The Millionaires’ Unit: U.S. Naval Aviators in the First World War, 2014

The only documentary in the film series, The Millionaires’ Unit, tells the little known but inspiring story of a small group of volunteers who created America’s first naval aviation reserve unit.  Also known as the First Yale Unit, the group was formed before the United States entered the war by a dozen Yale University students, many from wealthy families, hence the name Millionaires’ Unit.  Fascinated with the possibilities of aviation, and naval aviation in particular, they learned to fly and ultimately persuaded Congress to establish the Naval Reserve Flying Corps in 1916.  They were used as America’s first aerial coastal patrol unit.  One of the unit’s members, Lt. David Ingalls, was the first U.S. naval aviator to become an ace, flying Sopwith Camels with the RAF.

Before the film at 6:30, there will be remarks by the film’s director and co-producer Ron King.

Reserve free tickets for the Millionaires' Unit screening at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. using the form below.  

This film will also be shown at the same time at the Museum in Washington, DC. Reserve tickets for the Millionaires' Unit screening in Washington, DC


About the Film Series

Movies have always shaped our cultural memory of historical events, and World War I has been a rich subject for filmmakers. Hollywood Goes to War: World War I on the Big Screen, a year-long film series, presents the most visually striking and engaging dramas set during the First World War ever made. Once a month, join us as we screen Hollywood’s finest feature films on World War I and explore how the war and its far-reaching effects have been represented and interpreted on the big screen.

This film series is part of the National Air and Space Museum’s observance of the hundredth anniversary of the First World War. 

Aviation World War I
How to attend Airbus IMAX Theater