Wilmer Stultz

Wilmer Lower Stultz was a brave pilot. He lived from April 11, 1900, until July 1, 1929. He is remembered for two big achievements in aviation.

First, he made the first non-stop flight between New York City and Havana, Cuba. This was a long and hard trip. Wilmer helped show that flying between these two places was possible.

Another important moment was when he flew with Amelia Earhart. She was a famous pilot. With Wilmer’s help, she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. This was a big step for women in aviation and inspired many people.

Sadly, Wilmer’s life ended when his plane crashed in 1929. Even though he lived a short life, his brave flights helped open new paths for pilots and changed how people thought about flying. Today, he is remembered as an important person in the early days of aviation.

Biography

He was born in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1900.

Stultz joined the United States Army Air Force on 22 August 1917 and was part of the 634th Aero Supply Squadron. He reached the rank of Sergeant and left the service on 31 March 1919. He then joined the United States Naval Air Service, training in Pensacola, Florida. He worked at Hampton Roads, Virginia, testing the F5L flying boat.

He married Mildred Potts from Middletown, Pennsylvania on August 4, 1919.

On March 5, 1928, Stultz, with Oliver Colin LeBoutillier and Mabel Boll, made the first non-stop flight in the Columbia from New York City to Havana, Cuba.

Stultz was the pilot of the Fokker Trimotor "Friendship" on June 18, 1928, when Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by airplane.

Legacy

A place called Stultz Field in Tipton, Pennsylvania was named to honor Wilmer Stultz for his accomplishments.