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MILLING, T. DEWITT, BRIG. GEN. USAF. - BIOG FILE - FOLDER NO. 2 ITEM NO. 5A

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NATIONAL AIR MUSEUM

DRAFT

have detailed

It was the intention of the War Department to teach officers in both the Wright and Curtiss airplanes, particularly it was desired to keep at least two manufacturers in business. 2nd Lieut. Frank M. Kennedy of the 10th Infantry was detailed to Aero duty for the purpose of piloting the Curtiss and reported for duty in August. A training plane of the "grass cutter" type had been procured and also a two-seat Curtiss for passenger carrying. The following Fall in Augusta, Georgia, Kennedy was thrown out of his plane when he hit the front wheel in landing and struck his head, badly injuring his neck. As a consequence, he was relieved from duty. Later, during the first World War he returned for duty with lighter-than-air and remained in the Air Force thereafter.

See page 20 for notes, mil planes

After examining the Curtiss plane thoroughly I decided the Curtiss was no different from the Wright and that there would be no trouble in mastering it. I began to use the "grass cutter" and make small and was soon flying the Curtiss plane (all of them) without difficulty. In fact, it will be noted that later I used the Curtiss plane at maneuvers at Bridgeport, Conn the following year.

During the latter part of August, I was ordered to Marblehead, Mass., to visit the Burgess-Curtis factory on an inspection trip. On 1 September the Boston Aviation Meet, held at Squantam Field, was inaugurated. Large prizes were made available and the Meet was of an international character. Aviators from England, France and the United States participated. The well-known British designer was present, flying a Wright B equipped with a LeRohne motor. This arrangement, of course, gave him additional power and speed over the standard Wright-B with the four cylinder motor. Claude Graham White was also present (Two women aviators, one American and one French, were flying).

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