Lahm's father joined the Aero Club of France and owned the balloon "Katherine Hamilton", named in honor of his daughter. The elder Lahm made frequent ascensions and initiated his son's interest in obtaining his Federation Aeronautique Internationale license as a balloon pilot. After completing the required six ascensions, including one at night and one alone, the young Lahm received his balloon pilot's license in the summer of 1905, the same summer that he became a first lieutenant. In 1906 Lahm won the International Balloon Race, and his influence in aviation, especially his impact in the U.S. Military Service, only grew from there.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
1906-1931
Country of Origin
France
Type
AWARDS-Trophies
Physical Description
The Aero Club of France plaque presented to Frank Lahm has a silver medal with a female and winged male figure depicted inset on the top-center of the plaque and an engraved insignia on either side. The inscription below the medal reads: "HOMMAGE
DE L'AERO CLUB DE FRANCE
A
FRANK S. LAHM
PILOTE AERONAUTE
MEMBRE
DE SON COMITE DE DIRECTION
1906 * 1931
EN RECONNAISSANCE
DES SERVICES RENDUS
A LA CAUSE AERONAUTIQUE"
Dimensions
3-D: 13 × 0.3 × 15.1cm (5 1/8 × 1/8 × 5 15/16 in.)
Materials
Silver Alloy
Inventory Number
A19550082000
Credit Line
Donated by Brig. Gen. Frank P. Lahm (USAF, Ret.)
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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