Did Richard Byrd fly over the South Pole?

American explorer Richard Byrd and three companions make the first flight over the South Pole, flying from their base on the Ross Ice Shelf to the pole and back in 18 hours and 41 minutes. Richard Evelyn Byrd learned how to fly in the U.S. Navy and served as a pilot in World War I.

Did Richard Byrd fly over the North Pole?

On May 9, 1926 Commander Richard Byrd announced that he had been the first to fly over the North Pole in his Fokker tri-motor airplane, the Josephine Ford. Byrd submitted his navigational records to the U.S. Navy and a committee of the National Geographic Society, who verified his claim.

What did Richard Byrd do in Antarctica?

Byrd, Jr., USN was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. He undertook five expeditions to Antarctica and made the first-ever flight over the South Pole on November 28, 1929. Byrd was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for heroism given by the United States.

What is Richard Byrd famous for?

Byrd, in full Richard Evelyn Byrd, (born October 25, 1888, Winchester, Virginia, U.S.—died March 11, 1957, Boston, Massachusetts), U.S. naval officer, pioneer aviator, and polar explorer best known for his explorations of Antarctica using airplanes and other modern technical resources.

What happened to Robert Scott?

A planned meeting with supporting dog teams from the base camp failed, despite Scott’s written instructions, and at a distance of 162 miles (261 km) from their base camp at Hut Point and approximately 12.5 miles (20 km) from the next depot, Scott and his companions died.

What did Richard E Byrd find?

Byrd claimed that his expeditions had been the first to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole by air. His claim to have reached the North Pole is disputed. He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley, the largest dormant volcano in Antarctica.

What happened to Richard Byrd?

Byrd, a graduate of Harvard University who as a young naval officer escorted his father on a journey to Antarctica in 1947, apparently died of malnutritian and dehydration, the police said.

Who owns or controls Antarctica?

People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had scientists in and around Antarctica at the time.