Alfred A. Cunningham

Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Austell Cunningham was a United States Marine Corps officer who became the first Marine Corps aviator and the first Director of Marine Corps Aviation. His military career included service in the SpanishAmerican War, World War I, and U.S. operations in the Caribbean during the 1920s.

Cunningham was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His interest in aviation began in 1903 when he watched a balloon ascend one afternoon. The next time the balloon went up he was in it and from then on he was considered himself a confirmed aeronautical enthusiast. He enlisted in the 3rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry regiment during the SpanishAmerican War and served a tour of occupation duty in Cuba. He spent the next decade selling real estate in Atlanta. During this time evinced an interest in aeronautics, making a balloon ascent in 1903.

Source: Wikipedia