Paul Siple facts for kids
Paul Allman Siple (born December 18, 1908 – died November 25, 1968) was an American explorer and geographer. He became famous for his trips to Antarctica. Paul Siple went on six Antarctic expeditions. This included two trips with Richard E. Byrd, a famous explorer, in 1928–1930 and 1933–1935. He joined these trips as an Eagle Scout, representing the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a Sea Scout.
Paul Siple wrote books about his adventures. With his friend Charles F. Passel, he helped create the idea of the wind chill factor. Siple was the one who first used the term "wind chill."
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Who Was Paul Siple?
Paul Siple was born in Montpelier, Ohio, on December 18, 1908. His parents were Clyde Lavonius Siple and Fannie Hope Allman. His family later moved to Erie, Pennsylvania. He finished high school there in 1926.
Becoming an Eagle Scout
In 1923, Paul Siple earned the rank of Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. He earned an amazing 59 merit badges! In 1928, after a big search across the country, Paul was chosen as the first Eagle Scout to go on an Antarctic trip. He sailed with Richard E. Byrd on a ship called the City of New York. Paul Siple even appeared in a documentary film about the trip called With Byrd at the South Pole (1930).
Education and Early Career
Paul Siple went to Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He later studied at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. He earned his Ph.D. (a high-level degree) in 1939. His special study was about how explorers adapt to the cold climate of Antarctica. For most of his career, he worked for the Army Scientific Office.
Exploring Antarctica Again
Paul Siple continued his work in Antarctica. He was part of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition from 1939 to 1941. This was supposed to be Byrd's third expedition. He also helped with Operation Highjump in 1946–1947. This was a big U.S. Navy program in Antarctica.
Siple also helped develop special cold-weather gear for soldiers during the Korean War. He then joined Operation Deep Freeze I in 1955–1956. This was another important U.S. mission to Antarctica.
Leading at the South Pole
From 1956 to 1957, Paul Siple was the first science leader at the U.S. Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. This happened during the International Geophysical Year, a time when scientists from many countries worked together. His experiences from this time are in his fourth book, 90 Degrees South.
Later Life and Passing
From 1963 to 1966, Paul Siple worked as the first U.S. science attaché in Australia and New Zealand. This meant he helped connect scientists between the U.S. and those countries. He had a stroke in 1966 and returned to the United States. Paul Siple passed away on November 25, 1968, in Arlington, Virginia.
Paul Siple's Legacy
Paul Siple is remembered for his important contributions to Antarctic exploration. Several places in Antarctica are named after him:
- Siple Coast
- Siple Island
- Mount Siple
- Siple Ridge
- Siple Station
He is also special because he was one of the few people to join all five of the Antarctic expeditions led by Richard E. Byrd.
Awards and Honors
Paul Siple received many awards for his work and service:
- The Silver Buffalo Award from the Boy Scouts of America in 1947.
- The Order of the Arrow National Distinguished Service Award in 1958.
- The Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society in 1958.
- The Hans Egede Medal from the Royal Danish Geographical Society in 1960.
- He also received several medals for his expeditions, including the Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal, the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition Medal, the United States Antarctic Expedition Medal, and the Antarctica Service Medal.
Books by Paul Siple
Paul Siple wrote several books about his adventures and scientific work:
- A Boy Scout With Byrd (1931)
- Exploring at Home (1932)
- Scout to Explorer: Back with Byrd in the Antarctic (1936)
- 90 Degrees South (1959)
