In 1910, then-Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois climbed into the small seat of a Wright Flyer designated "Aeroplane Number 1," and made U.S. military aviation history.  Following the Army's decision to purchase the airplane, Lt Foulois was ordered to pack up the Flyer, and using 17 crates he brought the aircraft from College Station, Maryland, to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where better flying conditions were expected.  Here he supervised his eight enlisted men and one civilian mechanic during the assembly of the airplane.  Although Lt Foulois had earlier flown a grand total of 54 minutes of training time with Wilbur Wright in the Flyer, he had never flown solo.  On the second of March 1910, at 0900 hours, he made military aviation history as he flew the Army's first aircraft solo for seven and one half minutes, circling the parade grounds six times at an altitude of 150 feet. 

Lt Foulois eventually became Major General Foulois and was assigned as the Chief of the Air Corps in 1931.  He was awarded the coveted Mackay Trophy for his incredible contributions to aviation.  He retired after serving a tumultuous 36 year career in the Army.