Chapter 8: The Lone Eagles Soars into the Sunset

Even as World War II came to an end with the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, Charles Lindbergh’s life pressed on as he continued to explore various interests and opportunities that came his way.  Shortly after the end of the war, Lindbergh became involved with a top-secret project at the University of Chicago identified with the acronym CHORE (Chicago Ordnance Research) that involved weapons development.  Simultaneously, Lindbergh was also working as a consultant to the Secretary of the Air Force (Stuart Symington), specifically focusing on reorganizing the Strategic Air Command; Lindbergh had the opportunity to travel the world visiting various bases to observe the conditions and speak with those serving to understand their concerns, as well as seeking out new locations for bases. 

In addition to his work in the military, Lindbergh also contributed his expertise to the development and improvement of commercial flight, focusing his efforts working with Pan American World Airways.  Pre-WWII, only the wealthy could afford to fly, and travel by car or train was typical for the masses.  Lindbergh’s influence would also seamlessly lead to the advancement of rocket development; in 1953, Charles attended the launch of a ballistic rocket at Cape Canaveral.

But even in the midst of engaging in what made him noteworthy, Charles pursued an unexpected passion that would remain significant for the remainder of his life: conservationism, a passion that developed from his youth.  In the late 1960’s, the New York Times profiled Lindbergh’s engagement in conservation; in the article, Lindbergh was quoted to saying “We are in grave danger of losing forever not just millions of years of evolution on earth, but the eons of change that have produced man and his natural environment.”  At the time the article focused on Lindbergh’s efforts in the Philippines to examine the plight of two almost-extinct animals with patriotic significance to the culture: the Tamarau (similar to a deer), and a monkey-eating eagle (the article did not provide the name of the animal).  During the time Lindbergh dedicated to conservation, he allied himself with four organizations: the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Nature Conservancy, and the Oceanic Foundation (clearly showcasing his commitment to the cause), and like in his flying days traveled around the world to offer whatever assistance he could.

In 1972, Charles became ill and lost 20 pounds; he was initially diagnosed with shingles.  According to the New York Times obituary, in 1974 Lindbergh became ill with what was believed to be the flu, however when his temperature skyrocketed to 104° he was admitted to Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, where he would subsequently be diagnosed with lymphoma.  Charles would remain there for almost a month to undergo treatment for the cancer, however to no improvement in his condition.  Lindbergh’s request was to be flown to his home in Maui where he could die.  In the months leading up to his death, Lindbergh planned his funeral.  In the early morning of August 26, 1974, Lindbergh slipped into a coma; at 7:15 A.M., the aviator passed peacefully with Anne, his son Land, and the doctor in charge of his care and friend Dr. Milton Howell present.  Within three hours of his passing, Lindbergh was buried in a casket of his own design in a cemetery adjoining a church in Kipahulu.

In 72 years of life, Charles Lindbergh achieved more than many could fathom, in addition to changing the way humans travel forever; however as we now transition to analyzing the mental health of the famed aviator, we will now see even someone of Lindbergh’s caliber is not immune to personal controversy.  A story that broke in the early 2000s will challenge everything you think you know…