Captain Frank A. Erickson, USCG - Helicopter Pilot No. 1

On Jan 4, 1944, Coast Guard Commander Frank A Erickson, USCG Helicopter pilot #1, set two new aviation records. He proved a helicopter could fly in weather that would ground all other aircraft and in the process conducted the first helicopter life flight mission which saved the lives of several sailors. In spite of his success, CDR Erickson fought the USCG for another 7 years before the helicopter was accepted as a Search and Rescue tool.

Follow Erickson’s career as he stands in the middle of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, becomes USCG Helo pilot #1, flies the first life flight, and develops the helicopter for the USCG.