Amelia Earhart began her flight across the Atlantic Ocean on May 20, 1932
She became the first woman to make that solo flight when she landed in Northern Ireland the next day.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Amelia Earhart departed Harbour Grace, Newfoundland on May 20, 1932. The 34-year-old Earhart was determined to be the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Her original path followed Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight from five years earlier. Unfortunately along the way she ran into mechanical issues, icy conditions and strong northern winds. The conditions led to a change in plans and just under 15 hours after take off, Earhart decided to land at a farm near Derry, Northern Ireland.
Earhart’s feat brought her international recognition. The United States Congress presented her with the Distinguished Flying Cross, making her the first woman to receive that honor. President Herbert Hoover presented her with the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society. The French Government awarded her the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Three years later on January 11, 1935, Earhart became the first to fly solo from Honolulu to Oakland, California. As her fame grew, she became known as an advocate for women in aviation. She was the first president of the international organization for the advancement of female pilots.
In 1937, Amelia Earhart attempted a flight around the globe. She and her navigator flew 22,000 miles and only had 7,000 to go when they reached Lae, New Guinea.
Their plane disappeared before they could reach their next refueling station. Despite a massive search for two weeks, nothing was found. The United States government says the plane must have crashed into the Pacific Ocean. It is considered one of the great mysteries of the Twentieth Century.
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