Richard E. Byrd was a famous American polar explorer and aviator who received many honors including the Medal of Honor. Byrd led several expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic regions, becoming the first person to fly over both poles. He also served as a consultant during World War II and organized Operation Highjump, a large Antarctic mission. Byrd died in 1957 and is remembered as a national hero for his pioneering exploration efforts.

1. Richard E. Byrd By: Michael Maurtua

2. What did he do? Byrd was one of the Navy’s famous polar explorers, aviators and Medal of Honor recipients in the history of the USN. Byrd was a very brave man who still inspires many today.

3. Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) Born: October 25, 1888 Died: March 11, 1957 USN Rank: Rear Admiral Awards: - Medal of Honor -Navy Cross -Navy Distinguished Service Medal -Distinguished Flying Cross -Legion of Merit Drawing of Byrd’s birthplace, Winchester, Virginia

4. Some Awards Medal of Honor Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross  Legion of Merit

5. Medal of Honor Most prestigious award in the military. accomplished the act of testing a plane engine able to survive Antarctic conditions.

6. The Military After all his schooling, Byrd served in WWI as a air commander in Nova Scotia. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander a little after the war.

7. Expeditions! Richard Byrd made expeditions to Greenland, the North Pole, and the South Pole. The South Pole Greenland The North Pole

8. Trans-Atlantic Flight Byrd planed to be first, but he was beat by Lindbergh while his ship was being repaired. He still did it. Taking off from NY to France although he crashlanded with no casualties.

9. First Antarctic Expedition Byrd was sent to explore Antarctica . Byrd had to sail back home. He became the first to fly into the Arctic .

10. The Polar Expedition Byrd’s claim to fame. Flew there with Mechanic, Floyd Bennet. Started major controversies over who was first to reach the north pole.

11. Second Antarctic Exploration - 1934 His second exploration was not pleasant. Byrd spent five months with carbon monoxide poisoning from a old stove. He narrowly escaped. Byrd’s Autobiography

12. World War II Byrd performed national defense during World War II as a consultant to high commanders.

13. Operation: Highjump Byrd's most important mission. Much of the armed forces was used to explore the area where they found new mountain ranges. However, the operation was brought to a close very fast One of the Navy’s ship for The operation.

14. Death After commanding operation deep freeze, Byrd died on March 11, 1957 in his sleep in Boston. He became known as a national hero. Bird Memorial

15. The End Hope you enjoyed the show!