Historic archive of original Wilmer Stultz telegrams sent to his wife describing the delays and final success flying across the Atlantic with Amelia Earhart, announcing their arrival in Wales “after 20 hours and 40 minutes“
Wilmer Stultz Archive of Telegrams Documenting Amelia Earhart’s Historic Flight Across the Atlantic, with his pilot license signed by Orville Wright. A series of sixteen telegrams (each 7 7/8 x 6 1/2 inches) dated June 3 to July 3, 1928 through which Stultz apprises his wife, Mildred, of the delays experienced at Trepassey Harbor, their prospective flight date, and eventual landing on June 18 “after 20 hours and 40 minutes.”
In 1928, Amelia Earhart was chosen to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavor that would bring her international fame and mark a significant milestone for women in aviation. The selection was made by publisher, George P. Putnam, who sought to capitalize on the growing interest in aviation and gender equality. Earhart’s background as a pilot, combined with her poise and determination, made her an ideal candidate for the flight.
Although the flight was celebrated globally and cemented Earhart’s status as a pioneering figure in aviation, it was also a significant accomplishment for Stultz, as only a handful of pilots had successfully completed the feat.
On June 4, 1928 Stultz sends notice of the crew’s arrival in Trepassey and adds that they “HOPE TO PROCEED TOMORROW.” From June 5 to June 11 he sends six telegrams reporting on pending departures and further delays due to weather conditions. On June 12 he reports an attempted departure: “TRIED TO LEAVE BUT FAILED TO GET OFF WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW.”
The following day he reports another failed takeoff: “TRIED AGAIN THIS MORNING BUT FAILED REDUCING LOAD AND LEAVING FOR AZORES IN THE MORNING.” Three telegrams from June 14-16 report further delays due to weather. Mildred records two holographic radio messages sent by Wilmer on June 17, reporting his progress during the flight and that everything is fine.
On June 18, Wilmer sends notice of their arrival in Burry Port. Wales: “LLANELLY LANDED HERE OKAY AFTER TWENTY HOURS AND FORTY MINUTES.” Notably, Amelia Earhart would title her famous book recounting the flight, “20 Hrs. 40 Min.”
The telegrams are mounted individually on the pages of a scrapbook (9 3/8 x 11 3/8 inches) kept by Mildred and contain fifteen retained carbons of her telegrams to Stultz along with more that 70 additional telegrams of congratulations received from acquaintances and local businesses. Two telegrams sent by Richard Byrd to Stultz are also present.
Together with Stultz’ pilot license for the year 1924, signed by none other than Orville Wright. The historic pilot’s license measures 5 x 4 inches (open) and includes a small snapshot of Stultz.
Lastly in the archive, is a souvenir booklet for the homecoming celebration held for Stultz in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania on July 18, 1928; and a trading card featuring Orville Wright.
Stultz joined the United States Army Air Force on 22 August 1917 and was assigned to the 634th Aero Supply Squadron, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged on 31 March 1919. Stultz then joined the United States Naval Air Service in December that year, training at Pensacola, Florida.
He married Mildred Potts on August 4, 1919.
On March 5, 1928, Stultz, along with Mabel Ball, made the first non-stop flight in the Columbia between New York City and Havana, Cuba(c. 1300 mi.).
Stultz was the pilot of the Fokker Trimator, “Friendship”, on June 18, 1928, when Amelia Earhart became the first woman passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane.
Stultz died on July 1, 1929, after he crashed at Roosevelt Field.
