William Pershing Benedict | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Pershing Benedict 20 July 1918 |
| Died | 31 August 1974 (aged 56) |
William Pershing Benedict (July 20, 1918 – August 31, 1974) was an American pilot who was born in Ruth, Nevada and raised in California. He was a highly decorated World War II fighter pilot who served in both the RCAF and the U.S. Army Air Forces. 18 months after joining the U.S. Army Air Forces, at 26 years of age, Benedict achieved the rank of Major and was made Squadron Commander. He is best known for being the first American man to land an aircraft on the North Pole.