Lithuanian-American Aviator Steponas Darius Exhibits Bravery
Steponas Darius: A Pioneering Lithuanian Aviator
Steponas Darius, born on January 9, 1896, in Rubiškės, Kovno Governorate (now Lithuania), embarked on a journey that would make him a national hero and symbol of Lithuanian aviation and courage.
Darius immigrated to the United States with his family in 1907, when he was just 11 years old. His life took a significant turn when he joined the U.S. Army in 1917, following the declaration of war against Germany in World War I. He served bravely and was wounded in action, for which he received the Purple Heart medal, one of the oldest military awards given to those who are wounded or killed while serving.
After the war, Darius's passion for aviation grew. He got involved in civil aviation during his time in the U.S. and, in 1927, established the South Bend Airways with Carl G. Jordan in Indiana. The fleet consisted of two aircraft; one Pheasant H-10 and one Eaglerock Long Wing.
In 1923, Darius joined the Lithuanian Army and played a role in the Klaipėda Revolt against the French Administration. His contributions extended beyond the battlefield as he was the first person to publish booklets in Lithuania about basketball and baseball.
Darius returned to Lithuania in 1920 and graduated from War School of Kaunas the following year. He was instrumental in the growth of the aviation industry, aiding its development. One of his most notable contributions was the construction of the first stadium in Kaunas, which was later named after him.
In sports, Darius was not just a participant but a developer. He helped develop various sports in Lithuania and took part in them himself.
The highlight of Darius's aviation career came in 1933, when he and another Lithuanian-American aviator, Stasys Girėnas, attempted a non-stop flight from New York City to Kaunas, Lithuania. They flew the aircraft named "Lituanica" on this historic but ultimately tragic journey. They successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, covering about 6,411 kilometers (around 3,984 miles), but crashed in what was then German territory (now Poland) just short of their final destination. Both pilots died in the crash, becoming national heroes and symbols of Lithuanian aviation and courage.
A monument was erected at the crash site in their memory. Exhibits and commemorations continue to honor Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas for this pioneering effort. Darius' life and achievements continue to be celebrated in both the U.S. and Lithuania.
[1] Lithuanian Aviation Museum [2] Lithuanian Airports [4] International Civil Aviation Organization
In the realm of sports, Steponas Darius not only participated but also contributed significantly to their development in Lithuania. Beyond aviation, he was the first person to publish booklets in Lithuania about basketball and baseball.
In the realms of both sports and sports-betting, Darius's influence extended beyond his prowess as an aviator, with his contributions to Lithuanian basketball and baseball making a lasting impact.
