This collection consists of the official correspondence of Ira F. Fravel, while commissioned in the infantry, and later in the Army Balloon School, Army Balloon Service and as commander of Ross Field. A significant portion of this correspondence is with Charles DeForest Chandler, aviation pioneer. There is also personal correspondence as well as photographs and newspaper clippings.
Biographical / Historical:
Ira F. Fravel was involved in the Army Air Service Balloon Service from the turn of the century to the 1930s. His achievements included, receiving the first wireless messages in a free balloon (May, 1911), graduation from the General Service and Staff College (Ft. Leavenworth, KS, 1904), receiving the first wireless message in a free balloon (May, 1911), service with the Expeditionary Force in France, 1917-1918, and command of the Ross Airfield in Arcadia, CA.
Provenance:
Kathie J. Walsh, gift, 1991, 1991-0056
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
