First military officer in the world to pilot an airplane, solo, in flight
May 19, 1908
Hammondsport, New York

First person in the world to lose his life as the result of an airplane accident
September 17, 1908
Fort Myer, Virginia

Born in San Francisco, California February 8, 1882; graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1903; First Lieutenant, Field Artillery. Assigned to the Signal Corps for aeronautic duties, United States Army. Lt. Selfridge had enthusiastic interest and extended experience in aeronautics. In 1907 he ascended 168 feet in a large tetrahedral kite developed by Alexander Graham Bell. Lt. Selfridge made a number of balloon ascensions, qualified as pilot of the Army's first dirigible airship. Studied the science of flight. Participated in the design of four airplanes and wrote detailed accounts of aviation progress. He was age 26 when he died. Had he lived he would have been one of our army's most brilliant leaders in aeronautics. He was buried with full military honors in nearby Arlington Cemetery.

Dedicated by the Early Birds of Aviation
as a memorial to Lieutenant Selfridge
and to all who have sacrificed their lives in the development of human flight

October 29, 1970 · Sculpture by Captain Ralph S. Barnaby, USN

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Show me all markers in:  Arlington, VA  |  Arlington County  |  22211  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Famous Firsts in Aeronautics at Fort Myer
First Flight of an Airplane on a U.S. Army Installation
Centennial of Military Aviation
The Commander in Chief's Oak
Fort Myer Historic District
12th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
Fort Whipple
World's First Public Passenger Flight
Orville Wright's First Virginia Flight
John C. McKinney Memorial Stables

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