Order of Daedalians facts for kids
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| Formation | 1934 |
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| Founder | Harold George |
| Purpose | Aviation advocacy |
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Chairman of the Board
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Douglas H. Owens |
The Order of Daedalians is a special group for American military pilots. It's like a club for people who fly planes in the military. The group is named after Daedalus, a character from Greek mythology. People say he was the very first person to fly in the air!
Contents
The Daedalians' Story
The idea for this group started with General Billy Mitchell during World War I. He wanted to create a club for pilots who flew in that war. His goal was to keep alive the spirit of teamwork and love for their country. He also wanted them to remember their time serving together.
Thirteen years later, on March 26, 1934, Lieutenant Harold L. George helped make the Order of Daedalians official. This happened at Maxwell Field in Alabama. In 1954, the main office moved to Kelly AFB in Texas. Today, the national headquarters is at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.
Who Can Join the Daedalians?
When the Order of Daedalians first started, most of the original members were World War I pilots. These were officers who became military pilots by November 11, 1918. Even if they didn't actively join the group, they were considered "Founder Members."
At first, only Founder Members and their children or grandchildren could join. These descendants were called "Hereditary Members."
In the 1950s, the group decided to let more people join. They created "Named Memberships" for current or former military pilots. These were pilots who flew planes that were heavier than air. This change helped the group grow and welcome new members. Later, women pilots who were officers could also join.
In 2001, the rules changed again. Former officers and all flight officers or warrant officers who were military pilots could become members. In 2002, the group also allowed WASPs to join. WASPs were women who flew military aircraft during World War II.
Membership Types
Today, there are three main types of members:
- Founder Members: These are the original pilots from World War I. They were officers and pilots of heavier-than-air aircraft by November 11, 1918.
- Named Members: These are current or former military pilots of heavier-than-air aircraft. They help keep the spirit of the Founder Members alive.
- Hereditary Members: These are the children or grandchildren of the Founder Members.
The Order can also name up to 15 "Honorary Members" for very special reasons.
How to Become a Member
If you want to join, an active Daedalian member must suggest you. Then, three other active Daedalian members need to support your application. After that, your application goes to the national headquarters for approval. The local groups of the Order are called "Flights."
The Daedalian Foundation
In 1959, the Order started the Daedalian Foundation. This foundation helps with educational, scientific, and charity work. It supports the goals of the Order. The Foundation gets money from members' donations. This money helps fund a scholarship program for students. The Foundation also publishes the Daedalus Flyer, which is the official newsletter of the Order.
See also
- Quiet Birdmen
