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[[stamp]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamp]]

ALBERT B. LAMBERT

Early Balloonist - Wright Pilot - Aviation Enthusiast

Albert Lambert was born in St. Louis, December 6, 1875. He attended the University of Virginia until 1895. Subsequently he became President of the Lambert Pharmacal Co., and was connected with other St. Louis business groups. In 1906-1907 he became interested in ballooning when he met Frank P. Lahm and his father, Frank S. Lahm, in France during the International Balloon Races. This led to his becoming acquainted with other well known American balloonists, and in 1907 he was instrumental in forming the Aero Club of St. Louis. Through his influence, the Gordon Bennett Balloon Races were held in St. Louis that year. In the Spring of 1908 Lambert made a series of instruction ascents in France with Frank S. Lahm, then returned to St. Louis where he continued his practice with the well known American balloonist H. E. Honeywell, qualifying for his License, No. 18. For some time Lambert was an ardent balloon pilot and a lover of the sport.

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In 1909 he had his first aeroplane ride with Orville Wright, and at once was sold on flying. In 1910, through his efforts, a ten-day flying meet was held at St. Louis October 8-18th. Wright aviators Brookins, Hoxsey, Johnstone, Parmelee, Turpin and Welsh were all there, and President Theodore Roosevelt flew with Hoxsey. Large crowds attended this entertaining event. 

In the Spring of 1911, Lambert made up his mind to learn to fly, so he entered the Wright School at Dayton, Ohio, in May, where he received a few lessons from instructor Turpin, but due to the necessity of his business interests in St. Louis, he was not able to finish his instruction at that time. Later that season, early in September, he again resumed instruction at St. Louis when Walter Brookins started a flying school at Kinloch Flying Field for the Pioneer Aviation Co. with a Wright plane. He soloed about September 10th and flew for his license, No. 61, dated September 15, 1911, on a Wright Model B. He continued to fly there quite actively for the remainder of the Fall season, carrying passengers and generally enjoying the sport. Apparently Lambert did very little active flying after the 1911 season, but continued his interest in aviation affairs. In 1912 he did some ballooning and was active in the organizing and managing of the major balloon races that year. 

In November, 1913, he organized the U. S. Aviation Reserve Corps with U. S. Government and Aero Club of America approval. This ultimately grew into a formidable list of America's greatest aviators which was taken over and welded into the recruiting system of World War I. Early in 1917 Lambert offered his services to the Government and was commissioned a First Lieutenant, ordered to active duty and put on flying status. By September he was Commanding Officer of the Missouri Aeronautical Society Balloon School, which later was moved to San Antonio, Texas for the winter months. There he was promoted to Captain and rated a Military Aviator. He remained in the Service until February, 1919, when he returned to civilian life at his own request.