Background
Major Reed McKinley was born August 18, 1894, in Onaga, Kansas.
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Reed Chambers
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In 1914 he joined the Tennessee National Guard and served in the Mexican border campaign of 1916. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Chambers received a transfer to the Army Signal Corps as an aviator. He served in the 94th Aeronautical Pursuit Squadron, along with American Ace of Aces Eddie Rickenbacker.
Chambers was credited with seven victories over German aircraft.
After the airline"s uninsured aircraft suffered a series of accidents and damage caused by hurricanes, the airline declared bankruptcy in 1927. As a result of this loss, Chambers teamed with David Beebe and the two founded the United States Aircraft Insurance Group, the nation"s first aviation insurance company.
The security provided by this company ensured the development and testing of such pioneering aircraft as the Douglas District of Columbia-3, the Boeing 707, the B-52 jet bomber, and the General Dynamics F-111A. While flying second seat in a Convair F-106 Delta Dart in 1968, Chambers broke the sound barrier. Reed Chambers died in Saint Thomas, United States. Virgin Islands, on January 16, 1972.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
January 16, 1972 (aged 77) -
Nationality
United States