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Stasys GirenasAmerican pilot of Lithuanian origin.
Date of Birth: 04.10.1893
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Content:
- Stasys Girėnas: A Lithuanian-American Aviator
- Early Life and Military Service
- Aviation Career
- Transatlantic Flight Attempt
- Tragic Demise
- Legacy
- Memorialization
Stasys Girėnas: A Lithuanian-American Aviator
Stasys Girėnas was a prominent Lithuanian-American aviator who, along with fellow pilot Steponas Darius, tragically lost his life while attempting a transatlantic flight in 1933.
Early Life and Military Service
Girėnas was born in Lithuania in 1893, the youngest of 16 children in a farming family. In 1910, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Army Air Service, attending aviation mechanics school.
Aviation Career
After the war, Girėnas pursued a career in aviation, completing pilot training, acquiring his own plane, and transporting passengers while teaching piloting. From 1931 onward, he worked in commercial aviation.
Transatlantic Flight Attempt
In 1933, Girėnas and Darius embarked on a daring transatlantic flight from New York City to Kaunas, Lithuania. They purchased a six-seat Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker aircraft, aptly named "Lituanica." Despite 30 successful transatlantic crossings by other pilots, only three were non-stop.
Tragic Demise
Their flight commenced on July 15th. After successfully traversing the North Atlantic in 37 hours and 11 minutes, the plane crashed in a forest near Soldin, Germany, early on July 17th. Both Girėnas and Darius perished in the accident.
Legacy
Girėnas and Darius's transatlantic attempt became a symbol of Lithuanian bravery and aspiration. They were honored as national heroes in Lithuania and buried in a military cemetery in Kaunas. Their flight has inspired numerous literary works, including poems and anthologies.
Memorialization
Girėnas's birth village has been renamed after him. Streets, schools, and a stadium in Lithuania bear his name. A monument to Girėnas and Darius stands in Chicago, a testament to the significant Lithuanian community there. Their images grace the 10-litas banknote, recognizing their enduring legacy.
