Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Albert Cushing Read

• Graduated with high honors from the Naval Academy in 1907 and designated Naval Aviator No. 24 in 1915.
• Served aboard the USS Carolina, the first Navy ship provided with aircraft, where he made numerous catapult take-offs as part of his regular flight operations.
• Commanded the first transatlantic flight in the NC-4 in 1919. For this, he was awarded the Portuguese award of Commander of the Military Order of the Tower and Sword, the Distinguished Service Medal, and a special medal struck to commemorate the NC-4 flight.
• Made an extensive goodwill tour of the United States in the NC-4.
• Became Chief of the Air Technical Training in Chicago during World War II and then commanded the Navy air activities at Norfolk until the end of the war.
• Awarded the Legion of Merit.