New Britain herald., 1928-05-03
AVlATORS DEPART
 FROM WASHINGTON
(Continued from First Pase)
and patted it.

koehl and Major James Fitzmaurict lacked picturesque storm of ticker tape typical of New York welcomes but this snortcoming was made Ill in many other ways.
 First received in the name of tn, nation at Boiling field, their depa r ture point today, the gallant trit were carried to the White Hons. where they were decorated with tn. distinguished flying cross by presi dent Coolidge: to the National Pres. Club for a reception: 10 Arlington where they placed wreaths on tn. tomb of the unknown soldiers; tt the Capitol for d roaring welcom, by the legislators and pages in the Senate and House; to dinner witt the German and Irish diplomatic representatives. and finally to q bril-. liant reception las, night at the Mayfiower hotel. headquarters fo, their day and night stay.
 Crowd Ballroom
 More than 1000 guests crowde, the hotel ballroom to greet the air AhCh. lNStiil "tl' tdbllItl bers. senators. representatives am. bassadors. ministers. and scores ol other government and diplomatic representatives. The rich. colorfu gowns worn by the women and tn. reSplendent full dress diplomatic un- tforms presented striking rictur, as the fliers bowed low 10 kiss tn. hands of each woman guest anG shook hands with the men.
 A cheering crowd stood at attcn- ton as Secretary Kellogg. in tn, presence of high officials. foreigr dignitaries. Colonel Charles 4. Lind. pergh. and Eddie" Rickenbacher American world war ace, welcomed the fliers at Boiling field on behalf of the nation. He told them ht considered their achievement sym h-.cal of the ever narrowing dis. tances which separate the nation, of the modern world, both in d req, and figurative sense"
 4 distinctive military touch was given this greeting as aviatorS flew overhead with the national colors oi Germany. Ireland and the United States, and company of cavalry stood at attention with the rest oi the throng of welcomers.
 Lindbergh talked briefly with the fliers and posed with them and Rick enbackcr for pictures. Afterward Captain koehl said he regarded Lindbergh as the 'gretaest aviator i'll the world"
 After the airport ceremony, the airmen went to the White House. AS President Coolidge pinned the dis tinguished flying cross upon their breasts on the great front lawn. the citations were read by Colonel Os- nun Latrobe. one of the presidents E military aides. The president with out delivering a speech, shook hands with the aviators. koehl was the first former enemy to receive an American decoration since the world war. Koehl later remarked upon this fact.
 Previously, the airmen had grant cd a brief interview to newspaper men in which Fitzmaurice discussed the prospects of a return flight to Europe in the Bremen. and before returning to the White House for luncheon with the president and Mrs. Coolidge. they attended the re- ception at the Press club where they signed the guest book.
 Cheering Crowds
 The fiiers were met everywhere in the downtown section by cheering crowds. They responded with smiles and waved their hats as they heard good. na atured shouts of Alta boy Fitz," Hello Baron,' and Great stuff Cap"
 At Arlington. the airmen placed huge wreaths of green on the tomb of the unknown soldier. Huenefeld and Koehl laid wreath together. then separated as F'itzmaurice laid his tribute on the marble slab. The ceremony marked the first time that this national shrine has been paid such homage by an enemy soldier in the world war.
 Rushing to the capital, the fliers were accorded what was believed to have been their most ethuisastlc welcome. Laying aside their legis- latiye duties, senators and repre- sentatives formed receiving lines in their respective chambers and then filed by to shake hands with the dis tinguishcd visitors The pages also took part, while Vice-President Dawes presented tEem to Mrs. Dawes and Mrs. Robinson. of Ar kansas wife of the senate minority leader.
 Meet Longworth
 They also were introduced formal lv to Speaker Longworth on the house side and taken to sec the su- lreme court.
 Deeply impressed by the celebra- lions in their honor. the airmen joined in expressing their apprecia- ton. Recalling their previous visit 10 honor the memory of Floyd Ben nett, they said he had suffered death in his chivalrous endeavor to come to our aid.'
 brief stay at their hotel was followed by a visit to the Racquet cIuh. where Lindbergh frequently stops. and from there they went to tle German embassy. Huenete'd and Kohl were dined there last night bv the ambassador, as Minister Sniddy similarly was entertaining Ijtzmaurice at the Irish legation.
 The assistant secretaries in charge of aviation for the war. navy ana commerce departments were lhe f],ars' hosts at the final reception ol the evening at their hotel.
 Dinner at Ritz-Car1tOn