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Basket and equipment used by Capt. H. C. Gray, USA, in a world altitude attempt in 1927
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Basket and equipment used by Capt. H. C. Gray, USA, in a world altitude attempt in 1927
U.S. Army Air Corps balloonist Capt. Hawthorne Gray launched from Scott Field, Illinois, on November 4, 1927, on his third attempt to explore conditions and test equipment that would enable air crews to survive and function at altitudes of over 40, 000 feet. The balloon was found in a tree near Sparta, Tennessee, the next day, with Grays lifeless body still in the basket. He had apparently become confused, parachuting a full bottle of oxygen to earth in an effort to climb even higher. He died from lack of oxygen. " His courage, " suggested the citation of his posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross. " was greater than his supply of oxygen."
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Media ID 23877473
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Air And Space Museum Air Transport Altitude Attempt Attempted Ballooning Basket Element Hot Air Balloon Nasm National Air And Space Museum Oxygen United States Army Us Army United States Army Air Corps Us Army Air Corps
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the basket and equipment used by Captain H. C. Gray, USA, during his daring world altitude attempt in 1927. As a balloonist for the U. S. Army Air Corps, Capt. Hawthorne Gray embarked on this mission to explore conditions and test equipment that would enable air crews to survive and function at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. Tragically, this brave aviator's journey came to a devastating end when his balloon was discovered tangled in a tree near Sparta, Tennessee the following day. Inside the basket lay Gray's lifeless body - a poignant reminder of the risks involved in pushing boundaries within aviation. The circumstances surrounding Gray's demise revealed an unwavering determination to reach even greater heights. In an effort to climb higher, he had become disoriented and mistakenly parachuted down a full bottle of oxygen instead of using it himself. It was ultimately his lack of oxygen that claimed his life. Recognizing his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, Capt. Hawthorne Gray was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with its citation stating that "his courage was greater than his supply of oxygen". This photograph serves as both a testament to Captain H. C. Gray's indomitable spirit and as a somber reminder of the perils faced by early pioneers in their quest for knowledge and advancement in aviation technology.
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