Historical Marker

Edward "Eddie" Ward

Born in Pine Knot, Ky. on Nov. 23, 1881. Enlisted in U.S. Army, 1901. In 1907, Cpl. Ward was assigned by the Signal Officer to take charge of “all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects.” He became first non-commissioned officer of what evolved into the present aviation branch of the U.S. Army.

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When serving in Va., he helped uncrate the Wright Bros. plane when it arrived for trials in 1908. After promotion to sergeant, Ward became engineer of U.S. Army Dirigible No. 1, Ft. Omaha. Later, served in Signal Corps in Alaska & Philippines. Returned to U.S.,1914. Commissioned as first lieutenant at start of WWI. He died Jan. 7, 1965 & is buried in Dayton, Ohio.