Births on February 4

Charles Lindbergh, American pilot and explorer (d. 1974)

Charles Augustus Lindbergh (February 4, 1902 – August 26, 1974) was a multifaceted American figure renowned primarily as an aviator, but also as a military officer, pioneering author, innovative inventor, and dedicated activist. His life trajectory dramatically shifted at the age of 25 when he transformed from a relatively obscure U.S. Air Mail pilot into a figure of instantaneous global renown. This monumental change occurred on May 20–21, 1927, when he successfully won the coveted Orteig Prize by completing the first nonstop solo flight from New York City to Paris.

Lindbergh's historic journey, undertaken entirely alone in his purpose-built, single-engine Ryan monoplane known as The Spirit of St. Louis, spanned an arduous 33 and a half hours, covering approximately 3,600 statute miles (5,800 kilometers). While a non-stop transatlantic flight had been achieved eight years prior by Alcock and Brown in 1919, Lindbergh's accomplishment held several unparalleled distinctions: it was the first transatlantic flight undertaken solo, the first connecting two major global city hubs, and, at the time, it was the longest transatlantic flight by an astounding margin of almost 2,000 miles. This singular achievement is universally regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in aviation history, profoundly ushering in a transformative new era of rapid international transportation and global connectivity.

Raised predominantly in Little Falls, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., Lindbergh was the son of Charles August Lindbergh, a prominent U.S. Congressman from Minnesota, which exposed him early to public life. His military career began in 1924 when he became an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve, earning the rank of second lieutenant by 1925. Later that year, he embarked on a challenging and often perilous career as a U.S. Air Mail pilot in the vibrant Greater St. Louis area. It was during this period that he meticulously began preparations for his audacious 1927 transatlantic flight, driven by the allure of the Orteig Prize and a vision for aviation's future.

For his unprecedented transatlantic flight, Lindbergh received an array of the highest national and international honors. President Calvin Coolidge bestowed upon him the United States' highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, a testament to his unparalleled courage and contribution. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the U.S. for his exceptional aeronautical feat. Internationally, France recognized his achievement with its highest order of merit, both civil and military, the Legion of Honour. Beyond personal accolades, his flight ignited a significant worldwide fascination with and investment in both commercial aviation and the burgeoning air mail industry. This period, aptly dubbed the "Lindbergh boom," revolutionized the global aviation industry, and Lindbergh himself dedicated substantial time and effort to actively promoting these advancements. His widespread recognition continued with his selection as Time magazine's inaugural "Man of the Year" in 1928, his appointment to the influential National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics by President Herbert Hoover in 1929, and the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal in 1930.

Beyond aviation, Lindbergh's inventive spirit extended into the realm of medical science. In 1931, he collaborated with the distinguished French surgeon and Nobel laureate Alexis Carrel, a partnership that led to the groundbreaking invention of the first perfusion pump. This revolutionary device, designed to keep organs viable outside the body by circulating blood and nutrients, is widely credited with laying the foundational groundwork that made future complex medical procedures, such as heart surgeries and organ transplantation, feasible and successful.

On March 1, 1932, the Lindbergh family endured an unimaginable tragedy when their infant son, Charles Jr., was kidnapped from their home and subsequently murdered. This horrifying event captivated the nation and was widely dubbed by the American media as the "Crime of the Century." The profound public outcry and the complexities of jurisdictional challenges in the case, particularly when a kidnapper might cross state lines with a victim, directly prompted the United States Congress to enact landmark legislation. This led to the establishment of kidnapping as a federal crime under specific circumstances, notably impacting law enforcement capabilities. By late 1935, the relentless hysteria and intense media scrutiny surrounding the case compelled the Lindbergh family to seek respite and privacy, leading them to move into voluntary exile in Europe, where they remained until their return in 1939 as World War II began.

In the crucial years leading up to the United States' entry into World War II, Lindbergh's public stance evolved into a controversial non-interventionist viewpoint. His statements, particularly those concerning Jewish communities and race, unfortunately led some to suspect him of being a Nazi sympathizer. While Lindbergh never publicly expressed support for Nazi Germany and, indeed, condemned their actions on multiple occasions in both his public speeches and personal diaries, his early opposition was not limited to U.S. intervention but also extended to providing aid to the United Kingdom, particularly through the Lend-Lease Act. He became a prominent supporter of the anti-war America First Committee, a leading isolationist organization advocating for U.S. neutrality. His outspoken views led to a public rebuke from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, prompting Lindbergh to resign his commission in the U.S. Army Air Forces in April 1941. In September 1941, he delivered a highly publicized address titled "Speech on Neutrality," further articulating his arguments against greater American involvement in the escalating global conflict.

Despite his pre-war views, Lindbergh ultimately and unequivocally expressed public support for the U.S. war effort following the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declarations of war by the United States on Germany and Japan. Although President Roosevelt refused to reinstate his Air Corps colonel's commission, Lindbergh made significant contributions as a civilian consultant in the Pacific Theater. He flew approximately 50 combat missions, not as a combatant with arms, but in a vital advisory role, teaching pilots fuel conservation techniques and extending the range of fighter aircraft, thereby enhancing combat effectiveness. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged Lindbergh's wartime contributions and restored his commission, further promoting him to the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In his later years, Lindbergh broadened his impact, becoming a prolific author, an international explorer, a continued inventor, and a passionate environmentalist, actively advocating for conservation efforts. Charles Lindbergh passed away from lymphoma in 1974 at the age of 72, leaving behind a complex but undeniable legacy that shaped the 20th century in aviation, science, and public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Lindbergh

What was the Orteig Prize and why was Lindbergh's flight unique?

The Orteig Prize was a $25,000 reward offered in 1919 by New York hotelier Raymond Orteig for the first non-stop flight between New York City and Paris. While a transatlantic flight had been achieved before, Lindbergh's May 1927 flight was groundbreaking because it was the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight, the first to connect two major world cities, and the longest non-stop flight of its time, covering 3,600 miles.

What was the "Lindbergh boom"?

The "Lindbergh boom" refers to the explosion of public interest and investment in commercial aviation and air mail services following Charles Lindbergh's historic 1927 solo transatlantic flight. His achievement demystified air travel, demonstrating its potential for speed and reliability, and directly spurred significant advancements and growth within the global aviation industry.

How did Charles Lindbergh contribute to medical science?

In 1931, Charles Lindbergh collaborated with French surgeon Alexis Carrel to invent the first perfusion pump. This pioneering device was designed to keep organs alive outside the body by circulating blood and nutrients, proving instrumental in the development of complex medical procedures like open-heart surgery and organ transplantation.

What was the "Crime of the Century" involving Lindbergh?

The "Crime of the Century" refers to the tragic kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's infant son, Charles Jr., on March 1, 1932. This high-profile case led to intense media coverage and prompted the United States Congress to enact the Federal Kidnapping Act, making kidnapping a federal crime if the perpetrator crosses state lines.

What was Lindbergh's stance on U.S. involvement in World War II?

Before the U.S. entered World War II, Charles Lindbergh was a prominent non-interventionist, advocating against American involvement and aid to Allied nations. He was a leading voice for the isolationist America First Committee. However, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he publicly supported the U.S. war effort and served as a civilian consultant in the Pacific Theater, contributing to pilot training and aircraft efficiency.