Reed Chambers
Encyclopedia
Reed McKinley Chambers was a pioneer in the American Aviation industry, as a flying ace
in World War One, as founder of an early airline, and as founder and chairman of America's first aviation insurance company.
When the United States entered World War One in 1917, Chambers received a transfer to the Army Signal Corps as an aviator. He served in the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron
, along with American Ace of Aces Eddie Rickenbacker
. Chambers was credited with seven victories over German aircraft. Among his awards were the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre.
, which in 1926 received the first private air mail contract awarded by the U.S. Government. After the airline's uninsured aircraft suffered a series of accidents and damage caused by hurricanes, the airline declared bankruptcy in 1927. As a result of this loss, Chambers teamed with David Beebe and the two founded the United States Aircraft Insurance Group, the nation's first aviation insurance company. The security provided by this company ensured the development and testing of such pioneering aircraft as the Douglas DC-3, the Boeing 707, the B-52 jet bomber, and the General Dynamics F-111A.
While flying second seat in a Convair F-106 Delta Dart in 1968, Chambers broke the sound barrier.
Reed Chambers died in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on January 16, 1972.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
in World War One, as founder of an early airline, and as founder and chairman of America's first aviation insurance company.
Early life and military service
Major Reed McKinley Chambers was born August 18, 1894, in Onaga, Kansas. In 1914 he joined the Tennessee National Guard and served in the Mexican border campaign of 1916.When the United States entered World War One in 1917, Chambers received a transfer to the Army Signal Corps as an aviator. He served in the 94th Aero Pursuit Squadron
94th Fighter Squadron
The 94th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 1st Operations Group and stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia....
, along with American Ace of Aces Eddie Rickenbacker
Eddie Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
. Chambers was credited with seven victories over German aircraft. Among his awards were the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre.
Later life
After the war, Chambers, along with Rickenbacker, founded Florida AirwaysFlorida Airways
Florida Airways is a defunct American airline. Founded in part by Eddie Rickenbacker and based in the state of Florida, the airline served the southeastern United States during the mid 1920s.- History :...
, which in 1926 received the first private air mail contract awarded by the U.S. Government. After the airline's uninsured aircraft suffered a series of accidents and damage caused by hurricanes, the airline declared bankruptcy in 1927. As a result of this loss, Chambers teamed with David Beebe and the two founded the United States Aircraft Insurance Group, the nation's first aviation insurance company. The security provided by this company ensured the development and testing of such pioneering aircraft as the Douglas DC-3, the Boeing 707, the B-52 jet bomber, and the General Dynamics F-111A.
While flying second seat in a Convair F-106 Delta Dart in 1968, Chambers broke the sound barrier.
Reed Chambers died in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on January 16, 1972.
See also
- Barber's poleBarber's poleA barber's pole is a type of sign used by barbers to signify the place or shop where they perform their craft. The trade sign is, by a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, a staff or pole with a helix of colored stripes...
-- notes regarding Chambers' aircraft.