The Gothic Mountains ( 86°00′S 150°00′W / 86.000°S 150.000°W / -86.000; -150.000 ) is a group of mountains , 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) long, in the Queen Maud Mountains of Antarctica , located west of Watson Escarpment and bounded by Scott Glacier , Albanus Glacier , and Griffith Glacier .
111-601: The mountains were first visited in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition (ByrdAE) geological party led by Quin Blackburn. The name was proposed by Edmund Stump, leader of a United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) - Arizona State University geological party which made investigations here in the 1980–81 season. The mountains are composed of granites which have weathered to produce
222-540: A good view of the next stage of their route from here. 85°56′S 150°01′W / 85.933°S 150.017°W / -85.933; -150.017 . An ice-free, pyramidal mountain over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) high, standing immediately east of Mount Zanuck on the south side of Albanus Glacier. Discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn, and named by Byrd for William H. Danforth of
333-634: A letter from Nuku Hiva (the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia ) to Chambers, the ship's commanding officer, commending him and his crew "for the courage and efficiency" displayed following the explosion that made Byrd "feel proud to be an American. Great heroism was displayed, especially by the men who lost their lives rescuing the wounded." Byrd completed the Special Mission in December and participated in
444-562: A mountain range, the Ames Range , after her father. They had four children – Richard Evelyn Byrd III , Evelyn Bolling Byrd Clarke, Katharine Agnes Byrd Breyer, and Helen Byrd Stabler. By late 1924, the Byrd family moved into a large brownstone house at 9 Brimmer Street in Boston's fashionable Beacon Hill neighborhood that had been purchased by Marie's father, a wealthy industrialist. Byrd
555-587: A parade in New York City, and Congress passed a special act on December 21, 1926, promoting him to the rank of commander and awarding both Floyd Bennett and him the Medal of Honor . The Josephine Ford was flown around the country in celebration. Bennett was promoted to the warrant officer rank of machinist. Byrd and Bennett were presented with Tiffany Cross versions of the Medal of Honor on March 5, 1927, at
666-608: A patron of this expedition. The escarpment and its related features was mapped in detail by United States Geological Survey (USGS) from surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960–64. The western end of the Watson Escarpment is a massif to the northeast of the point where the Van Reeth Glacier joins the Scott Glacier . The tip of the massif holds Mount Czegka, Acarospora Peak and Dunn Spur. To
777-461: A privately financed expedition, where he headed the inaugural aircraft crew that successfully flew over the South Pole. Byrd strongly advocated for ski-equipped aircraft, despite the considerable operational, logistical, and maintenance challenges they posed, necessitating the establishment of significant onshore bases to address these issues. As a result of his achievement, Byrd was promoted to
888-1041: A projecting buttress at the northwest face of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. George W. Warden, United States Navy, pilot on aircraft flights over the Queen Maud Mountains in United States Navy Operation Highjump, 1946-47. 85°59′S 146°50′W / 85.983°S 146.833°W / -85.983; -146.833 . A rugged spur descending from Mount Warden along the northwest face of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Glenn C. Hunt, aviation electronics technician of United States Navy Squadron VX-6 who participated in Operation Deep Freeze for 5 years. 85°58′S 144°00′W / 85.967°S 144.000°W / -85.967; -144.000 . An icecapped, dome-like elevation 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) long, rising above
999-719: A series of spires and peaks reminiscent of a Gothic cathedral. The western Gothic Mountains are just east of Scott Glacier, to the south of the point where the Albanus Glacier joins the Scott Glacier from the east. Peaks in the western section include, from west to east, Grizzly Peak, Mount Zanuck, Zanuck East Peak, Outlook Peak and Mount Danforth. To the southwest are the Organ Pipe Peaks, Mount Harkness and Mount McKercher. The northeastern section includes Mount Andrews and Mount Gerdel. The southeastern part of
1110-622: A time as Honorary National President (1931–1935) of Pi Gamma Mu , the international honor society in the social sciences. He carried the society's flag during his first Antarctic expedition to dramatize the spirit of adventure into the unknown, characterizing both the natural and social sciences. To finance and gain both political and public support for his expeditions, Byrd actively cultivated relationships with many powerful individuals, including President Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Ford, Edsel Ford, John D. Rockefeller Jr. , and Vincent Astor . As
1221-567: A token of his gratitude, Byrd named geographic features in the Antarctic after his supporters. On his second expedition during the summer of 1933–1934, (it was winter in the US, above the equator) Byrd spent five months alone operating a meteorological station, Advance Base, from which he narrowly escaped with his life after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly ventilated stove. Unusual radio transmissions from Byrd finally began to alarm
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#17327797124301332-407: Is 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) northeast of Mount Meeks and provides a shortcut to field parties. So named by NZGSAE, 1969-70, because some members of the party used a motor toboggan here in a similar way to a ski-lift. 86°11′S 147°37′W / 86.183°S 147.617°W / -86.183; -147.617 . A mountain, 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) high, standing along
1443-463: Is numbered 753 in the Scott's Catalog. The U.S. Post Office contracted with the expedition for this purpose as it had no other means to deliver mail to and from the Antarctic. Approximately 150,000 pieces of such mail went through the special Antarctic post office in 1933 to 1934. As only members of the post office were authorized to postmark and handle mail, Charles F. Anderson, a special representative of
1554-616: Is some controversy as to whether or not Byrd was actually the first person to reach the North Pole. It is generally believed that the distance Byrd claimed to fly was longer than the possible fuel range of his airplane. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor , the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration, and the Navy Cross , the second highest honor for valor given by the U.S. Navy. Byrd
1665-467: The California Plateau and Watson Escarpment . Mapped by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960–64. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. Cdr. Anthony P. Ruotolo, aircraft pilot with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 on Operation Deep Freeze 1966 and 1967. Byrd Antarctic Expedition Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (October 25, 1888 – March 11, 1957), an American naval officer ,
1776-599: The Legion of Merit . In 1946, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal appointed Byrd as officer in charge of Antarctic Developments Project. Byrd's fourth Antarctic expedition was code-named Operation Highjump . It was the largest Antarctic expedition to date and was expected to last 6–8 months. The expedition was supported by a large naval force (designated Task Force 68), commanded by Rear Admiral Richard H. Cruzen . Thirteen US Navy support ships (besides
1887-506: The Queen Maud Mountains , trending northward along the east margin of Scott Glacier , then eastward to Reedy Glacier where it turns southward along the glacier 's west side. Somewhat arcuate, the escarpment is nearly 100 nautical miles (190 km; 120 mi) long, rises 3,550 metres (11,650 ft) above sea level, and 1,000 to 1,500 metres (3,300 to 4,900 ft) above the adjacent terrain. The north-central part of
1998-733: The United States Strategic Bombing Survey (USSBS) in 1944 to 1945. On February 10, 1945, Byrd received the Order of Christopher Columbus from the government of the Dominican Republic . Byrd was present at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. He was released from active duty on October 1, 1945. In recognition of his service during World War II, Byrd received two awards of
2109-518: The Virginia (Byrd's birth state). A base camp named " Little America " was constructed on the Ross Ice Shelf , and scientific expeditions by snowshoe , dog sled , snowmobile , and airplane began. To increase the interest of youth in arctic exploration, a 19-year-old American Boy Scout , Paul Allman Siple , was chosen to accompany the expedition. Siple went on to earn a doctorate and
2220-765: The Virginia Military Institute for two years and transferred to the University of Virginia , before financial circumstances inspired his starting over and taking an appointment to the United States Naval Academy , where he was appointed as a midshipman on May 28, 1908. On June 8, 1912, Byrd graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy. On July 14, 1912, he
2331-520: The White House by President Calvin Coolidge . Since 1926, doubts have been raised, defenses made, and heated controversy arose over whether or not Byrd actually reached the North Pole. In 1958, Norwegian-American aviator and explorer Bernt Balchen cast doubt on Byrd's statement on the basis of his knowledge of the airplane's speed. Balchen said that Bennett had confessed to him months after
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#17327797124302442-599: The Atlantic Ocean. Byrd was one of several aviators who attempted to win the Orteig Prize in 1927 for making the first nonstop flight between the United States and France. Once again, Byrd named Floyd Bennett as his chief pilot, with Norwegian Bernt Balchen, Bert Acosta , and Lieutenant George Noville as other crewmembers. During a practice takeoff with Anthony Fokker at the controls and Bennett in
2553-617: The Atlantic nonstop, another 20 years were needed before it would be realized on a commercial scale. In 1928, Byrd began his first expedition to the Antarctic involving two ships and three airplanes: Byrd's flagship was the City of New York (a Norwegian sealing ship previously named Samson that had come into fame as a ship some said was in the vicinity of the Titanic when the latter
2664-625: The Atlantic nonstop, naming Balchen to replace Bennett, who had not yet fully recovered from his injuries, as chief pilot. Byrd, Balchen, Acosta, and Noville flew from Roosevelt Field, East Garden City, New York , in the America on June 29, 1927. On board was mail from the US Postal Service to demonstrate the practicality of aircraft. Arriving over France the next day, they were prevented from landing in Paris by cloud cover; they returned to
2775-511: The British designation of R-38 ). As fate would have it, Byrd missed his train to take him to the airship on August 24, 1921. The airship broke apart in midair, killing 44 of 49 crew members on board. Byrd lost several friends in the accident, and was involved in the subsequent recovery operations and investigation. The accident affected him deeply and inspired him to make safety a top priority in all of his future expeditions. Due to reductions in
2886-518: The Byrd Antarctic Expedition, 1933–35, in assembling motion-picture records, and later supplied the USAS, 1939–41, with motion-picture projectors. 85°57′S 150°53′W / 85.950°S 150.883°W / -85.950; -150.883 . The easternmost of the three high peaks that rise from Mount Zanuck massif. The peak was discovered and mapped by the geological party of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, 1933–35, led by Quin Blackburn. The name
2997-473: The ByrdAE geological party under Quin Blackburn. Named by Byrd after Victor H. Czegka (1880-1973), CWO, USMC, who served as a member with the ByrdAE, 1928-30, and also as member and supply manager with the ByrdAE, 1933-35. 86°21′S 148°28′W / 86.350°S 148.467°W / -86.350; -148.467 . A peak 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) northeast of, and only slightly below
3108-633: The Chief of Naval Operations. The expedition continued in Antarctica without him until the last of its participants left Antarctica on March 22, 1941. As a senior officer in the United States Navy, Byrd was recalled on active duty on March 26, 1942, and served as the confidential advisor to Admiral Ernest J. King . From 1942 to 1945 he served on the South Pacific Island Base Inspection Board, which toured bases in
3219-905: The Horlick Mountains area that year and in 1960-61, 1961-62 and 1964-65. He visited the Mount Weaver area in 1962-63. 85°45′S 138°24′W / 85.750°S 138.400°W / -85.750; -138.400 . Peak, 2,050 metres (6,730 ft) high, standing 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) west of Dzema Peak on the north side of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Donald L. Foreman, mechanic with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 who wintered at Little America V in 1958 and McMurdo Station in 1960. 85°45′S 138°00′W / 85.750°S 138.000°W / -85.750; -138.000 . Peak, 2,570 metres (8,430 ft) high, standing 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) west-southwest of Mount Ratliff on
3330-657: The Navy Department Commission on Training Camps. In the autumn of 1917, he was sent to naval aviation school at Pensacola, Florida . He qualified as a naval aviator (number 608) in June 1918. He then commanded naval air forces at Naval Air Station Halifax in Nova Scotia , Canada, from July 1918 until the armistice in November. In that assignment, he was promoted to the permanent rank of lieutenant and
3441-691: The Navy after the First World War, Byrd reverted to the rank of lieutenant at the end of 1921. During the summer of 1923, then-Lieutenant Byrd and a group of volunteer Navy veterans of the First World War helped found the Naval Reserve Air Station (NRAS) at Squantum Point near Boston, using an unused First World War seaplane hangar which had remained more-or-less intact after the Victory Destroyer Plant shipyard
Gothic Mountains - Misplaced Pages Continue
3552-533: The Postmaster General, was assigned to the post office at Little America in Antarctica. In late 1938, Byrd visited Hamburg, and was invited to participate in the 1938/1939 German " Neuschwabenland " Antarctic Expedition, but declined. (Although Germany was not at war with the United States at this time, Adolf Hitler had been serving as Führer of the German Reich since 1934, and i nvaded Poland
3663-610: The Purina Mills, St. Louis, contributor to the expedition. 86°03′S 150°00′W / 86.050°S 150.000°W / -86.050; -150.000 . A row of aiguille type rock peaks, 7 miles (11 km) long, standing just north of Mount Harkness. Discovered by the geological party of the.Byrd Antarctic Expedition, 1933–35, who gave the descriptive name. 86°03′S 150°10′W / 86.050°S 150.167°W / -86.050; -150.167 . A prominent rock spire, 2,020 metres (6,630 ft) high, near
3774-903: The Secretary of the Navy, the Commander-in-Chief United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations ordered Byrd to assume direction of a survey and "investigation of certain islands in the East and South Pacific in connection with national defense and commercial air bases and routes." The members of the Special Navy Mission sailed from Balboa, Canal Zone, on USS Concord , Captain Irving Reynold Chambers, commanding, in September 1943. A large explosion at sea on October 7, 1943, took
3885-634: The South Pacific in May and June 1942. The report submitted by the Board describes conditions found at each base and analyses, lessons learned in planning and equipping these bases. The report contains recommendations applicable to the individual bases and others designed to be helpful in the planning of future advanced bases. On 1 September 1943, in compliance with a series of letters from the President to
3996-468: The South Pole Station winter party in 1964. 85°57′S 140°00′W / 85.950°S 140.000°W / -85.950; -140.000 . An icecapped plateau, over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) high high and 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) wide, between the heads of Leverett and Kansas Glaciers. The plateau unites with the interior ice sheet to the S, but terminates to
4107-403: The South Pole Station winter party, 1965. 85°51′S 141°35′W / 85.850°S 141.583°W / -85.850; -141.583 . A peak, 2,290 metres (7,510 ft) high, surmounting a spur descending from the northwest end of Stanford Plateau, along the Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. William E. McLean, United States Navy, medical officer and officer in charge of
4218-657: The United States representatives in the discussions on the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. 85°58′S 137°12′W / 85.967°S 137.200°W / -85.967; -137.200 . A high, ice-covered bluff between the head of Kansas Glacier and Alaska Canyon, along the Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for William G. Lowe, radioman with the Byrd Station winter party, 1957. 85°49′S 138°05′W / 85.817°S 138.083°W / -85.817; -138.083 . A prominent mountain along
4329-432: The Watson Escarpment, rising to 3,170 metres (10,400 ft) high and forming the highest point of the ridge that runs north from Phleger Dome, Stanford Plateau. The feature was visited in 1977-78 by a USARP-Arizona State University geological party, led by Edmund Stump, and named after Mount Analogue, a mythical mountain obscured by clouds, as described in the unfinished novel Mount Analogue by Réné Dumal. This mountain
4440-586: The adjutant general of Rhode Island, for making great strides in improving the efficiency of the militia. Shortly after the entry of the United States into the First World War in April 1917, Byrd oversaw the mobilization of the Rhode Island Naval Militia. He was then recalled to active duty and was assigned to the Office of Naval Operations and served in a desk job as secretary and organizer of
4551-444: The aviation element during the expedition led to Byrd's renown as a pioneer of aircraft in exploration. During this expedition, Byrd made the acquaintance of Navy Chief Aviation Pilot Floyd Bennett and Norwegian pilot Bernt Balchen , both of whom would later contribute to Byrd's expeditions. Bennett served as a pilot in his flight to the North Pole the next year. Balchen, whose knowledge of Arctic flight operations proved invaluable,
Gothic Mountains - Misplaced Pages Continue
4662-664: The center of Organ Pipe Peaks. Discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn. The allusive name was suggested by Edmund Stump, leader of the USARP-Arizona State University geological party in the Gothic Mountains, 1980-81. 86°04′S 150°36′W / 86.067°S 150.600°W / -86.067; -150.600 . A mountain, 1,900 metres (6,200 ft) high, standing 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of Organ Pipe Peaks and forming part of
4773-548: The co-pilot seat, the Fokker Trimotor airplane, America , crashed, severely injuring Bennett and slightly injuring Byrd. As the plane was being repaired, Charles Lindbergh won the prize by completing his historic flight on May 21, 1927. (Coincidentally, in 1925, then Army Air Service Reserve Corps Lieutenant Charles Lindbergh had applied to serve as a pilot on Byrd's North Pole expedition, but apparently, his bid came too late.) Byrd continued with his quest to cross
4884-558: The coast of Normandy and crash-landed near the beach at Ver-sur-Mer (known as Gold Beach during the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944) without fatalities on July 1, 1927. In France, Byrd and his crew were received as heroes and Byrd was invested as an Officer of the French Legion of Honor by Prime Minister Raymond Poincare on July 6. After their return to the United States, an elaborate dinner in their honor
4995-833: The east extremity of the Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Alan H. Shapley, ViceChairman of the United States National Committee for the IGY. 86°22′S 129°39′W / 86.367°S 129.650°W / -86.367; -129.650 . A peak, 2,390 metres (7,840 ft) high, marking the south end of Cleveland mesa on the east side of Michigan Plateau. Named by US-ACAN for Stephen Kivi, utilitiesman at Byrd Station in 1962. 86°08′S 133°30′W / 86.133°S 133.500°W / -86.133; -133.500 . An undulating ice-covered plateau, 30 nautical miles (56 km; 35 mi) long, which rises to 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) high at
5106-498: The east of Mount Beazley there is a gap in the escarpment through which the Leverett Glacier flows north towards the Ross Ice Shelf . The escarpment continues east past McLean Peak along the north rim of Stanford Plateau. It passes Phleger Dome and Mount Doumani along the upper reaches of the Kansas Glacier , and passes Foreman Peak and Dzema Peak to the north of Johns Glacier . At its eastern end it passes Cole Peak to its south, and includes Mount Ratliff and Mount O'Neill. Most of
5217-438: The east side of Scott Glacier. The name appears in Paul Siple's 1938 botany report on the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, 1933–35, based on exploration of this vicinity by the expedition's geological party led by Quin Blackburn. 86°09′S 150°02′W / 86.150°S 150.033°W / -86.150; -150.033 . A mountain, 2,230 metres (7,320 ft) high, standing at the east side of Scott Glacier, just north of
5328-480: The east wall of Scott Glacier. Discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn, and named at that time by R. Admiral Byrd for Bruce Harkness, friend of Richard S. Russell, Jr., a member of that party. 86°04′S 150°23′W / 86.067°S 150.383°W / -86.067; -150.383 . A peak, 1,780 metres (5,840 ft) high, located 1 mile (1.6 km) east-southeast of Mount Harkness. The feature
5439-639: The eastern side of Scott Glacier. The plateau reaches a maximum height in Mount Blackburn, 3,275 metres (10,745 ft) high, at the southern end. The northwestern side of the plateau is marked by the steep rock cliffs of Watson Escarpment; the southeastern side grades gradually to the elevation of the interior ice. Named by US-ACAN for the several branches of the University of California which have sent numerous researchers to work in Antarctica. 86°08′S 146°25′W / 86.133°S 146.417°W / -86.133; -146.417 . A large dome-like mountain, 3,010 metres (9,880 ft) high, standing at
5550-562: The elevation of Mount Czegka, located at the southwest end of Watson Escarpment. Named by New Zealand Antarctic Place Names Committee (NZ-APC) on suggestion of [[New Zealand Geological Survey Antarctic Expedition]] (NZGSAE) Scott Glacier Party, 1969-70, because the lichen Acarospora emergens Dodge was found on the peak. 86°21′S 147°22′W / 86.350°S 147.367°W / -86.350; -147.367 . A prominent rock spur which descends from Mount Blackburn and extends for 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) along
5661-402: The escarpment was observed from a vantage point on Supporting Party Mountain and was partially mapped in December 1929 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Laurence Gould . The escarpment was more closely observed in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn, and was named by Byrd for Thomas J. Watson , American business executive,
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#17327797124305772-401: The expedition. The flight left from Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and returned to its takeoff airfield, lasting 15 hours and 57 minutes, including 13 minutes spent circling at their Farthest North . Byrd and Bennett said they reached the North Pole, a distance of 1,535 miles (1,335 nautical miles ). When he returned to the United States from the Arctic, Byrd became a national hero. He was thrown
5883-441: The features along the escarpment were mapped by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from ground surveys and United States Navy air photos between 1960 and 1964. 86°21′S 148°41′W / 86.350°S 148.683°W / -86.350; -148.683 . A mountain, 2,270 metres (7,450 ft) high, on the east side of Scott Glacier, just north of the terminus of Van Reeth Glacier. Discovered in December 1934 by
5994-420: The flagship USS Mount Olympus and the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea ), six helicopters, six flying boats, two seaplane tenders, and 15 other aircraft were used. The total number of personnel involved was over 4,000. California Plateau Watson Escarpment ( 86°0′S 145°0′W / 86.000°S 145.000°W / -86.000; -145.000 ) is a major escarpment in
6105-437: The flight of the airship Norge that flew from Spitsbergen (Svalbard) to Alaska nonstop with a crew including Roald Amundsen , Umberto Nobile , Oscar Wisting , and Lincoln Ellsworth . In 1927, Byrd announced he had the backing of the American Trans-Oceanic Company , which had been established in 1914 by department-store magnate Rodman Wanamaker for the purpose of building aircraft to complete nonstop flights across
6216-452: The flight that Byrd and he had not reached the pole. Bennett, who had not completely healed from the early crash, developed pneumonia after participating in a flight to rescue downed German aviators in Greenly Island, Canada, leading to his death on April 25, 1928. Bennett, though, had started a memoir, given numerous interviews, and wrote an article for an aviation magazine about the flight before his death that all confirmed Byrd's version of
6327-427: The flight. The 1996 release of Byrd's diary of the May 9, 1926, flight revealed erased (but still legible) sextant sights that sharply differ from Byrd's later June 22 typewritten official report to the National Geographic Society. Byrd took a sextant reading of the Sun at 7:07:10 GCT. His erased diary record shows the apparent (observed) solar altitude to have been 19°25'30", while his later official typescript reports
6438-484: The funding needed to finance Byrd's expedition to the Antarctic. The expedition, via the Post Office, sold philatelic subscription Philatelic covers to be serviced at the official USPOD post office set up in the Antarctic exploration base , dubbed Little America , and which was officially established on October 6, 1933. All mail sent to the Antarctic required at least one Byrd II 3 cent stamp (pictured), along with sufficient postage amounting to 53 cents. The postage stamp
6549-423: The head of Griffith Glacier along the Watson Escarpment. So named by NZGSAE (1969-70) because the mountain is composed of a granite basement with horizontally layered rocks of the Beacon series above. 86°00′S 146°37′W / 86.000°S 146.617°W / -86.000; -146.617 . A snow-covered peak, 2,860 metres (9,380 ft) high, standing close southeast of Hunt Spur and surmounting
6660-487: The highest of which rises to 2,525 metres (8,284 ft). The feature stands at the south side of Albanus Glacier at the point where the latter joins Scott Glacier. Discovered by Rear Admiral Byrd on the Byrd Antarctic Expedition flight to the South Pole in November 1929. The mountain was visited in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn. Named by Byrd for Darryl F. Zanuck , official of Twentieth Century-Fox Pictures, who assisted
6771-413: The lives of 24 Concord crewmen, including the executive officer, Commander Rogers Elliott. Caused by ignition of gasoline fumes at the stern of the ship, the explosion threw some men overboard, while others were killed from concussion, burns, fractured skulls and broken necks. Several sailors died while trying to save their shipmates. The dead were buried at sea on October 8. On October 23, 1943, Byrd wrote
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#17327797124306882-412: The men at the base camp, who then attempted to go to Advance Base. The first two trips were failures due to darkness, snow, and mechanical troubles. Finally, Thomas Poulter , E. J. Demas , and Amory Waite arrived at Advance Base, where they found Byrd in poor physical health. The men remained at Advance Base until October 12. when an airplane from the base camp picked up Dr. Poulter and Byrd. The rest of
6993-466: The men returned to base camp with the tractor. This expedition is described by Byrd in his autobiography Alone . During the summer months the days were long and the evenings existed in twilight. Inside the exploration headquarters Byrd had fashioned a large calendar on the wall, where he would cross off each day as it passed. A CBS radio station, KFZ, was set up on the base camp ship, the Bear of Oakland and The Adventures of Admiral Byrd program
7104-498: The mouth of Howe Glacier . Discovered in December 1934 by the geological party of the ByrdAE, 1933-35, and named for Richard S. Russell, Jr., one of the members of that party, and his father, Richard S. Russell, Sr., a supporter of the Byrd Antarctic expeditions. 86°17′S 147°16′W / 86.283°S 147.267°W / -86.283; -147.267 . A massive, flat-topped mountain, 3,275 metres (10,745 ft) high, standing just east of Scott Glacier where it surmounts
7215-440: The mouth of Griffith Glacier. Discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Qum Blackburn, and named for Hazel McKercher, secretary to R. Admiral Byrd during the period of this expedition. 86°04′S 148°06′W / 86.067°S 148.100°W / -86.067; -148.100 . A peak, 2,490 metres (8,170 ft) high, surmounting the north side of Griffith Glacier, close west of
7326-409: The next year .) Byrd's third expedition was the first one financed and conducted by the United States government. The project included extensive studies of geology, biology, meteorology, and exploration. The innovative Antarctic Snow Cruiser was brought with the expedition, but broke down shortly after arriving. Within a few months, in March 1940, Byrd was recalled to active duty in the Office of
7437-452: The north are Mount Russell, Mount Blackburn and Parker Bluff. To the north of Mount Blackburn the Long Valley leads to the head of Griffith Glacier , which is separated from Howe Glacier by Mount Meeks and Skilift Col. Mount Riley and Roaring Ridge are east of Long Valley. The Watson Escarpment continues east along the rim of the California Plateau past Beacon Dome and Mount Warden. It continues below Maaske Dome and above Evans Butte . To
7548-429: The north in the Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Stanford University which has sent a number of researchers to study Antarctica. 85°52′S 138°24′W / 85.867°S 138.400°W / -85.867; -138.400 . A massive dome-shaped mountain, 3,315 metres (10,876 ft) high, at the northeast end of Stanford Plateau along the Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Herman Phleger, one of
7659-468: The north part of California Plateau. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. Gary L. Maaske, United States Navy, helicopter pilot at McMurdo Station, 1962-63 and 1963-64 seasons. 85°51′S 142°51′W / 85.850°S 142.850°W / -85.850; -142.850 . Mountain, 2,410 metres (7,910 ft) high, surmounting the north extremity of the California Plateau. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. Robert M. Beazley, MC, United States Navy, officer in charge of
7770-532: The north side of Kansas Glacier. Named by US-ACAN for Robert J. O'Neil, utilitiesman with the Byrd Station winter party in 1961. 86°19′S 130°00′W / 86.317°S 130.000°W / -86.317; -130.000 . A high, ice-covered mesa, 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) long and 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) wide, situated at the southeast end of Michigan Plateau. Named by US-ACAN for Harlan Cleveland, Asst. Sec. of State for International Organization Affairs, 1961-65, who
7881-412: The north side of Van Reeth Glacier. Named by the United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) for Thomas H. Dunn of United States Navy Squadron VX-6, aircrewman on photographic 86°17′S 149°08′W / 86.283°S 149.133°W / -86.283; -149.133 . A mountain, 2,280 metres (7,480 ft) high, standing on the east flank of Scott Glacier just south of
7992-757: The north side of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Jerry D. Cole, airman with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 at McMurdo Sound, 1957 and 1960. 85°42′S 137°00′W / 85.700°S 137.000°W / -85.700; -137.000 . Mountain, 2,520 metres (8,270 ft) high, located north of Watson Escarpment and 8 nautical miles (15 km; 9.2 mi) NNE of Mount Doumani. Named by US-ACAN for Charles E. Ratliff, aviation machinist mate with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 in several Operation Deep Freeze deployments, 1963-67. 85°40′S 136°20′W / 85.667°S 136.333°W / -85.667; -136.333 . Mountain, 2,090 metres (6,860 ft) high, just northeast of Mount Ratliff at
8103-405: The north side of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. (jg) John Dzema of United States Navy Squadron VX-6 who was at McMurdo Station the 1962-63 and 1963-64 seasons. 85°45′S 136°38′W / 85.750°S 136.633°W / -85.750; -136.633 . Peak, 2,140 metres (7,020 ft) high, located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) northeast of Mount Doumani at
8214-493: The northeast extremity of Michigan Plateau and the Watson Escarpment. Mapped by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960-63. Named by US-AC AN for James T. Teller, geologist with the Ohio State University party to the Horlick Mountains in 1964-65. 86°03′S 132°20′W / 86.050°S 132.333°W / -86.050; -132.333 . A peak, 2,070 metres (6,790 ft) high, on
8325-600: The northeast side of Long Valley, just west of California Plateau. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. (j.g.) Stephen G. Riley, photographic officer with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 on Operation Deep Freeze 1966 and 1967. 86°14′S 146°45′W / 86.233°S 146.750°W / -86.233; -146.750 . A long and outstanding spur that descends from the Watson Escarpment 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km; 4.0 mi) northeast of Mount Blackburn. So named by NZGSAE (1969-70) because two geologists worked and camped nearby, experiencing roaring gale force winds rushing down
8436-404: The range, to the north of Griffith Glacier , includes Scudder Mountain, Mount McKercher, Ruotolo Peak. Features of the western part of the range include, from west to east, north to south: 85°58′S 151°22′W / 85.967°S 151.367°W / -85.967; -151.367 . A peak rising to 2,200 metres (7,200 ft) high on the southwest flank of Mount Zanuck. The feature
8547-522: The rank of rear admiral by a special act of Congress on December 21, 1929. As he was only 41 years old at the time, this promotion made Byrd the youngest admiral in the history of the United States Navy. By way of comparison, none of his Annapolis classmates became admirals until 1942, after 30 years of commissioned service. He is one of only four persons including Admiral David Dixon Porter , Arctic explorer Rear Admiral Donald Baxter MacMillan and Rear Admiral Frederic R. Harris , to have been promoted to
8658-600: The rank of rear admiral in the United States Navy without having first held the rank of captain. After a further summer of exploration, the expedition returned to North America on June 18, 1930. Unlike the 1926 flight, this expedition was honored with the gold medal of the American Geographical Society . This was also seen in the film With Byrd at the South Pole (1930), which covered his trip there. Byrd, by then an internationally recognized, pioneering American polar explorer and aviator, served for
8769-506: The rocky divide between Griffith Glacier and Howe Glacier . Named by US-ACAN for Lt. Harman T. Meeks of United States Navy Squadron VX-6, navigator on aircraft during Operation Deep Freeze 1966 and 1967. 86°11′S 148°36′W / 86.183°S 148.600°W / -86.183; -148.600 . A col in the mountain wall between the Griffith Glacier and Howe Glacier, on the west side of Watson Escarpment. The col
8880-400: The same 7:07:10 apparent solar altitude to have been 18°18'18". On the basis of this and other data in the diary, Dennis Rawlins concluded that Byrd steered accurately, and flew about 80% of the distance to the pole before turning back because of an engine oil leak, but later falsified his official report to support his statement of reaching the pole. Accepting that the conflicting data in
8991-438: The sextant data in the long-unavailable original official typewritten report are all expressed to 1 second, a precision not possible on Navy sextants of 1926 and not the precision of the sextant data in Byrd's diary for 1925 or the 1926 flight, which was normal (half or quarter of a minute of arc). If Byrd and Bennett did not reach the North Pole, then the first flight over the pole occurred a few days later, on May 12, 1926, with
9102-420: The south side of Albanus Glacier. Mapped by USGS from ground surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960-63. Named by US-ACAN for Lt. David H. Gerdel, United States Navy, of the Byrd Station winter party, 1965. 86°07′S 149°36′W / 86.117°S 149.600°W / -86.117; -149.600 . A mountain, 2,280 metres (7,480 ft) high, between Organ Pipe Peaks and Mount McKercher on
9213-532: The south side of Albanus Glacier. Mapped by USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960-63. Named by US-ACAN for Ensign Stanley J. Andrews, United States Navy, who accompanied Lt. George W. Warden in aircraft flights over the Queen Maud Mountains during United States Navy Operation Highjump, 1946-47. 85°59′S 149°19′W / 85.983°S 149.317°W / -85.983; -149.317 . Mountain, 2,520 metres (8,270 ft) high, standing 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Mount Andrews at
9324-828: The south side of California Plateau, marking the end of a narrow ridge 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) northeast of Parker Bluff. Named by US-ACAN for Dennis C. Schmidt, photographer with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 on Operation Deep Freeze 1963, 1964 and 1967. 86°13′S 147°48′W / 86.217°S 147.800°W / -86.217; -147.800 . An ice-filled valley, 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) long, extending from Mount Blackburn northwestward to Griffith Glacier . Named by US-ACAN for Walter H. Long, Jr., of United States Navy Squadron VX-6, photographer on Operation Deep Freeze 1966 and 1967. 86°13′S 148°51′W / 86.217°S 148.850°W / -86.217; -148.850 . A mountain, 2,470 metres (8,100 ft) high, surmounting
9435-822: The southwest end of California Plateau and the Watson Escarpment. Discovered by and named for Quin A. Blackburn, geologist, leader of the ByrdAE geological party which sledged the length of Scott Glacier in December 1934. 86°17′S 145°38′W / 86.283°S 145.633°W / -86.283; -145.633 . A bold, rounded bluff at the south end of the California Plateau, overlooking Van Reeth Glacier about 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) east of Mount Blackburn. Named by US-ACAN for John J. Parker, photographer with United States Navy Squadron VX-6 on Operation Deep Freeze 1966 and 1967. 86°15′S 144°50′W / 86.250°S 144.833°W / -86.250; -144.833 . A peak along
9546-705: The spur descending from Mount Simsarian, along the east face of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for James U. Burlock, builder at Byrd Station in 1962. 86°06′S 132°50′W / 86.100°S 132.833°W / -86.100; -132.833 . A large mountain projecting from the east side of Michigan Plateau just south of the head of Gardiner Glacier. Named by US-AC AN for James Simsarian Chief Division of International Scientific and Technical Affairs, Department of State. 86°23′S 131°30′W / 86.383°S 131.500°W / -86.383; -131.500 . A prominent ridge 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) southwest of Cleveland Mesa, at
9657-411: The steep escarpment. Features along the central escarpment, from west to east, are: 86°04′S 145°10′W / 86.067°S 145.167°W / -86.067; -145.167 . An undulating ice-covered plateau, 30 nautical miles (56 km; 35 mi) long and from 2 to 12 nautical miles (3.7 to 22.2 km; 2.3 to 13.8 mi) wide, which rises to 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) high at
9768-489: The temporary rank of lieutenant commander. For his services during the war, he received a letter of commendation from Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels , which was after World War II converted to a Navy Commendation Medal . After the war, Byrd volunteered to be a crew member in the U.S. Navy's 1919 aerial transatlantic crossing. This mission was historic, as it was the first time the Atlantic Ocean
9879-521: The trip on May 18, 1919, achieving the first transatlantic flight. In 1921, Byrd volunteered to attempt a solo nonstop crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, prefiguring Charles Lindbergh 's historic flight by six years. Byrd's ambition was dashed by then acting Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt Jr. , who felt the risks outweighed the potential rewards. Byrd was then assigned to the ill-fated dirigible ZR-2 (formerly known by
9990-510: The typed report's flight times indeed require both northward and southward ground speeds greater than the flight's 85-mph airspeed , a Byrd defender posits a westerly-moving anticyclone that tailwind-boosted Byrd's ground speed on both outward and inward legs, allowing the distance said to be covered in the time stated (the theory is based on rejecting handwritten sextant data in favor of typewritten alleged dead-reckoning data ). This suggestion has been challenged by Dennis Rawlins, who adds that
10101-566: The western side of Reedy Glacier . The northern and eastern sides of the plateau are marked by the steep Watson Escarpment; the western and southern sides grade gradually to the elevation of the interior ice. Named by US-ACAN after the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, MI, which has sent numerous research personnel to work in Antarctica. 85°57′S 135°28′W / 85.950°S 135.467°W / -85.950; -135.467 . A peak, 3,550 metres (11,650 ft) high, marking
10212-680: Was Chairman of the Antarctic Policy Group in 1965. 86°14′S 129°56′W / 86.233°S 129.933°W / -86.233; -129.933 . A prominent peak standing 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) north of Cleveland Mesa, at the east end of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for Harold D. Mink, utilitiesman with the wintering parties at Byrd Station in 1962 and 1966. 86°18′S 129°10′W / 86.300°S 129.167°W / -86.300; -129.167 . A prominent ridge overlooking Reedy Glacier; it extends east from Cleveland Mesa and marks
10323-629: Was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights in which he served as a navigator and expedition leader crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau . He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley , the largest dormant volcano in Antarctica. Byrd claimed to be the first to reach both the North and South Poles by air. However, there
10434-478: Was applied in association with Mount Zanuck by members of NZGSAE who climbed the peak in the 1969-70 season. 85°59′S 150°50′W / 85.983°S 150.833°W / -85.983; -150.833 . A low peak that rises steeply 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Mount Zanuck. Mapped by the USGS from surveys and United States Navy air photos, 1960-64. So named by members of NZGSAE, 1969–70, who obtained
10545-613: Was assigned to the battleship USS Wyoming . During service in the Caribbean Sea, Byrd received his first letter of commendation, and later a Silver Lifesaving Medal , for twice plunging fully clothed to the rescue of a sailor who had fallen overboard. In April 1914, he transferred to the armored cruiser USS Washington and served in Mexican waters in June following the American intervention in April. His next assignment
10656-589: Was born in Winchester, Virginia , the son of Esther Bolling (Flood) and Richard Evelyn Byrd Sr. He was a descendant of one of the First Families of Virginia . His ancestors include planter John Rolfe and his wife Pocahontas , William Byrd II of Westover Plantation , who established Richmond , as well as William Byrd I and Robert "King" Carter , a colonial governor. He was also descended from George Yeardley , Francis Wyatt and Samuel Argall . He
10767-491: Was built on the site. NRAS Squantum was commissioned on August 15, 1923, and is considered to have been the first air base in the Naval Reserve program. Byrd commanded the aviation unit of the arctic expedition to North Greenland led by Donald B. MacMillan from June to October 1925. Although the expedition was largely unsuccessful (they did not in fact reach the pole) Byrd's efforts and the successful contributions of
10878-574: Was crossed by an aircraft. It was decided that only men who had not served overseas would be allowed on the mission. Unfortunately for Byrd, his tour of duty in Newfoundland was considered overseas service. Byrd was, however, able to make a valuable contribution, as his expertise in aerial navigation resulted in his appointment to plan the flight path of the mission. Of the three flying boats (NC-1, NC-3, and NC-4) that started from Newfoundland, only Lieutenant Commander Albert Read 's NC-4 completed
10989-546: Was first visited in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn. The descriptive name was suggested by Edmund Stump, leader of a USARP-Arizona State University geological party which studied this peak, 1987-88. Features of the eastern part of the range include, from west to east, north to south: 85°57′S 149°41′W / 85.950°S 149.683°W / -85.950; -149.683 . Mountain, 2,480 metres (8,140 ft) high, standing between Mount Danforth and Mount Gerdel on
11100-605: Was friends with Edsel Ford and his father Henry Ford , whose admiration of his polar exploits helped to gain Byrd sponsorship and financing for his various polar expeditions from the Ford Motor Company. He had a pet dog, Igloo, who accompanied Byrd to the North and South poles and who is buried at the Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery with a tombstone that reads "He was more than a friend." Byrd attended
11211-791: Was held in New York City on July 19. Byrd and Noville were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur at the dinner. Acosta and Balchen did not receive the Distinguished Flying Cross because, at that time, it could only be awarded to members of the armed services and not to civilians. Byrd wrote an article for the August 1927 edition of Popular Science Monthly in which he accurately predicted that while specially modified aircraft with one to three crewmen would fly
11322-570: Was launched. Byrd, along with pilot Bernt Balchen , co-pilot/radioman Harold June , and photographer Ashley McKinley , flew the Floyd Bennett to the South Pole and back in 18 hours, 41 minutes. They had difficulty gaining enough altitude, and they had to dump empty gas tanks, as well as their emergency supplies, to achieve the altitude of the Polar Plateau, but they were ultimately successful. In November 1929, Byrd participated in
11433-479: Was obscured by clouds during much of the visit by the USARP party. 85°49′S 137°38′W / 85.817°S 137.633°W / -85.817; -137.633 . Prominent mountain, 3,240 metres (10,630 ft) high, standing between Johns and Kansas Glaciers at the north side of Watson Escarpment. Named by US-ACAN for George A. Doumani, geologist with the Byrd Station winter party in 1959. Doumani explored
11544-415: Was probably the only person, other than Byrd himself, to participate in all five of Byrd's Antarctic expeditions. Photographic expeditions and geological surveys were undertaken for the duration of that summer, and constant radio communications were maintained with the outside world. After their first winter, their expeditions were resumed, and on November 28, 1929, the first flight to the South Pole and back
11655-492: Was short-waved to Buenos Aires, then relayed to New York. Sponsored by General Foods , the broadcasts aired on Saturday nights at 10:00 pm and reached #16 on the Hooper rating for the 1933-34 broadcast season, reaching an average audience of 19.1 million. Byrd's Antarctic expedition prompted President Roosevelt and the U.S. Postmaster General to honor the event in 1933 on a U.S. commemorative stamp which greatly helped raise
11766-611: Was sinking) and the Eleanor Bolling (named after Byrd's mother); a Ford Trimotor airplane called the Floyd Bennett (named after the recently deceased pilot of Byrd's previous expeditions) flown by Dean Smith ; a Fairchild FC-2W2 , NX8006, built 1928, named Stars And Stripes (now displayed at the National Air and Space Museum 's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center ); and a Fokker Super Universal monoplane called
11877-547: Was the brother of Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd , a dominant figure in the Virginia Democratic Party from the 1920s until the 1960s; their father served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates for a time. On January 20, 1915, Richard married Marie Ames Byrd (d. 1974). He would later name a region of Antarctic land he discovered " Marie Byrd Land " after her, and
11988-437: Was the primary pilot on Byrd's flight to the South Pole in 1929. On May 9, 1926, Byrd and Navy Chief Aviation Pilot Floyd Bennett attempted a flight over the North Pole in a Fokker F.VIIa/3m tri-motor monoplane named Josephine Ford after the daughter of Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford , who helped finance the expedition. In addition to Ford contributions, John D. Rockefeller also notably provided funding for
12099-650: Was to the gunboat USS Dolphin , which also served as the yacht of the Secretary of the Navy. This assignment brought Byrd into contact with high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including then Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Roosevelt . He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) on June 8, 1915. During Byrd's assignment to Dolphin , he was commanded by future Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy , who served as chief of staff to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II . Byrd's last assignment before forced retirement
12210-585: Was to the presidential yacht USS Mayflower . On March 15, 1916, Byrd, much to his frustration, was medically retired on three-quarters pay for an ankle injury he suffered on board Mayflower . Shortly thereafter, on December 14, 1916, he was assigned as the inspector and instructor for the Rhode Island Naval Militia in Providence, Rhode Island . While serving in this position, he was commended by Brigadier General Charles W. Abbot ,
12321-455: Was visited in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party and was included in "Darryl Zanuck Mountain." The granite of this peak is highly jointed and fairly bristles with small spires, suggestive of the coat of a grizzly bear. 85°58′S 151°10′W / 85.967°S 151.167°W / -85.967; -151.167 . A mountain about 5 miles (8.0 km) long surmounted by three sharp peaks in an east-west line,
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