Explorer (b. 10/25/1888 d. 3/11/1957)

Born in Winchester, Virginia. Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912. Married Marie D. Ames January 20, 1915. They had four children.

Entered the navy as an ensign in 1912. He was decorated twice for saving lives. He had broken an ankle at the academy that had not properly healed. Because of this he was restricted from serving at sea after 1916. He was, however, able to qualify as a naval aviator in April 1918.

On May 9, 1925, he and Floyd Bennett flew over the North Pole. Their expedition was partially funded by Edsel Ford. In November 1929 he led a flight over the South Pole. They discovered a mountain range they named the Edsel Ford Mountains. He was the first man to fly over both poles.

Byrd received many awards and honors. He was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor in 1926. He died in Boston, Massachusetts.

bio: DAB; NCAB 46; WAB; WWWA-3