Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis at Roosevelt Field, with perlee engine-turned finishing on the nosepanels, New York
Who was he?
Major Charles A. Lindbergh had already become a legend to the American people before the outbreak of the Second World War. On May 20-21, 1927, he was the first man to fly alone over the Atlantic Ocean in a single flight. Lindbergh was an important figure in the aviation industry and had advised multiple aviation industry leaders. A staunch anti interventionist, there was controversy about his support for America First principles and his acceptance of the German medal of honor during his visit Germany, which angered many critics of the Nazi regime. But, his mind changed when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. He would soon join the fight in the Pacific, where he made a number of contributions to the war effort and flew 50 combat missions. He made other political campaigns and wrote Pulitzer prize winning books later in his life, but died of cancer on August 26, 1974.
His fame has gained him world-wide attention in the aviation industry in the 1930’s, including in Nazi Germany. To Truman Smith, this would be a great opportunity for his intelligent service.
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