A. A. Cunningham, the man that paved the way for Marine Corps aviation

Courtesy Photo | Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine Corps aviator, poses for a photo. Cunningham accepted a commission into the Marine Corps in 1909 and became the first Marine aviator in 1912.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.01.2019

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Today we celebrate the man that paved the way for modern Marine Corps aviation, Alfred A. Cunningham.

Cunningham commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1909 at 27 years old. Two years later, he started experimenting with an airplane called the “Noisy Nan.” Although the plane never took flight, Cunningham’s passion for aviation continued to grow.

In 1912, Lt. Cunningham received orders to Annapolis, Maryland. He reported for duty May 22, 1912 and became the first Marine Corps aviator. This date is recognized as the birth of Marine Corps aviation.

Capt. Cunningham commanded the 1st Marine Aviation Force into France in July 1918, where they would be designated as the Northern Bombing Group. The group performed 57 total raids, shot down eight enemy aircraft, dropped 52,000 pounds of bombs and supplied 2,600 pounds of food. Cunningham later received the Navy Cross for his service with the group.

Cunningham retired from service after 27 years in 1936 at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He died May 27, 1939.

Thank you for your service and for laying the groundwork for future Marine Corps aviators, Lt. Col. Cunningham. Semper Fi.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2019
• Date Posted: 05.02.2019 17:00
• Story ID: 320320
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US