William Pershing Benedict facts for kids

William Pershing Benedict (born July 20, 1918 – died August 31, 1974) was a brave American pilot. He was born in Ruth, Nevada, and grew up in California. William Benedict was a very skilled pilot during World War II. He flew for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Just 18 months after joining the U.S. Army Air Forces, at age 26, he became a Major. He was even made a Squadron Commander, leading a group of planes. He is most famous for being the first American to land an airplane at the North Pole.

Becoming a Pilot

William Benedict joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in July 1940. After his training, he went to Great Britain. There, he flew fast Spitfire planes. Later, he moved to North Africa to continue flying.

In March 1942, he joined the 127 Squadron RAF. On July 16, 1942, his Hurricane plane was shot down. Luckily, he used his parachute and landed safely.

On December 14, 1942, Benedict moved to the U.S. Army Air Corps. He flew different planes there, like the Curtiss P-40 and later the powerful P-47 Thunderbolt. He went back to the U.S. for a short break. On January 7, 1945, he married his fiancée from Canada. Then, he returned to Europe to finish his service in the war.

First American to Land at the North Pole

The Soviet Union had already landed a plane at the North Pole. But the U.S. Government didn't know this at the time. General Old, who was in charge of the Alaskan Air Command, wanted the U.S. Air Force to be the first. He asked Major Benedict to lead a special flight to the North Pole.

This amazing landing happened on May 3, 1952. Major Benedict flew a U.S. Air Force C-47 plane. This plane was special because it had skis instead of wheels. Scientists went with Benedict and his crew. They took readings to confirm they were the first American men to step on the exact North Pole.

Life After the Air Force

William Benedict retired from the Air Force in 1962. He had reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After leaving the military, he became a firefighting pilot in California. He flew planes that dropped fire retardant to help put out wildfires.

Sadly, he died in a plane crash on August 31, 1974. He was flying a Grumman F7F Tigercat plane while fighting a fire near Ukiah.