Charles Francis Blair Jr. (July 19, 1909 – September 2, 1978) was a pioneering American aviator, U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, and an airline captain for Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). He is renowned for several historic flights, including the first solo flight over the Arctic Ocean and the North Pole in 1951 in a modified P-51 Mustang fighter named 'Excalibur III'. This flight earned him the Harmon Trophy and demonstrated the feasibility of polar routes for commercial aviation. Blair also set speed records for transatlantic flights. He served in the Naval Air Transport Service during World War II and later in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In his later career, he founded Antilles Air Boats, a successful seaplane airline operating in the Caribbean. He was notably married to the Irish-American actress Maureen O'Hara.
Charles Blair's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:
In 1951, Blair flew a P-51 Mustang (Excalibur III) solo over the North Pole, navigating by manually calculating his position with a sextant. This groundbreaking flight demonstrated the viability of polar routes for air travel and earned him the Harmon Trophy.
Also in 1951, Charles Blair set a new speed record for a flight from New York to London, completing the journey in 7 hours and 48 minutes in his P-51 Mustang 'Excalibur III'.
Awarded in 1952 for his groundbreaking 1951 solo flight over the Arctic and North Pole, recognizing his exceptional contributions to aviation and skill as a pilot.
In 1963, Blair founded Antilles Air Boats, a prominent seaplane airline based in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It grew to become the largest seaplane airline in the world by passenger volume during its operation, significantly improving inter-island transport in the Caribbean.
Achieved the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, reflecting his significant contributions to military aviation, strategic planning, and service to the United States.
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary achievements in aerial flight, particularly for his pioneering polar flight.
The University of Alabama - Year 1974
Marion Military Instiitute - Year 1975
Peach County High School
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Peach State Bank & Trust is a community-focused financial institution headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia. Established in 2004, the bank provides a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking services, including checking and savings accounts, various loan products (commercial, real estate, personal), and trust and investment services. It emphasizes building strong local relationships, providing personalized customer service, and contributing to the economic growth of the communities it serves.
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