Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Alfred
Austell
Cunningham
March 8, 1882

–

On 16 May 1912, Cunningham was detached from duty at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, and ordered to the aviation camp the Navy had set up at Annapolis, to learn to fly. He reported 22 May 1912 which is recognized as the birthday of Marine Corps aviation. He soloed on 20 August 1912, becoming the Marine Corps’ FIRST pilot.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Regiment:

    First Marine Aviation Force

    Division:

    Northern Bombing Group (USN)

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Alfred Austell Cunningham (MCSN: 0-211), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in connection with the organization and training of the First Marine Aviation Force in the United States, and as Commanding Officer of this Aviation force in France, where it served against the enemy and rendered valuable service as part of the Northern Bombing Group (USN).