Steponas Darius
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Steponas Darius | |
|---|---|
Kuhdamm, Nazi Germany | |
| Cause of death | Aviation crash |
| Nationality | Lithuanian |
| Known for | The second-longest non-stop flight by distance, and the fourth-longest by duration, at the time; also the first official airmail shipment from the United States to Europe |
| Spouse | Jaunutė Škėmaitė-Darienė |
| Aviation career | |
| Full name | Steponas Darašius |
| Famous flights | Lituanica flight |
| Flight license | 1927 |
| Air force | Lithuanian Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
Steponas Darius (known as Stephen Darius in the US; born Steponas Jucevičius-Darašius; January 8, 1896 – July 17, 1933) was a
pilot, who died in a non-stop flight attempt in the Lituanica from New York City to Kaunas, Lithuania, in 1933.[1]
Biography
Born in
Lithuanian Army, graduating from War School of Kaunas in 1921. He participated in the Klaipėda Revolt of 1923. While living in Lithuania he completed pilot training. In 1927 he returned to the United States and started working in civil aviation. He initially formed South Bend Airways in partnership with Carl G. Jordan of South Bend, Indiana. Their fleet consisted of a Pheasant H-10 and an Eaglerock Long Wing
, both powered by OX-5 engines of World War I vintage. He lived for a while in the Jordan household prior to moving to Chicago.
While living in Lithuania he actively promoted various sports. He initiated the building of the first stadium in
Estonia on June 23, 1923. He was also part of Lithuania's squad for the 1924 Summer Olympics, but he did not play in any matches.[2]
Since he was the first to publish booklets about basketball and baseball, he is considered to have brought those sports to Lithuania. He was also the first chairman of Lithuanian Physical Education Union, and a founder of Sporto Žurnalas (Sports Magazine).
Death
On July 15, 1933, along with
Soldin, Germany (now Pszczelnik, near the Myślibórz area, Poland), most probably because of difficult weather conditions combined with engine problems[citation needed
]. Both aviators were killed in the crash. They had covered a distance of 6,411 km (3,984 mi) without landing, and were only 650 km (400 mi) short of their destination.
Awards and honors
- A monument to Darius and Girėnas is located in the northeast corner of Marquette Park in Chicago.
- Asteroid M.P.C. 105279).[3]
- The Liberty Ship SS Stepas Dariuswas named in his honor.
Gallery
-
Darius (in cockpit) and Stasys Girėnas before the Lituanica transatlantic flight in 1933 July -
Darius (left) and Girėnas on a Lithuanian 10 litas banknote -
2013 Lithuanian stamp
_and_Stasys_Gir%C4%97nas_before_Lituanica_transatlantic_flight_in_1933_July.jpg)
.jpg)
References
- ^ a b "288960 Steponasdarius (2004 TN16)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
- ^ "Steponas Darius". Olympedia. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
- ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steponas Darius.
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