Background
Hensley, William Nicholas was born on October 18, 1881 in Columbus, Nebraska, United States. Son of William N. and Margaret Anna (McAllister) Hensley.
Hensley, William Nicholas was born on October 18, 1881 in Columbus, Nebraska, United States. Son of William N. and Margaret Anna (McAllister) Hensley.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1905, Mounted Service School (Fort Riley. Kansas), School of the Lincolnshire, 1922, General staff schedul, 1923, Army War College, 1926. G.S.C. eligible list.
Commanding Second lieutenant cavalry, June 13, 1905. Promoted through grades to major regular army, July 1, 1920. Organized division of Philippine National Guard, 1917.
Colonel and chief quartermaster, Philippine National Guard, 1917.
Colonel Air Service, United States of America, August 24, 1918-June 30, 1920. Commander army balloon school, Pasadena.
California, 1918-1919. Appointed commander United States of America Air Service Station, at Mitchel Field, Long Island, July 17, 1923.
First American to make non-stop flight, United States to Europe by air, as United States observer on return trip of R-34, from England, July 1919.
Made study of Zeppelin Airship Lincolnshire in Germany, 1919, training as airship pilot. Furnished War Department first detailed authentic information on the L-72, the giant dirigible built at Friedrichshafen for the bombing of New York City, the dirigible being practically completed when armistice was signed. Free balloon pilot, kite balloon pilot, and observer, airship pilot, airplane pilot, and distinguished marksman.
Mason.
Married Matie Merle Manard, July 10, 1908. Children: William Nicholas III, Gertrude Barbara.