Stone, Elmer F. (Elmer Fowler), 1887-1936

Stone and the crew of NC-4 had proven the feasibility of transoceanic flight and their achievement attracted worldwide attention. The men were recognized with the Order of the Tower and Sword, Portugal’s highest award; a French silver medal commemorating NC-4’s historic flight; and Great Britain’s Royal Air Force Cross. Upon their return home, Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels awarded the NC-4 crew the Navy Cross and later Congress struck a unique NC-4 Medal specifically for the crew of the record setting aircraft.

With the World War One over, the Navy returned the Coast Guard to the Treasury Department and Stone received assignment as executive officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter Ossipee. In 1920, the Coast Guard resurrected its fledgling aviation program and established its first air station at Morehead City, North Carolina. The service designated Stone as Coast Guard Aviator No. 1 and assigned him to refurbish and prepare four flying boats to operate at Morehead City Air Station. Stone continued to pioneer the role of Coast Guard aviation until his untimely death in 1936, while commanding the Coast Guard Air Patrol Detachment at San Diego.

During his Coast Guard career, Elmer Fowler Stone accomplished a great deal. He served his country selflessly for over 25 years and championed the cause of early Coast Guard aviation. He was a member of the long blue line and the first man in history to pilot an aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean. His medals and awards included the Navy Cross, Congressional NC-4 Medal and various foreign awards and honors.