The military will mark the first flight with a ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston on Thursday

SAN ANTONIO — The US Army North at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston will hold a special ceremony to mark the first military flight Thursday morning.

This year marks 113 years since a major event took place here at Fort Sam Houston.

In 1910, Lieutenant Benjamin Fulua piloted the first army aircraft and was able to stay in the air for seven minutes.

Fulua learned to fly the first military aircraft purchased from the Wright brothers. He was the first military aviator as an airship pilot and made many other “firsts” in military aviation. He led the strategic development of the US Air Force.

Fulua reported to San Antonio, where his superiors ordered him to “learn to fly.” He did so, and at 09:30 on March 2, 1910, at Arthur MacArthur’s parade field, he made four flights to KA No. 1, including his first solo takeoff, first solo landing, and first accident.

The celebration will be broadcast live at 11:00. on the US Army North Facebook page.

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