Richard Byrd biography

Profile

Richard E. Byrd is the U.S. naval officer, aviator and polar explorer largely credited with being the first to reach the South Pole by air in 1929. He worked developing navigational aids for aircraft after WWI and began his explorations of Antarctica in 1928. He went on to lead more expeditions to Antarctica through 1956 and has won several awards and commendations for his bravery and heroism.