
MYERS, Corky USA (1940? (HB/GB)
See APPENDIX-BN/BQ/BR. Sport balloonist. (Bio-Data unavailable)
Resident of Denver, CO.
f: Started flying 1964 in Anchorage Alaska (see W.BERRY); Pilot: Airplane, Single & Multi-Engine Land.
l: 1980, Winner of Modern G-Bennett B-Race (528.5 mi. in 24 hours).
MYERS, Elizabeth Aerial (F) USA (1881?1960) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S. Reluctant aeronaut.
Daughter of balloonists Carl & Mary; Nickname "Bessie"; Married name "Wing," 1912.
b: 1881 Spring.
f: Referred to as a "balloonist" in the press; Reportedly made first flight 1887 (age 6) with mother; Reportedly made two other B-Ascents; No recorded Solo B-flights; All recorded as "with her parents"; Made many free-flights outdoor and indoor, with her fathers "Skycycle" about 1898, and at the St.Louis Fair in 1904. ***Epic flight 1888 (w/mother) from Syracuse, NY. Lacking ballast due to excess passenger weight, flight ended in a ended in a lake. Bessie saved the day by crawling along a half submerged log, towing the balloon ashore. Bessie never made another freeflight in a balloon thereafter.
r: Skylarking in Cloudland; M.Lynch archives.
a: Res.of Atlanta (GA) from about 1914 until death; Sons name Roger Newton Wing alive 1990.
MYERS, George M. USA (1870?1930) (GB)
p: Gas Company Engineer. Sport balloonist 1910-20 era.
l: Organizer of the 1919 (St.Louis) National B-Races.
m: Kansas City Aero Club, President, 1911.
MYERS, Mary Breed (F) USA (1849-1932) (GB)
See APPENDIX-S/AF. Aeronaut Extraordinaire.
Wife of balloonist, Carl (1871); Maiden name "Hawley."
b: 1850 Hornellsville, NY;
d: 1932 Atlanta, GA (age 83).
p: Professional balloonist, 1899-1910 era; Stage name: "Carlotta"; Proprietor of a home for girls in later life.
f: First B-Flight (solo) 4 July 1880 from Little Falls, NY; Received only instruction on the ground from W.RULISON, 10 minutes before the launch; Made 61 B-Flights by 7 Sep.1881; Retired professionally 1889, continued as test pilot until 1910.
l: Made almost all of the Myers' balloons (all Gas); Made more B-Flights by 1910 than any other woman in history; Author of "Skylarking in Cloudland; Flew in gold trimmed flight-suit doing a trapeze act; Was popular & successful, and sought after as a performer. ***Epic flight 1882 from Congress Park in Saratoga, NY. Balloon got caught in a cyclone, and had a truly frightful flight. Flap-valve cord broke, causing some loss of control, and she landed in a tree. (had a similar experience in 1880). ***Epic flight 2 Jul.1883 from Ottawa Canada. Balloon known to be in poor shape, ruptured at 10,000'. Envelope parachuted, and Mary landed in the trees. ***Epic flight 1888 (w/daughter Bessie) from Syracuse, NY. Lacking ballast due to excess passenger weight, flight ended in a terminal velocity descent into York State Lake. Bessie saved the day by crawling along a half submerged log, towing the balloon ashore. Bessie never made another free-flight thereafter. ***Epic flight 1908 from (Washington Park Brooklyn, NY in "Zephyr." Flew a pedal-powered airship to New York City Hall, Jersey City hall, and landed in Secacus, NJ in one hour.
r: Skylarking in Cloudland; American Heritage-Aug.1966/p64; M.Lynch archives.
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