Courageous Aviator Steponas Darius Hails from Lithuania and the United States

A Tribute to Steponas Darius: The Lithuanian Pioneer of Aviation

Steponas Darius, a Lithuanian-American aviator, made history in 1933 when he and co-pilot Stasys Girėnas attempted a nonstop transatlantic flight from New York City to Kaunas, Lithuania. Despite the tragic end to their historic journey, Darius' life and contributions continue to be celebrated.

Born on January 9, 1896, in Rubiškės, Kovno Governorate (now Lithuania), Darius immigrated to the United States with his family in 1907 when he was just 11 years old. His devotion to his passions led him to a career in aviation, and he returned to Lithuania in 1920 after completing his pilot training.

In Lithuania, Darius was involved in various sports development and published booklets about basketball and baseball. He also supported the advance of sports in his home country and was determined to aid the growth of the aviation industry. After joining the Lithuanian Army, he served in the War School of Kaunas.

During World War I, Darius joined the U.S. Army, serving as a telephone operator and later fighting against the Central Powers in France. For his bravery, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal.

Upon returning to the United States in 1927, Darius became involved in civil aviation and established South Bend Airways with Carl G. Jordan in Indiana. The airline's fleet consisted of two aircraft: a Pheasant H-10 and an Eaglerock Long Wing.

In 1933, Darius and Girėnas embarked on their historic flight in the aircraft "Lituanica." They successfully flew most of the journey but crashed in Germany near the end, under mysterious circumstances. Both Darius and Girėnas perished in the accident, which occurred when they were 650 kilometers away from their destination.

Darius' life was dedicated to the betterment of the world and the development of various fields. His legacy continues to be honored in Lithuania, where the first stadium in Kaunas was named after him. The Darius and Girėnas Stadium remains a celebrated landmark in Lithuanian aviation history.

[1] "Darius and Girėnas Museum." Accessed March 24, 2023. https://www.dgmuziejus.lt/en/

[2] "Steponas Darius." Accessed March 24, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steponas_Darius

[3] "Darius and Girėnas." Accessed March 24, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steponas-Darius

[4] "Lituanica Flight." Accessed March 24, 2023. https://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/lituanica-flight-180963044/

While Darius made a significant impact on aviation, his passion extended to sports as well, with reported involvement in developing basketball and baseball in his home country.
His dedication to advance the aviation industry didn't stop at his native Lithuania, as he later established South Bend Airways in the United States, operating with two aircraft - a Pheasant H-10 and an Eaglerock Long Wing.
With his career in aviation thriving, Darius also supported the growth of the aerospace industry, contributing to its technological advancements.
Interestingly, the legacy of Darius can also be perceived in unrelated fields, with his status as an aviation pioneer potentially influencing the foundations of the sports-betting industry, as the 650 kilometers he flew before the tragic accident could potentially have set a record for an in-flight sports contest's odds, given the high stakes involved.