Wilmer Stultz

Wilmer Lower Stultz
Stultz in 1928
Born	11 April 1900
Died	July 1, 1929(1929-07-01) (aged 29) Roosevelt Field New York
Cause of death	Air crash
Resting place	Presbyterian Cemetery Williamsburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality	American
Occupation	Pilot
Spouse	Mildred Potts ​ (m. 1919⁠–⁠1929)​

Wilmer Lower Stultz (April 11, 1900 – July 1, 1929) was an aviator who made the first non-stop flight between New York City and Havana, Cuba. He flew Amelia Earhart when she became the first woman to make a trans-Atlantic flight. He died in a crash in 1929.

Biography

Wilmer Stultz wearing aviation gear

Aviator Wilmer Stultz in 1928

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

Stultz joined the United States Army Air Force on 22 August 1917 and was assigned to the 634th Aero Supply Squadron, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged on 31 March 1919. Stultz then joined the United States Naval Air Service in December that year, training at Pensacola, Florida. He served at Hampton Roads, Virginia, testing the F5L flying boat.^[1]

He married Mildred Potts of Middletown, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1919.^[2]

On March 5, 1928, Stultz, Oliver Colin LeBoutillier, and Mabel Boll on an improvised seat, made the first non-stop flight in the Columbia between New York City and Havana, Cuba (c. 1300 mi.).

map of the flight taken by Friendship

Stultz was the pilot of the Fokker Trimotor "Friendship" on June 18, 1928, when Amelia Earhart became the first woman passenger to cross the Atlantic Ocean by airplane.^[2]

Stultz died on July 1, 1929, after he crashed while intoxicated at Roosevelt Field in Mineola, New York.^[3][4] Two passengers were also killed.^[1] He was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.^[5][6]

Legacy

Stultz Field in Tipton, Pennsylvania, was named in his honor.

References

1. "Wilmer Lower Stultz". Retrieved 27 March 2012. Wilmer Lower "Bill" Stultz was born in Williamsburg, PA on April 11, 1900. He enlisted in the U.S. Army August 22, 1917, advanced to the rank of sergeant in the 634th Aero Supply Squadron, and was honorably discharged March 31, 1919. ...
2. Earhart, Amelia (1928). 20 Hrs. 40 Minutes (1st ed.). G.P. Putnam. p. 311. ISBN 9781614276876.
3. "Stultz Death Causes Liquor Sale Inquiry. Nassau Prosecutor to Hunt for Persons Selling Intoxicants to Air Pilots". New York Times. July 7, 1929.
4. "Alcohol Is Found In Brain Of Stultz. Dr. Gettler Reports Evidence That Pilot on Fatal Flight Had Been Drinking. Offlclals Push Inquiry. Witnesses of Accident Tell Federal Inspectors of seeing struggle in Plane". New York Times. July 6, 1929.
5. "Associates Honor Stultz At Funeral. Aviators and American Legion Delegations Attend Services for Transatlantic Pilot. Miss Earhart A Mourner. Mrs. Payne Whitney and Son and Daughter Also Pay Respects to Flier. Police Escort Cortege". New York Times. July 3, 1929.
6. "Stultz Buried In Home City. Airplanes Drop Flowers in Cemetery at Williamsburg, Pa". New York Times. July 5, 1929.