Thomas Selfridge

1882–1908 (age 26)

Army officer/Aviation pioneer

Biography

Thomas Etholen Selfridge (1882–1908) was a promising U.S. Army officer who embraced the new frontier of aviation, becoming one of the earliest military pilots to advance powered flight efforts at Fort Myer, Virginia.

His life was abruptly cut short when he became the first person to die in a crash of a powered airplane, a loss that spurred improvements in aviation safety and training; he is honored at Arlington National Cemetery.

Also buried at Arlington National Cemetery

Stephen Cassin
1783–1857 (age 74)
Arlington National Cemetery
Stephen Cassin was a United States Navy officer who lived from 1783 to 1857.
Alexander Asboth
1811–1868 (age 57)
Arlington National Cemetery
Alexander Asboth was a Hungarian-born Union general who fought in the American Civil War.
John F. Kennedy
1917–1963 (age 46)
Arlington National Cemetery
The 35th President of the United States, assassinated in Dallas, Texas. His eternal flame marks his grave at Arlington.
Charles Wilkes
1798–1877 (age 79)
Arlington National Cemetery
Charles Wilkes (1798-1877) was a New York City-born explorer and naval officer interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Joseph A. Haskin
1818–1874 (age 56)
Arlington National Cemetery
Joseph A. Haskin was a Troy-born military officer and engineer who served with distinction during the Civil War and live...
Joseph B. Plummer
1816–1862 (age 46)
Arlington National Cemetery
Joseph B. Plummer was a Union officer who died in the Civil War at age 46.