Home / vines

The Fascinating Story of Clematis Girenas: A Lithuanian Aviator

Oleh Anonymous February 15, 2021 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

Clematis Girenas

Clematis Girenas was a Lithuanian-American aviator who gained fame for his transatlantic flight attempt in 1933. Born on May 23, 1903, in Kulautuva, Lithuania, Girenas showed an early interest in aviation and became a pilot at the age of 24. He went on to set several records in endurance flying, including a 37-hour non-stop flight from New York to Cuba in 1932.

In 1933, Girenas and his co-pilot, Steponas Darius, attempted a historic transatlantic flight from New York to Kaunas, Lithuania, in a single-engine Bellanca Pacemaker airplane named "Lituanica." Despite encountering bad weather and other challenges, the two men managed to fly over 3,900 miles before crashing in a field near Pszczelnik, Poland, just short of their destination. Both Girenas and Darius died in the crash, but their courage and determination captured the world's attention.

Early Life and Career

Girenas was born into a farming family in Kulautuva, a small town in central Lithuania. His fascination with aviation began at an early age when he saw a hot air balloon flying above his town. He later joined the Lithuanian Air Force and trained as a pilot. In 1927, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he worked odd jobs while pursuing his passion for flying.

Girenas soon made a name for himself in the aviation community by setting a new world record for endurance flying in 1932. He flew non-stop for 37 hours and 11 minutes from New York to Havana, Cuba, covering a distance of over 2,100 miles. This feat earned him international recognition and cemented his reputation as a skilled aviator.

The Transatlantic Flight Attempt

In 1933, Girenas and Darius set their sights on an even more ambitious goal: a transatlantic flight from New York to Kaunas, Lithuania. They acquired a single-engine Bellanca Pacemaker airplane and named it "Lituanica" in honor of their homeland. The plane was modified to carry extra fuel and other supplies for the long journey.

The flight began on July 15, 1933, with thousands of people gathered at Floyd Bennett Field in New York to witness the historic event. Girenas and Darius took off at 4:30 am, bound for Europe. For the first few days, the flight went smoothly, with the men taking turns piloting the plane and navigating using maps and a compass.

However, things soon took a turn for the worse. The weather deteriorated, and the plane encountered heavy fog, rain, and strong headwinds. The radio equipment malfunctioned, making it difficult for the men to communicate with ground stations or receive weather reports. They were forced to rely on their instincts and training to navigate through the stormy skies.

The Crash Landing

On the fourth day of the flight, disaster struck. The plane's engine failed, and Girenas and Darius were forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Pszczelnik, Poland. The crash was violent, and both men suffered severe injuries. Despite the efforts of local doctors and rescue workers, they died shortly after the crash.

The news of Girenas and Darius's tragic end shocked the world. They were hailed as heroes and commemorated in Lithuania and the United States. A monument was erected in their honor near the crash site, and streets, airports, and schools were named after them.

The Legacy of Clematis Girenas

Today, Clematis Girenas is remembered as one of Lithuania's most cherished sons and a pioneering aviator. His courage, determination, and love for his homeland inspired generations of Lithuanians and Americans to pursue their dreams and overcome adversity.

Girenas's legacy lives on through the many organizations, events, and publications that bear his name. The Lithuanian-American Community Inc. has established an annual award in his honor, and the Lithuanian National Museum in Chicago has a permanent exhibit dedicated to his life and achievements.

FAQs

1. What was Clematis Girenas famous for?

Clematis Girenas was a Lithuanian-American aviator who gained fame for his attempt to fly across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Kaunas, Lithuania, in 1933.

2. When did Clematis Girenas die?

Clematis Girenas died on July 17, 1933, when his airplane crashed in a field near Pszczelnik, Poland, during his transatlantic flight attempt.

3. What kind of airplane did Clematis Girenas fly?

Clematis Girenas flew a single-engine Bellanca Pacemaker airplane named "Lituanica" during his transatlantic flight attempt.

4. What was the purpose of Clematis Girenas's transatlantic flight?

Clematis Girenas's transatlantic flight was intended to promote aviation and national pride and to establish a new world record for endurance flying.

5. What is the legacy of Clematis Girenas?

Clematis Girenas's legacy includes his pioneering achievements in aviation, his courage and determination, and his inspiration to future generations of Lithuanians and Americans.