Evening journal., 1919-03-11
AMERICAN AIRMEN
DARING IN WAR
Their Achievements Are
Told by Capt. Richard
son Veteran Flyer
DROPS INTO CITY
FROM The CLOUDS

The secrecy that has surrounded
Americas achievements i'm the air dur
ing the war were partly lifted lasl
night 10y Captain J. Richardson. one OF
The veteran airmen OF America Captain
Richardson, who spoke before the
members OF the ST. James brotherhood
Of Grace VI. T.. Church. at their monthly
meeting in The lecture room Of the
church, said that from G. aviators and
few machines ai The beginning of
Americas entrance into the conflict
ihls country progressed in equipment
until when the armisiice was signed
there were 6O0O planes manned 10y
American airmen ready for service with
the Allies.
Captain Richardson came TO This city
with Lieutenant Elliss Speer Middleton
from New York Yesterday afternoon.
They had intended reaching here at
noon, but a mishap on a flight made
Dy them 90 New York on Saturday,
when they got lost IN the air and i'm
landing damaged the machine caused
them TO make such late start for this
city from New York, that they did not
reach here until after o'clock
Captain Richardson had wonder
fully exciting story 90 ten the Broth
erho0d members. he kept them i'm
closest attention during his modest re-
ciial Of some Of The things hc has gone
through.
Entering the army in 1906, ne took up
aviation when there were no airplanes,
and while their service experimental
with balloons. His description Of how
u feels 10 jump from a balloon in a
parachute was sufficient 20 satisfy the
most ardent wOuld-bo flyer.
lle told of the terrible risks that early
ilier, took in trying out machines. Dur
ing his experience ne has suffered -
broken bones. he now walks with a
cane. but hopes 90 recover The use Of
ail his limbs. That Is IL he meets with
No more bad luck.
In one OF his first attempts 90 fly
with an airship ne had a fall that re-
suited IN a broken collar bone. broken
shoulder blade. three broken ribs ard
Doe also lost four teeth. sc That time ne
had plunged into the side OF hin in
making a landing.
lle related how Americas brains in
airships did not really develop until
This country went 90 war. But then the
development was rapid There was
great risk 20 airmen having TO make
lights with machines put together by
inexperienced mechanics. as nothing j.
sure so far about airplanes. It's always
chance.
One hight he made That sent him TO
the hospital for many months. was
mad, after his chief in rank had made
a flight and found the machine faulty.
ne told Richardson 90 take the machine
up and find out what was the matter
with t. Richardson did. As a result
he suffered "a fracture Of the skull,
broken left arm, both cheek bones
broken. several fractured ribs. but
aside from that he was all right
Through an ~ his story Cap.1in
Richardson showed that flights de-
spite an that he has gone through,
have not yet gotten his nerve.
since starting in the business Of 1y-
Ing he and another airmau are the only
ones left Of 50 aviaiors. The rest have
an met an unfortunate end.
ne has been within $50 miles Of the
North Pole, and was with Stephansson
ON his trip North in search Of the pole.
Lieutenant Middleton was called upon
20 sneak. but coDtenied himself with
making the announcement that II pos
sible ne would give an exhibition over
this city this afternoon. The machine
is sadly IN need Of new leather tips for
the propeller. 10 is the intention to
go TO Aberdeen today and secure new
iips returning 10 this city in time for
the flight befose starting for Washing
ton.
Frank. l.. Middleton. the aviaior's
father. addressed the brotherhood. He
told them o. the need for every man
putting himself az the disposal Of the
church and Of the splendid return that
might he exp scted for such sacrifices.
There was a short musical program
rendered prior 70 the speaking. William
p. White led the community singing
and Mr.. Wilkins sang q beautiful tenor
solo.
Following the speaking there was a
social hour, when refreshments were
served
Nlr and Mrs. Frank L. Middleton.
Lieutenant Middleton and wife ana
Captain Richardson were the guests OF
Melvin Gambrill during their stay in
this city
out al the state Fair souuds, nearly
a thousand people gathered yesterday
afternoon 10 await the arrival OF tne
aviator. They had the patience. and
about 1 O'Clock saw the airship hover
about the field seeking a landing place.
The ship descended and then went up
again for a short flight about the city.